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Devotions

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Devotions

Magnificent Mercy

1 Min Read

“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

1 Min Read

“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

1 Min Read

“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

1 Min Read

“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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A Savior’s Birth Announcement

1 Min Read

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11 Holy Bible New King James Version).

No baby announcements proclaiming “It’s a boy!” No special messengers sent to family to say that mother and son are doing well. Lowly shepherds watching flocks were the first to receive news of a Savior in a Bethlehem manager, a very unusual place for a king.

Prayer: Mighty God, You could have trumpeted word of this holy birth from heaven or delivered the announcement elegantly to royalty on earth. Instead You chose common people to be the first to know that the promised Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. Thank You that after all these years You are still appearing to common people like me. Amen.

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A Gift of Love

1 Min Read

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 Holy Bible King James Version).

No glitter or tinsel, no brightly wrapped gifts or holiday cookies greeted Jesus. Absent of a warm baby blanket, Jesus was wrapped in cloth strips and laid in a manger. The original Christmas in a cold stable was simple with no celebration, yet no other day will impact all humanity as did that first Christmas when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, during this time of Christmas celebration I will remember how You were born so long ago in a humble setting. I won’t be concerned about the grandeur of my holiday decorations or the quantity and value of gifts I might receive. I will focus on being thankful that Your humble birth – a gift of love to me – is the greatest gift I will ever receive. Amen.

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The Pure Life

1 Min Read

“And the angel answered and said unto her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore also that Holy Being who shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35 Holy Bible 21st Century King James Version).

When the angel announced to Mary that she would have a child, she asked “How can this be?” Engaged to Joseph, chosen to be his bride, her life was pure as she prepared for the day they would finalize their marriage. The angel assured her that conception would be from the Holy Spirit. Her child would have no earthly father. He would be the Son of God.

Prayer: Dear God, the ancient prophecy of a child being born to a virgin was confirmed when the angel told Mary she had been chosen. Her purity prepared her to give birth to the Savior of the world. I too want to live a holy lifestyle so Your promises can be fulfilled in me. Amen.

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