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How Does Satan Tempt Us? A Biblical Perspective on Temptation
True obedience is revealed when we are presented with opportunities to disobey. How does Satan tempt us? The Bible reveals three primary areas in which we are all tempted. Today, we’ll discuss these areas of temptation and explore Scripture to help us stand strong when we are tempted. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you resist the enemy’s attacks. How Does Satan Tempt Us? In Scripture, we see three common areas of temptation: physical desires, possessions, and pride. These are the three ways Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness using these…
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15 Bible Verses About Living Life With Purpose
Poet Lucy Shaw wrote that grass has no memory. I think of her words as I gaze out the window, last week’s snow holding memories of children making snow angels and pulling sleds through the yard. Embrace these days, I tell myself as I open my Bible in search of Bible verses about living life with purpose. Perhaps you want to know what the Bible says about purpose, too. I invite you to soak in the words below. God has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is not as complicated as it might seem. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for…
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Christmas Sadness: 5 Insights for Hope and Comfort
Snow falls heavily, and I’m alone with only my thoughts and the whisper of flakes falling in the forest. As I sit beneath the hemlocks, I’m reminded of a season years ago when Christmas sadness threatened to consume me. Everyone in the world seemed to be celebrating while I felt dismal and alone. It can be challenging to know where to turn when Christmas is hard instead of celebratory. Navigating Christmas Sadness Our difficult Christmas came after a year filled with illness, disappointment, and deep grief. We’d just watched a lifelong dream fall apart, and we weren’t sure where to turn next. We were grieving, and we were having a…
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Unlikely Heroes of the Bible: God Uses Imperfect People
I recently met a younger friend for coffee, and we caught up on the past few months. Since I’d last seen her, she’d surrendered her life to Christ, and the transformation was beautiful. She was also having trouble forgiving herself for the decisions she made when she wasn’t walking with Christ. As I reflected on the conversation, I was reminded of the many unlikely heroes of the Bible. These people didn’t appear to be qualified to lead others. But God doesn’t choose those who are wise and strong according to worldly standards. He chooses the weak. He chooses sinful people who know they need a Savior and are willing to…
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8 Prayers for Strength and Patience in Difficult Times
I marvel at the almost-winter moon, a silvery second-light casting soft shadows on the wall. I’m restless tonight, unable to sleep, and I take the advice of a friend, using these quiet hours to seek God. On this night, I mostly pray prayers for strength and patience as we press into the long, winter months to come. Prayers for Strength and Patience At various times in our lives, we all need to pursue God for strength while we push through difficult times. If this resonates with you, here are some prayers for strength and patience. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free Advent…
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15 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in the Lord
The tulip poplar leaves are just beginning to emerge like tiny hands waving at the cobalt sky. As I gaze at them, they’re a reminder of how to find joy no matter what the season of life looks like. In the quiet moments of a new day, I pull out my Bible in search of Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Today, I’ll begin by sharing these truths. Then, we’ll discuss practical ways to find joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you find victory in Christ as well as a library of free…
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Managing Holiday Stress: 10 Insights for Peace
We walk to the hill where the fir and spruce trees mingle in a dozen shades of emerald. Within minutes, the youngest falls into the thorny branches of a hawthorn crabapple, and the oldest is tangled in a knot of burdock. What was supposed to be fun has become an exercise in managing holiday stress. I take a deep breath and remind myself that this moment doesn’t have to be perfect. Later in the day, after the tree is wired to the wall in the corner of the living room, I take some time to sort through the ways I plan to manage stress through this Christmas season. Perhaps these…
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A Free Advent Devotional for Less Stress and Deeper Peace
Two years ago, I released an Advent devotional aimed at helping others slow down and experience deeper peace throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. This year, for a limited time, I’m offering this eBook for free. Below, you’ll find an excerpt from the devotional. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for your free Advent devotional! Still My Soul: A Free Advent Devotional for Deeper Peace I sit with the dawn and let my thoughts gather. The grey morning light washes away the night, and the thin air is embroidered with a crimson cardinal’s song. My mind is scattered, and I feel like I’ve been stretched…
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20 Bible Verses About Friendship: How to Love Well
“You find good friends by being a good friend,” I recently reminded our son as he shared his hopes about finding a best friend at school. He asked how to be a good friend, and we turned to God’s Word, where I shared several Bible verses about friendship. Later, I reflected on these verses and was encouraged to be a better friend to the people God has placed within my sphere of influence. Scripture has a great deal to say about being a good friend and finding friends. Today, we’ll look at 20 Bible verses about friendship as we seek friends and aim to be good friends to others. Also,…
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15 Bible Verses About God’s Mercy in Difficult Times
Autmn loses itself to the darkness one long evening at a time. Now, more than ever, we need the reminder that God’s mercies are new every morning, that he will carry us through the long, dark months ahead. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about God’s mercy. I encourage you to soak in these words when you feel alone and discouraged. God is merciful when we fail. He pursues us with goodness and mercy all our lives. These are the gifts he carries in his hands, waiting for us to reach out and receive them. Let’s turn to God’s Word as we consider his mercy toward us. I also invite…
