Tag

Julie Long

Browsing
Devotions

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

Keep Reading
Devotions

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

Keep Reading
Devotions

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

Keep Reading
Devotions

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

Keep Reading
Devotions

Dealing with Guilt

1 Min Read

“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (I John 3:20 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Guilt? I know the feeling all too well. The only way to stop debilitating self-criticism is to show by my actions that I am truly obedient to Your Word. If I follow God’s commandments, I can have the assurance that I am pleasing to Him.

Prayer: Lord, You are greater than my accusing heart and You know me better than I know myself!

Devotion by Julie Long

Keep Reading
Devotions

Order My Steps

1 Min Read

We have a tendency to wander away from God, listening to the call of the world and turning aside to go our own way. When we feel lost, it’s important to remember that it’s God’s voice that will set us going in the right direction again.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Prayer: Keep me on the right road, I pray. If I do stray, remind me that You are ready and waiting to respond to my cry for help. Order my steps, Lord! Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

Keep Reading
Devotions

A Life Filled with Purpose

1 Min Read

“I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:23-24 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Sometimes I feel like the child who wants a toy that another child has. I look around at others who appear to be blessed and prospering while I am suffering and destitute. Weighed down and even a little bitter, I come into God’s presence and there my eyes are opened to His faithfulness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are my constant companion, seizing my hand and leading me in a life filled with purpose. With great wisdom and infinite tenderness, You guide me. Thank You, Lord!

Devotion by Julie Long

Keep Reading
Devotions

God’s Approval

1 Min Read

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Our society places great importance on self-reliance. We are encouraged to dream, scheme and plot our strategy for success. The truth is, no matter how independent I think I am, and despite my best laid plans, none of them will come to fruition without God’s approval. My ideas may sound good to me, but if they are not part of God’s will, they are flawed.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know where You want me to be today and tomorrow. Thank You, Lord, for Your guidance as I plan for the future. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

Keep Reading
Devotions

Daily Guidance

1 Min Read

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

This verse is God’s promise to show me the best pathway for my life. I’m never out of His sight! When I wander away or face dead ends and detours, God is there to point out the way I should take. I’m thankful for a guide that has my best interest at heart.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are faithful to give good, straightforward advice when I need it most. Your daily guidance is so reassuring to me!

Devotion by Julie Long

Keep Reading