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Julie Long

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The Valley of Blessing

2 Mins Read

valley“And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore the name of the same place was called The Valley of Beracah, unto this day.” (2 Chronicles 20:26 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Ever been in the valley of discouragement? I have. It’s not fun!

In our devotional verse, the Valley of Beracah is called a blessing. Jehoshaphat gathered his troops up early one morning and gave them a pep talk about believing God and the prophets. He did a strange thing that day by ordering a choir to march ahead of the troops, singing and giving thanks to God.

Because of the shouting and praising, God set ambushes against their enemies. The enemy became confused and killed each other before Judah got there. There was so much equipment, clothing and valuables that it took three days to carry away all the spoils of victory. On the fourth day, they celebrated in the valley of Berachah and called it the Valley of Blessing.

Praise will get you victory even in the valley!

Prayer: Today, Lord, I’m in the valley but Your Word tells me that the valley is where you restore my soul. Victory is coming if I just keep praising Your name! Thank You for the valley of blessing! Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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A House not made with Hands

2 Mins Read

sky“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, and house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Moving around to different houses has lost its attraction for me. Maybe it’s because of my age, but getting ready to move is hard work. I don’t want to move anymore! We probably need to downsize but I’m dragging my feet because I simply am tired of moving.

With all that said, I am looking forward to moving to the house not made with hands in the heavens. In our devotional verse, the Apostle evidently means there is a day coming when our soul will no longer be tied to earth by our body, but it will be released back to God who gave it. Now that’s a move I can handle!

While they wandered in the wilderness, the children of Israel had to move the tabernacle everywhere they went. When they arrived at the new place it had to be set-up again. This process was repeated over and over again. What a hope the Resurrection brings to all of us. No more packing!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for that blessed hope. These earthly houses cannot compare to my eternal home not made with hands!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

God Looks Out for Senior Saints

1 Min Read

95“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

God has made a pact with us oldies. How neat is that? We can always count on Him keeping His Word. Even if our loved ones give up on us, He has promised to take care of us. He will carry us when we can no longer walk. What a loving God we serve.

From the world’s standpoint the health care system is saying the elderly are a bother but from Heaven’s point of view He will take care of us. He is looking out for senior saints!

Prayer: So thankful Lord, that Your promises are yea and amen. There’s no need to worry or fret as we age. We must keep our eyes on You. Great is Your faithfulness! Amen and Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Abraham and Angela

2 Mins Read

hope2“And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” (Genesis 22:13 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

My friend, Angela was working on her degree online and needed a small desk to work from. She saw one in Target for $149 that she liked but their family budget couldn’t handle that much money just for her. God knew her need and one day to her surprise she walked into Target and it was marked down to $19.44. She went to the register thinking perhaps it was a mistake, but sure enough it was accurate.

I have known Angela for 30+ years and watched her grow up in the church. She was helpful and faithful to a church planter and his family. Because of her faithfulness God was faithful to her.

Two needs and God supplied both. Abraham was in need of a sacrifice and God provided. Angela needed a desk and He made the way.

What is your need today? God is faithful to the faithful. You can always count of Him. He keeps records of faithfulness. It pays to be faithful!

Prayer: Down through the years, Lord, You have been faithful to me. You have supplied every need. I can testify to Your faithfulness. Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Head in the Clouds

1 Min Read

journey“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

On Duty 24/7

1 Min Read

Wall-Clock-MAX-7015-It is said that there are two occupations that require 24/7 duty – doctors and preachers. But, God is the original “on call,” any time, all the time, overtime worker!

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (I Peter 3:12 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

God is aware of every move I make and every breath I take. Much of the world prays to gods of stone or wood – images made by man’s hands. These idols cannot hear or answer, nor are they concerned about the everyday life of their followers.

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the attentiveness of a Living Savior!

Devotion by Julie Long

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An Open Book

1 Min Read

Man holding arms up in praise against golden sunset“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible)

This verse gives new meaning to the phrase, “You can read me like a book.” Our hearts and minds are like an open book to our Heavenly Father. Our every thought and actions are known to Him. This realization should make us want to cry out, “Search me O, Lord and make me clean!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I long for Your approval upon my life. Help me to conduct myself in a manner that is pleasing to You and let everything I say, think and do bring glory to You! Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Victim to Victor

1 Min Read

crossHow often have you said, “I just wish someone understood me?” This verse reminds us once again that God really does understand what we are going through. Jesus is no stranger to pain and suffering.

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I think of the rejection and agony You experienced on the cross, all of my difficulties fade in comparison. You became a victim, so I could be a victor. Thank You, Lord!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Built by Jesus

1 Min Read

Home Construction“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).

The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability of the structure. In the same way, if Jesus Christ is the sure foundation and framework around which we have built our lives, when life’s storms and calamities threaten to overwhelm us, He is our strong support!

Prayer: In my moments of fear; through every pain, every tear; You have been my tower of refuge and strength. I lean on You, Lord!

Devotion by Julie Long

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