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.
-
Hearing From God: 7 Keys to Discerning God’s Voice
A few weeks ago, I met with a younger friend who was trying to decide what to do after graduating from college. “Why is hearing from God so hard?” she asked in frustration. “I’m so confused. At times, I sense that God is giving me signs about what to do next, but the next day, I wonder if maybe it’s actually the devil trying to confuse me. How can I be so messed up that I can’t tell if it’s the devil or God speaking to me?” My heart went out to my friend because I’ve been in her place. It can be hard to tell whether we’re hearing from God,…
-
Abram and Lot: A Warning About Settling in Sodom
Last week, we reflected on seven modern-day lessons from the Tower of Babel. Today, we pick up around a century later, with the story of Abram and Lot. (God would eventually change Abram’s name to Abraham.) We can learn some applicable lessons from the lives of these two men. To understand this narrative, we need to recount a bit of the backstory first. Also, 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. The Story of Abram and Lot Abram grew up in a city called Ur of the Chaldeans, an important city…
-
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight: Trusting God in the Unknown
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV Walk by Faith, Not by Sight We recently celebrated Jesus’ resurrection. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and showed them the nail marks in his hands and the wound in his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they realized Jesus had come back to life. Meanwhile, one disciple, Thomas, was not present with his friends when Jesus revealed his resurrected body. Thomas told the other disciples that he would not believe that Jesus had been resurrected unless he touched the nail marks in his hands and put his hand into Jesus’ side. After revealing…
-
8 Bible Verses for New Seasons and Fresh Starts
Today we turned the calendar to a new month. With hopes that the dark, cold days of winter are truly behind us, we look ahead with expectation. The daffodils are fighting their way through the earth, and the sun lingers longer overhead. Whether you’re facing a new calendar season or a new season in life, let’s spend some time reflecting on eight Bible verses for new seasons today. Bible Verses for New Seasons I invite you to soak in the following truths as you look to the Lord to lead you into the new season ahead. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
-
7 Life-Changing Lessons From Noah’s Ark
Today, we’ll revisit the familiar story of Noah’s Ark and see how this biblical narrative applies to our lives. Let’s begin by placing ourselves within the context of these events as we glean practical lessons from the story. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God as you spend time in his Word. Lessons From Noah’s Ark The week had been unusually busy. First, the baby came down with a fever. Then, the illness spread to the older children. A weary haze settled over her as she cares for them throughout the days and nights. Meanwhile,…
-
8 Easter Prayer Points With Scriptures to Guide You
The scent of spring has settled over the valley, the whole earth singing a song of resurrection. It seems fitting as we prepare to celebrate a different resurrection. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore eight Easter prayer points with Scriptures to guide our prayers. 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 Easter and beyond. 8 Easter Prayer Points With Scriptures Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ and the work he accomplished on the cross. At the cross, God demonstrated his love for us by sending his Son to…
-
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…
