Purposeful Living
Creative ideas for enjoying your family in all seasons of the year, including spending time in nature, creative ways to celebrate holidays, and ways to teach your children the art of hospitality.
-
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?…
-
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…
-
10 Prayer Points for Alignment With God
A falling veil of white greets me with the dawn, folding me into itself. I watch the snowflakes flutter to the earth as I ask God to align my heart with his heart. Throughout the past year, this prayer for alignment has transformed my life. Today, we’ll look at 10 prayer points for alignment with God as we aim to stay in step with him. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you come into greater alignment with God. 10 Prayer Points for Alignment With God Praying this way has helped me shift from making lists of self-centered requests…
-
Psalm 91 Prayer Points: Prayers for Your Family and Friends
In the gentle hours of moonlight and silence, I lift my eyes to a starlit sky. My heart is heavy, and I read Psalm 91 as I pray for protection over our family. Today, I’ll share the Psalm 91 prayer points I prayed in the hours of darkness. May these prayers bless you as you draw near to God in prayer as well. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in prayer. Let’s dive into these Psalm 91 prayer points. Psalm 91 Prayer Points Jewish tradition attributes Psalm 91 to Moses, noting similarities between…
-
The Parable of the Talents: Don’t Waste Your Gifts
Today, we’ll take a closer look at a parable that teaches us the importance of using our God-given gifts for his glory. After this Parable of the Talents summary, we’ll share practical applications as well. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you respond to God’s calling. Let’s begin with a summary of the Parable of the Talents. The Parable of the Talents Jesus shared this parable in Matthew 25:14-30. In the parable, a business owner went on a trip. He called his servants to look after his assets while he was away. One servant received five bags of silver. …
-
10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life and Experience God’s Answers
Imagine how different our lives might be if we prayed with fervency, believing God would respond to our prayers. Today, we’ll explore 10 ways to improve your prayer life. We’ll look at biblical examples of prayer warriors and discuss the shift from praying out of obligation to praying with expectation. I’ll also share a personal example of praying with specificity and watching God break down barriers in a relationship. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God daily. 10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life The following insights are gleaned from God’s Word as well as…
-
12 Questions for God to Help You Walk With Him
At times, most of us have questions for God. We want to know why he permits suffering, and we seek him for purpose and direction. When I think of questions for God, the book of Habakkuk comes to mind. The book of Habakkuk is unique because it takes the form of a dialogue between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk asks questions. God answers. Most of us won’t hear God’s audible voice when we approach him with questions, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t turn to God with our questions. Today, we’ll explore 12 questions for God that can help us walk with him and live in alignment with him. First, let’s…
-
Family Devotional Books: Free With Kindle Unlimited!
As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love. For a limited time, we’re offering all three of our family devotional books for free with the Kindle Unlimited plan. Kindle Unlimited enables you to download eBooks to your phone or tablet and read them for free! If you don’t have the plan, sign up for a free three-month trial, which will give…
-
Prayers for the Nation: 10 Biblical Prayer Points
A few years ago, a friend shared a question she’d been asking God during her quiet moments with him: “God, what is on your heart today?” Most of us focus on our personal needs when we draw near to God in prayer. God wants us to pray for these needs. He also wants us to come into alignment with him as we intercede for our nation and the world. Today, we’ll look at 10 biblical prayers for the nation. We are all called to be intercessors. These prayers can help us have an outward focus as we pray for God’s guidance, healing, and divine intervention in the world. I encourage…
-
Seeking God With All Your Heart: 11 Tips for Your Quiet Time
All too often, I set aside time to draw near to God but end up distracted. If seeking God with all your heart ever ends in distraction or frustration for you, I invite you to join me in my struggle, and I’ll share a simple tip that has changed the way I pursue God. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God. Seeking God With All Your Heart Come close to God and He will come close to you. James 4:8 The Canada thistle has emerged with lavender crowns huddled in the morning light. Admiring the…
