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How to Surrender to God: 8 Ways
The room is silent, except for the ticking of the black clock on the wall, and I await the roaring engine of the school bus. My calling feels humble, quiet, and hidden in this season, and I’m wondering just how to surrender to God in these hard days of mothering little ones. Opening my Bible in search of encouragement, I find Jesus talking to a wealthy young man. Jesus says to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). As I often do when I read, I imagine…
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Joshua and Jesus: Spiritual Leaders, Deliverers, and Conquerors
After 40 years spent wandering in the wilderness, Moses died on Mount Nebo. He passed his leadership role onto a man named Joshua, who would lead the people to claim the land of Canaan. In many ways, Joshua’s life points to Jesus. Today, we’ll look at the connections between Joshua and Jesus as we continue exploring the ways the Old and New Testaments form one culminating story. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your everyday life. Joshua and Jesus Let’s begin with a quick summary of Joshua’s life. Then, we’ll look at…
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17 Autumn Bible Verses for Embracing the Season
September has come with shorter days and crisp, cool mornings. Hints of amber color the forest, and we anticipate the change to come. Today, we’ll spend some time soaking in a list of autumn Bible verses to celebrate the season. I invite you to use these Scriptures to help you thank God for the seasonal change, slowing down to embrace the transformation. I’ll also share some questions for reflection as we consider each verse. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in replenishing ways this autumn. Autumn Bible Verses Here are God’s Words for autumn…
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15 Bible Verses for School: Confidence, Trust, and Courage
“I’m sad summer is over. Can you read me some Bible verses for school tomorrow?” our seven-year-old asked as we opened his storybook Bible to read before bed. It was the eve of the first day of school, and first grade felt daunting. He was flooded with a mix of emotions: sadness that summer was ending, excitement about seeing his friends, and uncertainty about what the year would hold. I’d already talked with his teenage sister and pre-teen brother about their feelings, and it seemed everyone had the same apprehensions. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is a helpful way to navigate any new situation, and this extends to school. …
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Moses’ Songs in the Bible: Portraits of God’s Character
Moses is traditionally credited with three songs in the Bible. The Song of the Sea is found in Exodus 15:1-18. The Song of Moses is in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. Psalm 90 is titled “A Prayer of Moses.” Today, we’ll begin by exploring similarities between Moses’ songs in the Bible. Then, we’ll take a closer look at Moses’ Song in Deuteronomy. I also invite you 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. Let’s begin by exploring Moses’ songs in the Bible. Moses’ Songs in the Bible All three of Moses’ songs in the Bible are…
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15 Bible Verses for Studying: Anxiety, Focus, and Success
The golden glow of my desk lamp illuminated the textbook in front of me. For good measure, a hazelnut candle flickered beside me, my attempt to usher peace into the late-night study session for my most difficult college final. I was a senior, about to graduate with my teaching degree, and this exam held the power to mar my unblemished GPA. The pressure to perform well is enough to challenge even the most focused and successful student. How do we press into peace in these situations? Whether you are trying to help your first-grader study for the weekly spelling test or trying to pass the MCAT, let these Bible verses…
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Dealing With Detours: 20 Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Plan
Our daughter, Bekah, was born on a clear November evening. The months leading up to her birth felt like nothing short of a detour. Today, I’ll share the story of that detour. We’ll also explore 20 Bible verses about trusting God’s plan when life seems to take a detour. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow in trust when life takes a surprising turn. Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Plan Before my first pregnancy, I planned to continue teaching high school students in my Life Skills classroom right up to my due date. My husband and I planned…
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Circumcision of the Heart: 10 Ways to Be Transformed
Deuteronomy 10:16 reads, “So circumcise your heart, and do not stiffen your neck any longer” (NASB). Circumcision of the heart is a repeated theme throughout Scripture. Today, we’ll explore its meaning and look at 10 ways to surrender to God for this transformation. Defining Circumcision of the Heart Circumcision of the heart is a metaphor for the removal of pride, disobedience, and spiritual resistance. It is an act that can only happen through the work of the Holy Spirit and includes repentance, humility, and faith. Rather than ritual obedience, devotion is motivated by sincere love for God. In the New Testament, this circumcision of the heart is linked to the…
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Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: Reclaiming Peace
Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. John 14:27 The country road is wet with rain this morning. Puddles shaped like hearts reflect the pale blue of dawn’s new mercies, and I’m thankful God chose to water the earth while we slept. As I gaze out the window and inhale deeply, I feel the tension in my shoulders. Life has been full here lately. I often catch myself wishing away the days as I wait for the season to shift. This isn’t the way I want to live, praying…
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God’s Invitation in Brokenness: Bible Verses About Pain and Hurt
Morning exhaled its first hopeful breath in shades of lavender. Watching from my chair on the deck, I breathed it in, needing the hope of a new season, a new beginning. It had been a tough season. Pulling out my Bible, I began searching for hope-filled Bible verses about pain and hurt. As I read God’s Word, peace flooded me. I found comfort, hope. Perhaps you need this today as well. Bible Verses About Pain and Hurt Today, we’ll explore a list of Bible verses about pain and hurt of various kinds. We’ll also talk about the ways God uses brokenness for our good and his glory. Be sure to…
