-
17 Bible Verses About God’s Plan: Hope for Unexpected Seasons
Blue jays shatter the silence of morning with an almost offensive cacophony. I watch them from the window as I prepare to embrace the day ahead. The past month has brought some unexpected challenges, and I open my Bible in search of Bible verses about God’s plan. When nothing goes as expected, it can be helpful to anchor ourselves to the promises of God. We need to remind ourselves that when the bottom falls out, he is still good. Even when our circumstances feel anything but kind, our world is held together by a good Father who can only be love. Bible Verses About God’s Plan When our finite minds…
-
7 Lessons From the Story of Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve, and we find their story in Genesis 4. Today, we’ll explore 7 lessons from the story of Cain and Abel as we apply God’s Word to our lives. If today’s insights encourage you, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your life today! 7 Lessons From the Story of Cain and Abel Let’s begin with a recap of this story. Then, we’ll explore 7 lessons from the story of Cain and Abel. The Story of Cain and Abel After Adam and Eve left the…
-
Blaming God for Suffering: How to Release Offense
A curtain of stratus clouds shrouds the sun, and morning finds us with hoary light. As I gaze out the window, I remember a similar morning years ago. It was the morning I decided I was never again blaming God for allowing suffering or difficulty in my life. I told him that I would never again take offense, blame him, or hold it against him when trouble came into my life. Blaming God for Hard Times I made the commitment at the end of a long season in which everything seemed to be going wrong. Within the span of three months, both our young pet beagles died suddenly; our financial…
-
What Does the Book of Proverbs Say about Hospitality? 12 Verses to Guide Our Hospitality with Wisdom
Today, I’m excited to share a guest post from my friend Desiree Talbert. Desiree will be unpacking a list of insights from Proverbs on hospitality. These words blessed and challenged me, and I pray they will bless you richly as well! Rethinking Biblical Hospitality When we think about biblical hospitality, we often picture meals shared with friends and neighbors, homes full of welcome, and caring for those in need. We can see commands for hospitality in the Bible, stories that show the importance of hospitality in the Old Testament, and the teachings of the New Testament for how Christians ought to care for others. What Does Proverbs Say about Hospitality?…
-
Lessons From the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is central in the story of Adam and Eve. When presented with two contrasting trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve made a choice that would affect every human being to follow. Today, we’ll take a fresh look at this familiar story and see how it impacts our lives. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free new devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your life today! Lessons From the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil “Where do…
-
The Warrior’s Prayer & 8 Ways to Put on the Armor of God
“What would you do differently if fear weren’t a factor?” a friend asked as we talked about our lives. The question lingered in my mind for months. Every time I felt fear arise within me, I considered her question. During that time, I also discovered a prayer that changed the way I perceived fear: the Warrior’s Prayer by Dr. David Jeremiah. The Warrior’s Prayer is a powerful prayer from Ephesians 6, which describes the “Armor of God.” For years, I heard Christians talk about “putting on the armor.” I knew the words of Ephesians 6, but I wasn’t sure how to “put on the armor.” Praying the Warrior’s Prayer is…
-
Old Testament Stories With Modern-Day Applications
“I’m not sure I’m going to make it through Leviticus,” my friend declared as we walked together through the local park. We’d both been reflectively reading through the Old Testament stories in Genesis and Exodus, but Leviticus posed a challenge. “I feel that,” I agreed. A few weeks earlier, we both started a Bible reading plan with the hope of reading through the Bible in a year. Bogged down by text we didn’t understand and rules about sacrifices and oxen, we were both having trouble applying the words to our lives. “Maybe we need a different plan. Instead of just reading the Bible, maybe we need to slow down and…
-
The Old Testament Books in Order (and a New Blog Series)
Today, I’d like to welcome you to a new blog series. For the next 30 Fridays, we’ll be studying the Old Testament and learning how these narratives apply to our lives today. I’m beginning by sharing the Old Testament books in order as an overview. At the bottom of today’s post, you’ll also find my new free devotional eBook, Timeless: Apply the Old Testament to Your Life Today. This 30-day devotional explores key biblical narratives from the first six books of the Old Testament and includes practical, modern-day applications. We’ll begin today with a list of the Old Testament books in order, including brief descriptions. At the bottom of the…
-
Consequences of Bitterness in the Bible: Finding Freedom
We all face the temptation to let bitter roots grow in our hearts. Today, we’ll talk about the consequences of bitterness in the Bible and explore practical ways to find freedom. In Scripture, bitterness is described as a root that grows and spreads. If left unchecked, it hardens our hearts. Hebrews 12:15 warns, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (ESV). Bitterness is frequently associated with unresolved anger, resentment, and unforgiveness. It is the bad fruit of holding onto grudges and holding offenses against others. The Consequences of…
-
Be Still and Know That I Am God: 8 Tips
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NIV “Be still and know that I am God” My mornings by the window have changed. These days, our two cats crouch like sentinels as we marvel at the chickadees and house sparrows outside. I’ve been starting my days beside this window for at least a decade now. The cats joined our family just over a year ago, and their stillness is a daily reminder to quiet myself and be present with the dawn. Today, we’ll explore some practical ways to be still in God’s presence. What…
