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5 Ways to Rest in God’s Presence: A Review of Just Rest
Snowflakes fall like a quiet benediction on a hushed spring morning. I awaken feeling groggy after another night of tending to coughing children. I’m desperate to rest in God’s presence this morning—to let his love wash over me and fill the empty places. Opening Melanie Redd’s new book, Just Rest: A 90 Day Devotional Journal, I read the following words: “True rest for the soul, however, comes from one place only—and that involves walking in the good way. This is the path we choose when we walk close to Jesus. The pathway to rest is found in Him alone.” We live in a culture in which hurry and hustle are…
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Why Today Is Going to Be a Good Day
Above a scrim of wispy cirrus clouds, a hawk cries out as it soars upon some unseen current. For the first time since autumn, we slept with the windows open last night. Awakening to a cacophony of birdsong and the melodies of God’s created world feels like a gift given directly from his hand. “Today is going to be a good day,” I whisper. Smiling, I climb from the sheets, make the bed, and think of these eight simple words as I brush my teeth and greet the three children who await me downstairs. I repeat these words as I make the coffee and prepare breakfasts for everyone: “Today is…
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I Surrender All (Sort Of): A Review With Reflections
Daybreak sings a solemn song over a cross-stitched blanket of nutmeg, ash, and ivory. The skeletal arms of the maples still hold their white cloaks, and just a thin strip of charcoal gravel delineates the arched center of the country road. I take it all in from the window as I soak in Michelle Lazurek’s new book I Surrender All (Sort Of). Michelle and I met at a conference a few years ago, and I was drawn to her sweet, sincere spirit immediately. I would have picked up Michelle’s new book even if I didn’t know her because the title feels like a summary of my walk of faith: Surrendering…
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How Do You Do Devotions? 12 Steps to Get Started
I was a new Christian when others started talking about daily devotional time. With no clue of where to begin, one day I quietly pulled a friend aside and asked, “So, what does this actually look like? How do you do devotions?” She offered some practical tips that helped me get started. Over the years, I’ve honed these tips when they were no longer leading me into life-giving encounters with God. Today, we’ll answer the question, “How do you do devotions?” Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you get started with a daily devotional rhythm. How Do You Do…
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A New Year Devotional to Help You Start Strong
Do you enjoy reading from an Advent devotional throughout December? If you’re like me, you hit a wall when Christmas comes and the devotional ends. You feel a bit lost and aren’t sure what’s next. Throughout the past few months, I’ve worked hard to create a New Year devotional called Mornings With Jesus to help you connect with Jesus every morning for the next 31 days! Why I Wrote This New Year Devotional I spent years reading my Bible and practicing a morning devotional routine without regularly encountering God in the process. My devotional time felt more like homework than a replenishing encounter with a loved one. Can you relate?…
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10 Prayers for Happiness and Strength
When life is challenging, turning to God in praise can help us rise above our circumstances. Today, we’ll explore 10 prayers for happiness and strength to fill our hearts when life is challenging. I invite you to join me on an autumn evening as I prayed the following prayers for joy. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and find hope. 10 Prayers for Happiness and Strength Most of us face times when praising God doesn’t come easily. When these times come, we can always praise God for his character and goodness. The following prayers…
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The Teens in Your Life Need This Book: Transforming Your Thought Life for Teens
I spent almost a decade teaching teens in a local public high school. Throughout those years, I also served as a youth leader and mentored dozens of teens through the tumultuous journey of adolescence. I wish Sarah Geringer’s book Transforming Your Thought Life for Teens had been available throughout those years! This book is a follow-up to Sarah’s book Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus, released in 2019. I was powerfully impacted by Sarah’s book Transforming Your Thought Life and appreciated the way Sarah was relatable and yet also pointed me back to the truth of God’s Word. When I heard she was writing a follow-up book specifically…
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A Daily Bible Reading Guide to Transform Your Life
The sumac has come to life in shades of fiery crimson. I stare at it from my perch by the window and open God’s Word with a sense of expectation. A few weeks ago, I started a new daily Bible reading guide, and this devotional is leading me straight to the Lord. I’ve been learning from Patsy Burnette for years, and when she released her 365-day devotional book Sweeter Than Honey, I jumped at the opportunity to draw near to God with Patsy. I have not been disappointed. Sweeter Than Honey walks the reader through the full Bible in one year—reading chronologically, which is a compelling way to read through…
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17 Free Devotional Books to Help You Grow With God
Are you ready to develop a deeper, life-giving relationship with God? My vision is to provide tools to help you encounter him. For this reason, I have compiled a list of free devotional books to help you draw close to God’s heart. The first four books on this list are free as eBooks with the Kindle Unlimited plan (you can sign up for a free three-month trial if you do not have the plan) and also available to purchase in print. The remainder of the list is available to download for free with just one click. No plan is required. I pray these books help you connect with the tender…
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God, Lead Me in the Right Direction: 9 Prayers for Guidance
I recently drove ten minutes to the North Country Trail for an hour of hiking beneath the naked arms of the hardwoods. As I walked, I considered my life, my daily rhythms, and the state of my soul. “God, lead me in the right direction in my life,” I prayed. Every few months, I slip away to talk to God about the direction of my life. Mostly, I want the assurance that I’m walking according to God’s plans. Perhaps you need this space, too. Today, we’ll talk about how to find God’s direction and the importance of seeking his guidance. God, Lead Me in the Right Direction We all need…
