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Julie Long

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God’s Dwelling Place

1 Min Read

“Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore” (Ezekiel 37:26 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). Throughout Scripture people desired to house God’s presence inside walls made with hands. But, the Bible tells us that God’s presence is not restricted to wood, cement and brick, He is with us always. Wherever the Spirit of God is, there is a sanctuary for the sick, the hurting and the downtrodden.

Prayer: Mighty God, You are a sanctuary for us in the storms as well as the celebrations of life. The permanent church building is a wonderful place of rest and worship, but today I pray that You will create in my heart a sanctuary for Your use. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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A Spirit of Generosity

1 Min Read
    “Their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible). This statement was made by the Apostle Paul about the Christians living in Macedonia who gave generously to the church in Jerusalem which was experiencing a time of famine and poverty. Paul used the Macedonians as an example to others of cultivating a spirit of giving despite the negative circumstances and financial difficulty they themselves may be facing. Generosity doesn’t always refer to giving from our wealth. It is giving from our heart that pleases God. A person who gives to others in ways that may or may not include financial blessings, is a person who has a healthy, “rich”, inner life!
    Prayer: Lord, I must confess that generosity doesn’t always come easy for me. Teach me to have a giving spirit – a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others. Amen.
    Devotion by: Julie Long
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Control Your Fear

1 Min Read
    “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
    Courage is not a quality that I possess. I’m on pins and needles the entire time that my child is playing in the yard for fear that she will wander into the street and be crushed by a car. When my husband is a few minutes late for dinner, I envision an accident on the highway. My blood pressure skyrockets prior to a doctor’s visit. If I’m not careful, fear will rule my day. My family tells me, “You worry too much,” and I know it’s true but I can’t seem to help myself so I call on a higher power – the Name of Jesus!
    Prayer: Lord, give me the strength I need to control my fears. Remind me of Your love for me and those I love. You watch over my family much better than I ever could. Strengthen my heart today, Lord.
    Devotion by Julie Long
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Bring Back the Awe

2 Mins Read
    “When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe…” (Matthew 9:8 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible). This Scripture is refering to the miracle that Jesus performed for a paralyzed man who stood up, picked up his mat and started walking home. No one in the small town of Capernaum in northern Galilee had ever witnessed anything like this before! And furthermore, Jesus not only healed the man He also told him he was forgiven. Can you imagine seeing this happen with your own eyes? The crowd that day were awed by the power of God on display before them – healing and forgiveness all at one time! We are overwhelmed today by awe inspiring advances in science and technology. We’ve become so accustomed to phenominal inventions and medical breakthoughs that we tend to lose our sense of wonder. We must be careful not to lose our sense of awe when it comes to God. Does His power and majesty still take your breath away?
    Prayer: Lord, forgive me if the world that I live in has numbed me to the wonder of who You are. Let my heart and mind be captured again by the awe of Your mighty acts. Amen.
    Devotion by: Julie Long
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True Satisfaction

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“When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins” (Isaiah 53:11 in the Holy Bible, New Living Translation)

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ found satisfaction after he suffered and died on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Satisfaction as the world describes it may never come to some of us in this life. But those who seek to please God before their life is ended will discover that whatever pain and hurt they experienced on earth will be replaced with a crown and the satisfaction of the Savior’s proclaimation, ‘Well done!’

Prayer: Savior, the world declares that satisfaction will come with promotion, riches, beauty and power, but Your Word tells me that we will only find true satisfaction in living our lives according to Your purpose. It is what I do as a daughter of the King that will end in the satisfaction of an eternity spent with You. Amen!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Inner Beauty

1 Min Read


“From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance” (Psalm 50:2 in the Holy Bible, New Living Translation).

What is beauty? There is beauty in a piece of art that captures the imagination and dazzles the eye. There is beauty in the graceful movements of a soaring eagle or in the perfect conditioning of an athlete. But, all of these definitions of beauty are “outward.” Psalm 31 warns, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” The most radiant and stunning of all is spiritual beauty that comes from a meek and submissive spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our world today is enamored with beauty that is only skin deep. I want the beauty of the Lord – Your splendor and Your holiness – to radiate from my innermost being. Lord, give me a beautiful spirit! Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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What is Truth?

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    “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible).

    Are you searching for the truth? Do you want real answers to your life issues? With so many religions proclaiming they have the truth, do you wonder where to turn? We must start our search for truth with the only reliable source –the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ Himself proclaimed that obedience to His teachings is the key to finding the truth and freedom from life’s distresses.

    Prayer: Lord, it is my hearts desire for You to consider me to be one of your real disciples. I understand that a disciple is one who follows You, obeys Your instructions and stands firm on Your teachings. It is then, and only then, that I will recognize the truth. The Bible tells me that You are “the way, the truth, and the life.” When I become acquainted with You, Truth steps into my life and I am genuinely free.
    Devotion by Julie Long
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A Patient God

1 Min Read

    “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:7 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

    There are many who view God as someone who is watching their every move waiting for an opportunity to pass judgment on them. While it is true that our unjust actions, apart from God’s mercy, will bring the penalty of sin upon our lives, this Scripture emphasizes the great patience of God towards us.

    Prayer: Jesus, I praise you for your endless love and compassion. Forgive me for my thoughtlessness and the many times I have overlooked your tender mercies. Help me to think before I act, to be more careful about the way I handle Your mercy. Thank You for being patient with me. Amen.
    Devotion by: Julie Long
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What Does God Want from Us?

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    “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:1-2 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). We have something to offer God. How amazing is that? The Creator of the heavens and the earth desires my praise!
    Prayer: I lift my voice in praise and adoration to You, O Lord! May everything I say and do bring You glory and honor. Let my heart be pure and blameless as I offer You my praise. I will exalt Your Name forever and ever. Amen.
    Devotion by: Julie Long
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