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Julie Long

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The Healing Process

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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

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No Matter What

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“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

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A Habit of Prayer

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“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 3:14-15 in the Holy Bible, New Living Translation)

The Apostle Paul, the writer of the Book of Ephesians, wrote these words while imprisoned and perhaps even chained to a Roman guard. Despite the circumstances; the prison walls; the discomfort of iron chains and the onlooking jailer; Paul was kneeling in prayer focused on God’s overall purpose. The present trial was put in perspective in light of God’s overarching plan.

Prayer: Lord, some of the most important prayers that I will ever pray are in the middle of crisis and difficult circumstances. In the midst of trying times, it is my habit of prayer that will convey the message of my faith louder than mere words ever could. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Feed Your Mind

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    “Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.”” (Psalm 1:2 in the New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible). Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” The Bible agrees with this statement. God designed us to use our minds in living for Him. We are to memorize and digest the promises and laws found in the Bible. Faithful followers of Christ will allow the Word of God to “wash” their minds clean from the many other things in life that clamor for our attention. We are to carefully focus our minds on the Scriptures and mentally mull them over and over in our minds. What are you feeding your mind today?
    Prayer: Teach me your laws, Lord. Help my mind to dwell on the good things of Your Word. Remind me of Your promises. Give me the strength to avoid unholy thoughts and actions. In Jesus Name, Amen.
    Devotion by: Julie Long
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The Navigator

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“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” Proverbs 3:6 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Make Jesus the navigator of your life! You can trust His ability to chart your course and direct your path every day.

Pray with me: Lord Jesus, I recognize how much I need Your wisdom and guidance. I submit to Your will today and make the commitment that I will follow wherever You lead me. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Steady Endurance

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“And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD” (Psalm 119:90 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Nothing about God ever changes! Day after day; generation to generation; He remains steadfast. His enduring qualities are often in stark contrast to my character. I seem to change my thoughts, attitudes and moods as often as the wind changes direction. How I need God’s example of stability!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Thank You for being the Solid Rock that I can build my life upon. My world is constantly shifting with changes and new challenges to face every day. I need the constant of Your love as a reference point in my life. Help me be more like You. May my life reflect Your steady endurance. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Inner Honesty

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    “I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (Psalm 51:3 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible). I think all of us remember being asked by our parents to apologize for hurting someone or doing something wrong. Sometimes it was said under our breath and without conviction but we managed to mumble the words, “I’m sorry.” Have you ever apologized to God without really meaning it? God requires an attitude of penitence like, David, the writer of this Psalm describes. It’s the kind of apology or repentance that comes from deep down in your heart where only God can see it. This plea for God’s mercy was a big first step for David who had committed the terrible sins of adultery, lying and murder (see 2 Samuel 11-12). What makes this prayer acceptable to God was David’s complete honesty about his sin. He saw his mistakes clearly and admitted the seriousness of his offense against God. Inner honesty like that gets God’s attention and His pardon.
    Prayer: Lord, I come before you today in complete humility. I must confess that I find it hard to be honest about my sins. My heart resists acknowledging my wrong doing. Help me to be willing to throw myself upon Your mercy confessing all of my faults and failures. Cleanse me, O Lord! In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
    Devotion by: Julie Long
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