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.
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Jethro in the Bible: Wise Counsel From Unexpected Places
Jethro is best known as Moses’ father-in-law, a Midianite priest who offered wise counsel and recognized the power of God. Today, we’ll look at the life of Jethro in the Bible and consider some practical lessons we can learn from him. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow closer to God. Jethro in the Bible: Wise Counsel From Outside the Inner Circle Before we consider the lessons we can learn from Jethro, let’s make sure we grasp the backstory. Moses had fled from Egypt to Midian after murdering an Egyptian. He became a shepherd in Midian and married…
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How to Find Spiritual Friends Who Will Carry Your Burdens
Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence. Proverbs 27:9, TPT Sweet Friendships Refresh the Soul I once owned an inflatable two-person river raft and regularly convinced my adventurous friends to join me as I rafted down the Allegheny River. I enjoyed rafting by myself, but it was more fun floating with a friend. Having someone with me also provided safety for the journey. At certain points on the river, we had to climb out of the raft to avoid fallen trees and large boulders in the water. Having someone to…
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How to Experience Freedom in Christ: 15 Bible Verses About Freedom in Christ
Throughout the past months, I’ve been on a journey of experiencing God’s healing in deep, soul-shaping ways. I’ve dealt with debilitating physical setbacks that have drastically changed my lifestyle. Meanwhile, God has been working in my heart. Through my physical suffering, I’ve learned more about true spiritual freedom in Christ. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about freedom and Christ and apply these Scriptures to our lives. Freedom in Christ is a liberation from the power of sin through the Holy Spirit. Everything God permits in our lives is meant to be a vessel of healing. Every challenge is meant to lead us to God in dependence, healing our souls…
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Be Still and Trust: A Devotional Book for Deeper Peace in God
Most of us would gladly receive deeper peace in God as we go about our days, but it’s hard to know where to begin. I have a tool for us today: my newest book, a devotional book called Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest, and Renewal. These devotions are designed to help readers create space for stillness and rest with God as they navigate full schedules and busy lives. The book is on sale on Amazon today. Below, you’ll find a devotion from the book. I’m also offering a free seven-day eBook devotional with the first seven devotions from the book to get your started. May we…
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Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest, and Renewal
I’m excited to share that we are just over a week away from the release of my newest book, a devotional book called Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest and Renewal. These devotions are designed to help readers create space for stillness and rest with God as they navigate full schedules and busy lives. Today, I’m sharing the introduction from the devotional and invite you to return next week to learn more and buy the book! Be Still and Trust I recently walked outside in the warm summer sunshine and did something I haven’t done in far too long. I collapsed onto the damp earth and watched…
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8 Faith-Building Lessons From Rebekah in the Bible
God is always guiding his children, even as we go about the everyday work of our lives. The story of Rebekah in the Bible is a helpful example of the way God blesses our everyday faithfulness. Today, we’ll explore eight practical lessons from Rebekah as we consider her example. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you remain faithful as you follow God. Lessons From Rebekah in the Bible After the death of his wife, Sarah, Abraham realized he was nearing the end of his life as well. Eager to find a wife (who was not a Canaanite) for his…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
