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A Memorial Day Devotional: Remembering with Hope As we come to Memorial Day, we find ourselves in a unique moment of both remembrance and reflection. This day is not just a long weekend or a time for family gatherings—it’s an invitation to pause, to honor, and to remember those who laid down their lives in service to this country. The Bible tells us in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This verse often comes to mind on Memorial Day, and for good reason. It speaks to a love that is sacrificial, a love that chooses to put others first—even to the point of death. Today, we honor the men and women who have displayed this kind of courage and love through their service and sacrifice. But as believers, our remembrance does not stop there. We look to the ultimate example of sacrificial love—Jesus Christ, who gave His life to save His people from their sins. Memorial Day reminds us of the cost of freedom—freedom purchased with blood, with courage, and with the laying down of life. And as we reflect on this earthly freedom, we are pointed to the greater, eternal freedom we have in Christ. His death and resurrection secured a freedom from sin and death that no earthly power could ever grant. This day can stir mixed emotions: gratitude for our freedoms, sorrow for the loss of lives, and perhaps even a sense of helplessness in a world filled with conflict and loss. But here’s the hope we carry as followers of Jesus: no sacrifice is forgotten by God, and no loss is unseen by His loving eye. Psalm 116:15 assures us: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” So, as you gather with family or friends today, as you pause for moments of silence or visit memorials, let your heart be filled with gratitude—not only for those who have served but for the One who gave His life so that we might have eternal life. And let this gratitude move you to love and serve others with the same selflessness and compassion. Let’s remember together: To honor those who have laid down their lives for freedom. To thank God for the ultimate freedom we have in Christ. To live each day with gratitude, humility, and a heart to serve others. Prayer: Father, on this Memorial Day, we remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. We thank You for their courage and sacrifice. But even more, we remember the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, who gave His life to set us free from sin and death. Fill our hearts with gratitude today, and help us to live in light of Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Reflection Questions: Who are you remembering today, and how can you honor their legacy? How does Christ’s sacrifice on the cross shape the way you understand love and service? What is one way you can show gratitude today for the freedom you have—both as a citizen and as a follower of Jesus? If this devotional speaks to your heart and you’re longing for a place to grow in faith, deepen your relationships, and journey alongside others who are seeking to live out God’s truth in everyday life, we invite you to consider joining our community. Together, we’re learning, encouraging, and walking by faith. You’re always welcome here. Visit us at jameslongjr.org/signupnow. Read the full article

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The Exalted King: Christ Crowned in Glory Scripture: Philippians 2:9–11Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Devotional Thought -Day 19 In a world where power is often seized through self-promotion, Christ’s path to glory turns our expectations upside down. His exaltation was not the result of ambition or assertion but the divine reward for humility and obedience. He who stooped to wash feet, suffer rejection, and bear a criminal’s cross is now raised to the highest position in the universe. “Therefore,” Paul tells us, God highly exalted Him. The humiliation of Christ is not the end of His story—glory is. The Greek term for “highly exalted” (hyperypsoō) implies a unique and supreme elevation. God didn’t just lift Jesus from the grave; He enthroned Him. This exaltation bestowed upon Him “the name above every name,” which commentators agree refers to His title Lord—the very name of Yahweh in the Old Testament. It’s not merely a label but an affirmation of His sovereignty over all creation. At this name—the name of Jesus—every knee will bow. The Lordship of Christ will be universally acknowledged, whether willingly by believers or unwillingly by those who rejected Him. Those in heaven (the angels), on earth (humanity), and under the earth (even the demonic realm) will one day submit to the rule of Christ. Paul is quoting Isaiah 45, where Yahweh declares that every knee shall bow to Him—yet now, Paul ascribes this to Jesus. This is no small theological statement; it is a declaration of Christ’s full divinity. And every tongue will confess—not just that Jesus is a lord, but that He is the Lord. This is the earliest Christian confession and the heartbeat of our faith. To say “Jesus is Lord” is to say He has supreme authority over our lives and the entire cosmos. For believers, this confession is a joy and a hope; for the world, it is a future reality that will either be embraced in worship or acknowledged in judgment. But even in His exaltation, Jesus does not hoard glory. His Lordship magnifies the Father. This is the great mystery of the Trinity: the Son is glorified, and the Father is glorified through Him. The crown placed upon Christ’s head is not merely an honor for the Son but a revelation of the Father's wisdom, grace, and purpose in redemptive history. One day, every heart will recognize this. Until then, we bend our knees willingly, joyfully proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for exalting Your Son. Lord Jesus, we bow before You as our Sovereign King and gladly confess You as Lord. Holy Spirit, grant us hearts that revere Your Lordship daily, not only in word but in surrendered living. To the glory of God the Father, help us proclaim with our lives what our lips profess: Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen. Read the full article

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Safe in Christ: No Fear of Judgment Scripture: Romans 8:34“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Devotional Thought -Day 18 In a world full of criticism and accusation, the believer in Christ rests in a profound security: no one can condemn us. Why? Because Jesus Christ has already borne our judgment. Romans 8:34 is the crescendo in Paul’s anthem of assurance, listing four unshakable truths that guarantee our eternal security in Christ. The Judge Himself—Jesus—was condemned in our place. He died for our sins, was raised in victory, reigns in glory, and intercedes for us even now. First, Paul points to the cross. Jesus “died”—the righteous for the unrighteous—to satisfy divine justice and to silence every charge that could be brought against us. His death fully paid our debt. But the security doesn’t stop there. Second, Jesus “was raised.” The resurrection is God's public declaration that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient. The grave has no claim on the Savior—and neither does condemnation have a claim on those united to Him. Christ’s resurrection is the Father's “Amen” to the Son's “It is finished.” Third, Jesus is “at the right hand of God.” This is the position of supreme authority and favor (Psalm 110:1). He is not distant or disinterested but exalted, enthroned, and active on our behalf. His presence there signals our acceptance before the Father, for He represents us as our advocate and mediator. Fourth, He “intercedes for us.” Christ continually prays for His people—not pleading as if trying to persuade an unwilling Father, but as the eternal High Priest whose once-for-all sacrifice guarantees the ongoing application of its benefits. His intercession secures us, not because we never sin, but because our Savior never ceases to stand in our place. This verse is the believer’s bulwark against fear and guilt. When Satan accuses, when conscience condemns, when the world mocks, we look not to our performance but to the person and work of Jesus. His death reconciles, His resurrection assures, His enthronement reigns, and His intercession sustains. No charge can stick. No sin can separate. No judgment can fall. Prayer Father, thank You for the unshakable security I have in Your Son. Lord Jesus, You died for me, rose again, and now sit at the Father's right hand interceding on my behalf. Holy Spirit, help me to remember this when I feel condemned or afraid. Let me rest in the finished work of Christ and walk in the freedom of knowing that I am safe, loved, and secure in You. Amen. Read the full article

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Raised with Christ: The Promise of Resurrection Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” Devotional Thought -Day 17 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” Christ’s resurrection is the turning point of history and the foundation of our hope. Paul’s declaration, “But in fact Christ has been raised,” affirms not only the truth of the empty tomb but also the implications for every believer. Jesus is described as the “firstfruits” of those who have died—a term rooted in the Old Testament practice of offering the first and best portion of the harvest to God. That initial portion was a pledge of the full harvest to come. In the same way, Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that those who belong to Him will also be raised. The contrast between Adam and Christ is central to understanding our condition and our hope. In Adam, all die. His sin brought guilt and death into the world, and every human being shares in the consequences of his disobedience. But Christ came as the second Adam, bringing life where there was death. Just as Adam represented all humanity in his fall, Jesus represents all believers in His resurrection. Those united to Him by faith share not only in His death but also in His risen life. The resurrection is not merely a doctrine to affirm; it is a power that transforms. Because Jesus lives, we now live with purpose, courage, and hope. Death no longer holds ultimate power over us. The fear of the grave has been replaced by the promise of glory. As Paul will later say in this same chapter, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” This truth gives believers strength to endure suffering, loss, and persecution with their eyes fixed on the eternal joy that awaits. Furthermore, Christ’s resurrection provides a preview of what our resurrection bodies will be like—imperishable, glorious, and powerful. We will be fully redeemed in body and soul, made fit for the new creation where righteousness dwells. Our transformation is certain because it is anchored in His.  The firstfruits have already been gathered, and the harvest is guaranteed. This promise should shape our everyday lives. We grieve differently, we live differently, and we die differently—because we are people of resurrection hope. Christ’s victory over death assures us that nothing done in Him is in vain.  Every act of love, every moment of perseverance, and every tear shed in faith will one day be swallowed up in joy when we rise to see Him face to face. Prayer Father, thank You for sending Your Son to conquer sin and death through His resurrection. Lord Jesus, thank You for rising as the firstfruits of all who belong to You and for securing our eternal hope. Holy Spirit, help me live each day in the power of this truth, with a heart anchored in the promise of resurrection and a life devoted to Your glory. Amen. Read the full article

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 Freedom from the Fear of Death Scripture: Hebrews 2:14–15“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Devotional Thought -Day 16 Death is one of humanity’s greatest fears—haunting, inevitable, and inescapable apart from Christ. But the good news of the Gospel is that Jesus did not remain distant from our weakness and frailty. He shared in our "flesh and blood" so that, through His death, He could dismantle the dominion of the devil and destroy death’s ultimate power. He took on our nature not as a distant observer, but as our true representative. In His incarnation, He stooped low, entering fully into the human condition to become the perfect Savior for sinners. The devil’s power over death lies in accusation. Having tempted humanity into sin, he stands ready to accuse us before God (Rev. 12:10). But Christ, by bearing our judgment, strips the enemy of his greatest weapon. The wages of sin is death—but Jesus paid those wages.  The cross was not merely an act of suffering; it was a cosmic victory. In dying, Jesus broke death’s legal claim over believers, silencing Satan’s accusations forever (Col. 2:14–15). For those in Christ, death is no longer a tyrant to be feared but a defeated foe. Its sting has been removed (1 Cor. 15:54��56). It cannot separate us from the love of God, nor can it cancel the promises sealed by Christ’s blood. We may still walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but we do so with the Shepherd who has already passed through it and come out victorious. Death may touch the body, but it cannot touch the soul secured in Christ. The fear of death enslaves—producing anxiety, despair, and a clinging to the fleeting pleasures of this life. But the Gospel breaks those chains. The cross invites us to live not with dread, but with confidence. Our lives are now marked by eternal hope, not temporal despair. Because Christ died, we now truly live. Jesus did not merely defeat death for Himself—He did it to bring us to God, free from fear. If you belong to Him, you are no longer in bondage. Let this truth reshape how you view suffering, dying, and even grieving. In Christ, death is no longer the end of your story. It is the doorway to eternal joy in the presence of your Savior. Prayer Father, thank You for sending Your Son to share in our humanity and break the chains of death. Lord Jesus, You bore our judgment and rendered the enemy powerless. Holy Spirit, help us walk in the freedom and peace secured by the cross. Teach us not to fear death but to live boldly in hope, knowing that eternity is ours in Christ. Amen. Read the full article

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The Cross-Shaped Life: Humility and Love Scripture: Philippians 2:5–8 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Devotional Thought -Day 15 Jesus Christ, though fully divine, chose the path of humble obedience. He did not cling to His rights as God but willingly emptied Himself, taking on humanity, and embracing the lowest place—a servant, obedient even to death. This passage draws us into the breathtaking downward movement of the incarnation. Christ moved from glory to suffering, from the throne to the cross, all for our salvation. The phrase “he emptied himself” has sparked much theological debate, but its meaning is plain in this context: Jesus laid aside His divine privileges, not His divine nature. He did not cease to be God, but He chose not to exploit His status. He humbled Himself. The infinite Creator became finite. The Holy One stooped to wash feet, to be ridiculed, and to die a sinner’s death though He had no sin. His incarnation was not just a physical descent but a spiritual and relational surrender of heavenly glory for the sake of sinners. This humiliation was not weakness—it was love. The love of Christ constrained Him, compelled Him, carried Him all the way to the cross (2 Corinthians 5:14). His obedience was not just to a plan—it was personal. He became a servant not merely to show us humility, but to save the proud. The Son of God bore a crown of thorns that we might one day wear a crown of life. He suffered degradation so that we might be exalted with Him. And now, Paul calls us to have this mind—to embrace this same attitude. The Christian life is not a quest for status or self-fulfillment but a journey of downward mobility for the glory of God and the good of others. Just as Jesus humbled Himself for us, we are called to humble ourselves in love for one another. Our relationships, choices, and sacrifices should bear the marks of Calvary. We walk in the way of the cross. True Christian maturity is not measured by how high we climb, but by how low we’re willing to stoop in love. If our Savior washed feet and bore a cross, how can we insist on recognition or comfort? The cross-shaped life is the Spirit-shaped life—one that reflects the beauty of Christ’s humility and the power of His love. Prayer Father, thank You for sending Your Son, who though He was in the form of God, took the form of a servant and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us true greatness through Your humility and love. Teach us to walk in Your ways, to put others before ourselves, and to lay down our lives in service. Holy Spirit, shape our hearts and minds to reflect the attitude of Christ in all we do. Make us more like Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Read the full article

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A New Life of Righteousness Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Devotional Thought -Day 13 The cross of Christ is not only the place where our guilt was removed—it is the place where our new life began. Peter reminds us that Jesus “bore our sins in his body on the tree,” a clear reference to His substitutionary death, echoing the powerful imagery of Isaiah 53. Christ became our curse, taking the punishment our sins deserved so that we could be forgiven. But His work did not stop with forgiveness; it paved the way for a transformed life—a life set apart for righteousness. This verse contains both a profound theological truth and a practical call. First, we are told that Christ bore our sins. This is not mere metaphor; it means He literally carried the full weight of our rebellion before a holy God. As the spotless Lamb, He suffered in our place, absorbing God’s righteous wrath. Second, we see the purpose of His sacrifice: “that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Justification and sanctification are woven together—Christ saves us not only from sin’s penalty but also from its power. To “die to sin” does not mean we are immediately sinless, but that we are decisively set free from sin’s reign. Through union with Christ, we are no longer slaves to the patterns of our past. We now belong to a new Master, and our hearts are being reshaped to love what God loves. In this new identity, we are called to “live to righteousness”—to walk in holiness, to reflect our Savior, and to pursue a life marked by integrity, truth, and grace. Peter adds that “by his wounds you have been healed.” While some misuse this phrase to claim immediate physical healing, the context makes clear that this is spiritual healing—the healing of the soul from sin’s deadly disease. The cross is the remedy for our deepest sickness: separation from God. Through Christ, we are made whole—restored, reconciled, and empowered to live differently. The gospel is not just about getting into heaven—it’s about being made new. Christ died not just to spare us from judgment, but to make us holy. Today, embrace the fullness of what Jesus has done. Let His wounds not only bring comfort to your soul but also compel you to walk in righteousness. You have been healed. You are His. Now live like it. Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my sins on the cross and for healing my soul through Your wounds. Help me to die daily to sin and walk in the righteousness You purchased for me. Let my life reflect Your grace and holiness. In Your name I pray, Amen. Read the full article

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Freedom From the Chains of Sin Scripture: John 8:34–36 “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. ... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Devotional Thought -Day 12 There is a kind of slavery more devastating than political oppression or physical chains—it is the soul-enslaving power of sin. Jesus confronted this truth head-on, declaring that everyone who practices sin is not merely making poor choices, but living under bondage. Sin is not just an action; it’s a master that grips the heart, warps the will, and holds its captives in deception. True freedom cannot be found by sheer human effort—it must be given, and only the Son of God can give it. Jesus’ words reveal a deep spiritual diagnosis. The one who habitually sins, who lives apart from God’s transforming grace, is under the rule of sin whether they recognize it or not. Like the Jews in this passage who prided themselves on their religious heritage, we too can be blind to the reality of our bondage. We may think we’re in control, but sin has a way of clouding our vision, corrupting our desires, and chaining us to patterns we cannot break alone. The truth is sobering: apart from Christ, we are not free. But praise God, that is not the end of the story. “If the Son sets you free,” Jesus promises, “you will be free indeed.” This is not a superficial liberty or a temporary fix. It is full and final deliverance from both the guilt and the enslaving power of sin. Through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, we are no longer condemned, no longer under sin’s rule, and no longer powerless to change. In Him, we are not only forgiven—we are transformed. The cords that bound us are severed by the cross. This freedom, however, is not the absence of authority—it is the joyful submission to a better Master. The one who sets us free is the same One who calls us to follow Him. In Christ, we are free to walk in righteousness, to say “no” to sin, and to say “yes” to God’s purposes. The same grace that saves us now empowers us to live for Him. This is true freedom: not to do whatever we want, but to become who we were created to be—children of God, reflecting His holiness, walking in His truth. Today, remember who you are in Christ. You are no longer a slave, but a son or daughter. Do not return to the chains you’ve been freed from. Walk in the Spirit, resist the lies of the enemy, and rest in the Savior’s liberating grace. The Son has set you free—and you are free indeed. Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for breaking the chains of my sin. Thank You that I am no longer a slave, but a child of God. Help me to live in the freedom You purchased for me and to walk in step with Your Spirit today. In Your name I pray, Amen. Read the full article

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The Path to God’s Presence Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” Devotional Thought -Day 11 At the heart of the gospel is a glorious purpose: not merely that we be forgiven, but that we be brought to God. The cross is not only the place where sin was dealt with—it is the doorway into divine fellowship. Jesus, the righteous One, willingly suffered in the place of the unrighteous to accomplish this very end: our restoration to the God who made us. Every other benefit of salvation flows from this central aim—communion with the Father through the Son, by the Spirit. Peter’s words beautifully summarize what theologians call penal substitutionary atonement. Christ bore the penalty for our sins—once, for all time. Unlike the repetitive sacrifices under the old covenant, Christ’s offering was final, sufficient, and effective. His death was not symbolic; it was substitutionary. He stood in our place, enduring the judgment we deserved, so that we might stand in His righteousness and enter the presence of God unafraid. The phrase “to bring us to God” is deeply personal. This is not a cold transaction—it is the very heartbeat of redemption. We were once alienated, far off, and under judgment. But Jesus came to close that gap, to tear the veil, and to open the way into God’s presence (Mark 15:38). Salvation is not merely about escaping punishment; it is about gaining a Person. The gospel is not just the removal of guilt—it is the renewal of relationship. Peter also emphasizes the contrast in Christ’s death and resurrection: “put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” Though Christ died physically, His spirit was not extinguished. In fact, His resurrection life now empowers ours. Just as Jesus triumphed through suffering, so too we can endure trials knowing that the path of pain is not the end. In Christ, suffering is never wasted—it always moves us closer to the heart of God. Today, let this truth settle deeply: You were saved not simply from something, but for Someone. Christ died to bring you to God. Spend time in His presence. Draw near with boldness, knowing the way has already been made. Rest in the reality that, through the cross, you belong—not just to a better future, but to the God who loves you now. Prayer Father, thank You for the grace that brought me near. I praise You for sending Jesus to suffer in my place so that I might be restored to You. Help me to treasure Your presence and walk in communion with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Read the full article

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 Restored to God: The Power of Reconciliation Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” Devotional Thought -Day 10 The gospel is more than a message of forgiveness—it is a message of reconciliation. Sin broke the relationship between humanity and God. It created not just guilt but distance, alienation, and hostility between the Creator and His creatures. But the stunning reality of the cross is that God Himself took the initiative to bridge the divide. As Paul says, “All this is from God.” He is the originator of salvation, not man. We didn’t climb our way back to Him; He came to us in Christ. To be reconciled is to be brought back into right relationship, to have peace where there once was conflict. Through the substitutionary death of Christ, our trespasses are no longer counted against us. This is the heart of the gospel: that God does not merely overlook sin, but fully and justly deals with it—by placing it upon His Son. At the cross, Jesus bore our sin, absorbed our judgment, and secured our peace. Reconciliation was not achieved by compromise, but by costly grace. The Judge became the Justifier, offering a restored relationship to all who believe. Paul reminds us that reconciliation is both received and proclaimed. Once alienated, we are now friends of God. Once enemies, we have become His ambassadors. The moment we are reconciled to God, we are commissioned with the “message of reconciliation.” God entrusts His restored people to call others into the same relationship. This is the essence of gospel ministry: not merely moral improvement, but spiritual transformation through restored fellowship with the living God. This truth reshapes our identity and purpose. We are no longer defined by our sin or our past. We are no longer under wrath but under grace. We are no longer far off, but brought near. And as God’s reconciled children, we now live with a mission—to extend that same message of hope, peace, and restoration to a broken world. The reconciliation we’ve received is too good to keep to ourselves. Take time today to marvel at what it means to be reconciled to God—not merely forgiven, but welcomed, accepted, and restored. This is the miracle of grace. And it is also our calling. Prayer Father, thank You for not counting my sins against me. Thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through the death of Your Son. I rejoice that I am no longer alienated, but accepted in Christ. Help me to live as a minister of reconciliation, pointing others to the hope found in Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen. Read the full article

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The Gift of Eternal Life Scripture: John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Devotional Thought -Day 9 Few verses capture the heartbeat of the gospel as clearly and powerfully as John 3:16. In these twenty-five words, we encounter a love that is both immeasurable and intentional. It is not a vague, sentimental affection, but a sacrificial love rooted in divine initiative. “God so loved the world”—a world that had rebelled against Him, rejected Him, and stood under His righteous judgment. And yet, the astonishing truth is that God's response was not immediate wrath but merciful pursuit. He gave His Son. Not as an afterthought or experiment, but as the preordained plan to rescue a people lost in sin and destined for perishing. The word “gave” is crucial. God did not merely send Jesus to teach or to inspire. He gave His Son to die. Jesus came into the world not simply to improve it, but to save sinners from the eternal consequences of their sin. The cross was not accidental—it was the very means by which eternal life could be made available to “whoever believes in him.” The scope of this invitation is as broad as the world, and yet as personal as the individual heart that turns in faith. Belief in Jesus is not a mere intellectual agreement; it is a wholehearted trust in the crucified and risen Son of God as Lord and Savior. To “perish” is to face eternal separation from God—just and deserved condemnation. But the glorious alternative offered in this verse is “eternal life.” This is not simply life that never ends, but life of a completely different quality. It is life with God, life in Christ, life empowered by the Spirit—beginning now and continuing forever. Eternal life is not just a future hope; it is a present possession for every believer. Even as we await the full expression of it in the resurrection, we taste its reality now through fellowship with God, peace in our hearts, and transformation in our lives. The gift of eternal life is anchored in the unchanging character of God. His goodness does not fluctuate. His love is not earned. His gift is not revoked. He doesn’t offer salvation to the worthy but to the unworthy—to sinners like us. And He offers it freely, though it came at the highest cost. On the cross, Jesus bore what we deserved so we could receive what only He deserved. This is grace. This is love. This is life. If you are in Christ, eternal life is already yours. Not because of your faithfulness, but because of His. Let this verse remind you today that you are deeply loved, eternally secure, and forever changed by the gift of God’s Son. Prayer Father, thank You for loving me when I was undeserving and for giving Your Son to rescue me. I believe in Jesus as my Savior and trust in His finished work for eternal life. Let this truth shape my heart, my hope, and my daily walk with You. Help me live in the joy and freedom of being fully loved and forever secure in Christ. In His name I pray, Amen. Read the full article

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Healing Through His Wounds Scripture: Isaiah 53:5 -“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Devotional Thought -Day 8 The prophet Isaiah penned these words centuries before Jesus walked the earth, yet they describe the cross with such piercing accuracy that many call Isaiah 53 the “Fifth Gospel.” At the heart of this verse is substitution—Jesus, the Suffering Servant, stood in our place, enduring the punishment that rightly belonged to us. His wounds were not accidental. They were purposeful. Each piercing, each stripe, each crushing blow was a payment made on our behalf. The pain He endured was ours—and through His suffering, healing flows. Isaiah’s words are clear and weighty. Christ was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. These are not light words. They reflect the seriousness of sin and the severity of God’s justice. The Servant did not suffer vaguely or symbolically—He suffered personally and physically, bearing the full wrath of God for sinners. The chastisement that secured our peace with God was laid upon Him, and it was effective. He did not merely make peace possible; He actually achieved it. And the healing He provides is not shallow or momentary—it is deep, enduring, and eternal. What does it mean to be healed by His wounds? Some misinterpret this verse to refer only to physical healing. But the context—and the New Testament’s application—shows that the healing Isaiah describes is primarily spiritual. Our deepest wound is not sickness in our body but the sickness of sin in our soul. By bearing our guilt and shame, Jesus opened the way for true restoration—the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and eventual renewal of all things, including our physical bodies in the resurrection. Yet even now, we experience the beginning of this healing. Through faith in Christ, the guilt that once crushed us is lifted. The shame that once haunted us is covered. The distance that once separated us from God is closed. The cross does not only deal with what we’ve done—it addresses who we are. As wounded sinners, we come to the Wounded Healer and find grace that restores us, love that embraces us, and a new identity shaped by mercy. Believer, you are no longer condemned but healed. The work is done. The punishment is paid. You are no longer defined by your past wounds or your present weaknesses. You are defined by the One who was wounded for you. And just as His suffering secured your healing, His resurrection secures your hope. Rest today in the peace that only His cross can bring. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place, for being pierced and crushed to bring me peace. I confess that my sin was the reason You suffered, and I marvel that You endured it willingly. Help me to rest in the healing You provide—not only from guilt and shame, but from the lies that keep me from living in Your freedom. Let Your wounds remind me daily of the depth of Your love and the completeness of my salvation. In Your name, Amen. Read the full article

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Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. turned 2 today!

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Made Holy Through the Cross Scripture: Hebrews 10:14 – “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Devotional Thought -Day 7 When Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” He declared not only the completion of His work of atonement but also the beginning of our journey into holiness. The writer of Hebrews makes this staggering statement: that by one sacrifice, Christ has both perfected and is sanctifying His people. At first glance, it almost seems like a contradiction. How can we be both perfected and still being sanctified? But that is the beauty of God’s saving work—through the cross, we are given a perfect standing before God, even as we are still in the process of becoming more like Christ in daily life. This truth anchors us. The “perfection” spoken of here is not moral flawlessness in the present but a complete and permanent right standing before God. Because of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, we have been made positionally holy—declared righteous, fully forgiven, and accepted. Nothing more can be added to Christ’s work. We do not maintain our place in God’s family through our own efforts; we rest in the finished work of Christ, who sat down at the right hand of the Father because His priestly work was complete. Yet this same sacrifice also initiates a lifelong process of growth. The phrase “those who are being sanctified” reminds us that salvation is not only a past event but a present reality. God is actively working in us by His Spirit, shaping our character, purifying our hearts, and setting us apart for His purposes. Sanctification is not optional for the Christian—it is the inevitable outworking of a life united to Jesus. While we are not yet sinless, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are being transformed, day by day, to reflect the holiness of the One who redeemed us. What this means for us today is deeply encouraging. On the days when we feel weak, weary, or discouraged by our failures, we are reminded that our holiness is rooted not in our performance but in Christ’s perfection. At the same time, we are called to walk in obedience—not to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it. We pursue holiness not out of fear, but out of gratitude and love. God does not keep us in line by threats, but by grace that trains us to say no to ungodliness and to live self-controlled, upright lives (Titus 2:11–12). The cross of Christ is not only the place where our guilt was dealt with—it is the place where our identity was established. You are set apart. You are being made new. You are both declared holy and being made holy. And one day, when Jesus returns, your sanctification will be complete, and you will stand in His presence fully perfected. Prayer: Father, thank You for the finished work of Christ that has secured my holiness before You. Though I am far from perfect in practice, I trust in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus that has made me righteous in Your sight. Continue Your sanctifying work in me—purify my heart, renew my mind, and shape my life to reflect Your glory. Help me walk in holiness, not to earn Your love, but because I already have it. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Read the full article

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Declared Righteous in Christ Scripture: Romans 5:9“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” (ESV) Devotional Thought -Day 5: The wonder of the Gospel is not only that Christ died for sinners but that His death decisively alters our standing before God. In Romans 5:9, Paul declares that those who have trusted in Christ have been justified—declared righteous—by His blood. This is not a future hope or a conditional possibility. It is a finished fact. In God’s courtroom, the verdict has already been rendered for the believer: “Not guilty.” And more than that—“Righteous in Christ.” This declaration is not based on personal performance, moral improvement, or religious effort. It is grounded solely in the blood of Christ—the full and final payment for our sin. Paul uses “blood” as shorthand for Christ’s entire atoning work, highlighting His violent and sacrificial death on the cross. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to a greater substitute, so Jesus fulfilled the imagery and substance of redemption by taking the wrath of God in our place. Notice how Paul argues from the greater to the lesser: if God justified us while we were still sinners—if He went to such lengths to bring us near—how much more can we trust that He will complete what He started? The costly act of justification is the basis for our confidence in the future. The cross did not simply remove our guilt; it removed the wrath of God that once stood against us. Because Christ absorbed it fully, none remains for those who are in Him. This means that our future is secure. We are not waiting for a second verdict or holding our breath on judgment day. The same grace that justifies also sustains and glorifies. The wrath we once feared has been swallowed up by mercy, and what remains is peace, assurance, and hope. God's justice is no longer a threat but a guarantee, for it would be unjust for Him to punish twice the sins He already punished in Christ. So when your heart condemns you or the enemy whispers lies, remember the blood. Remember the cross. You are not striving to earn God’s approval—you are living from it. Christ has done what you could never do. You are justified. You are free. And your future in Him is sealed by the very righteousness of God. Prayer: Father, thank You for justifying me through the blood of Jesus. Thank You that I no longer stand condemned but clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Help me to rest in this truth and live with joy, confidence, and gratitude. Keep me from relying on my own efforts, and teach me to walk by faith in the finished work of the cross. In Jesus’ name, amen. Read the full article

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Securing Our Forgiveness Scripture: Ephesians 1:7“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (ESV) Devotional Thought -Day 4: Forgiveness is one of the deepest human needs—and one of the greatest gifts of the Gospel. In Ephesians 1:7, Paul brings us face-to-face with the heart of the Christian message: we are redeemed through Christ’s blood and forgiven of every sin. Redemption refers to the ransoming of a slave, the paying of a price for freedom. In the Old Testament, this imagery was vividly pictured in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. But in Christ, the greater exodus has come—not from Pharaoh’s chains but from slavery to sin and guilt. This redemption is not symbolic or partial—it is full and final. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died in our place, shedding His blood to satisfy the demands of divine justice and cancel the record of our debt. Our forgiveness is not a vague hope or a wishful thought—it is a secured reality. The blood of Christ didn’t just make forgiveness possible; it actually accomplished it. Because Jesus bore the full weight of our sin on the cross, we bear it no more. What’s astonishing is the manner in which God forgives. Paul says it’s “according to the riches of His grace.” God does not forgive grudgingly or minimally. He is not calculating or reserved in His mercy. His grace is vast, abundant, and overflowing—like the ocean compared to a drop of water. We do not approach God with our heads hung in fear, wondering if we’ve exhausted His kindness. We come boldly, confidently, because His grace abounds. This forgiveness is both positional and practical. In Christ, we are declared righteous—our legal status before God is forever changed. But that forgiveness also transforms how we live. No longer bound by guilt and shame, we walk in freedom. No longer enslaved to past mistakes, we live with new purpose. And as recipients of such mercy, we are called to extend that same grace to others. When the enemy accuses, when your conscience trembles, when your heart is weary, look to the cross. There your debt was paid. There your redemption was won. There your forgiveness was sealed. Jesus did not die for a vague chance at forgiveness—He died to make it yours. All of it. Forever. Prayer: Father, thank You for the immeasurable gift of forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. Thank You that You didn’t leave me in guilt, but You rescued me in grace. Remind me daily of the full and final payment made on my behalf. Help me to walk in the freedom of Your mercy and extend that same mercy to others. In Jesus’ name, amen. Read the full article