“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 New International Version of the Holy Bible) You were made by God, for God, and without Him there will always be an emptiness in your soul. If you’re looking…
Nightingales are famous for their exquisite melodies sung in the night hours. Did you know that another meaning for the word “burden” is a chorus, melody, song, tune? Burden is also a musical term. Our bag of burdens has a song in it! The Bible makes several references to songs…
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way,…
“When your soul is famished and withering, He fills you with good and beautiful things, satisfying you as long as you live. He makes you strong like an eagle, restoring your youth.” (Psalm 103:5) If you expand your reading to see the context of this verse in Psalm 103, you…
“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
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
“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
How 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
“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