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Julie Long

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Flying Blind

3 Mins Read

While flying a plane in thick fog, the pilot cannot be sure of his direction unless he gives full attention to his instruments. In a thunderstorm, the turbulence can toss the plane about; the darkness within the clouds may cause disorientation. Sometimes the pilot will feel as though he is going up or down or turning around. But he cannot depend on his feelings. Only the gyros can be trusted, so the pilot must hang on to the controls in the turbulence, and discipline his mind to concentrate on the instruments-not on the storm.

There is a parallel spiritual truth for the believer in troubled times.

Undisciplined feelings will cause disorientation-even a crash- unless we keep ourselves stabilized by the facts of God’s Word.

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Devotions

Head in the Clouds

1 Min Read

“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

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Devotions

A One-Track Mind

1 Min Read

“Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” (John 4:34 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).

It’s not often that we accept the statement, “You have a one-track mind”, as a compliment. But, when it comes to serving God and fulfilling His will in my life, I want to have singleness of purpose. Just as Jesus did not allow friends or family to sidetrack Him from the mission, it is my prayer that God would keep me from distractions that would blur my vision and keep me from reaching my Heavenly goal.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for a single-minded focus!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Devotions

Built by Jesus

1 Min Read

“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

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Devotions

An Open Book

1 Min Read

“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

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Devotions

On Duty 24/7

1 Min Read

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

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Devotions

Victim to Victor

1 Min Read

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

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Devotions

Refine

1 Min Read

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (I Peter 1:7 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Who wants to go through trials? It hurts when the fire burns away the dull outer layers of my life. But, oh, how beautiful it is when the gold shines through to reflect God’s glory!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for being my refiner! I can get through this for You are with me during this test of my faith. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Devotions

Recharge

1 Min Read

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Like Jesus, we too need a quiet time away from the distractions of the day and the thousands of thoughts that bombard our minds. By example, Jesus showed us that when His energy waned, He took time to recharge.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so busy, but I realize today that I am not immune to the pressures of life and I too must recharge my spiritual battery in Your presence. Revive me. Restore me. Renew me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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