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How to Live for God: 10 Insights to Transform Your Life
The rhythm of the elliptical is like a cadence keeping time with my prayers. I pray while I exercise. Today I’m praying for single-minded focus to help me live for God in a world so full of distractions. I stare at a beautiful landscape background on my computer while a worship mix stirs my soul. I’m listening to Israel Houghton’s moving rendition of “To Worship You I Live” when a question startles me from my daze. How to Live for God I think of Paul’s words: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). The song prompts me to consider what I live…
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15 Bible Verses for Birthdays: Bless Your Loved Ones
Our daughter recently turned 15, and as she inches closer to adulthood, I’ve been speaking God’s Word over her life. No matter how old a person is turning, praying Scripture over them on their birthdays can be a rich blessing. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for birthdays. You might write these Scriptures inside a birthday card or pray them over your loved one. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for several family devotional books that make faith-building gifts for boys and girls on their special days. 15 Bible Verses for Birthdays Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word as we explore a…
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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…
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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…
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Encouraging Bible Passages for Hope and Courage
Winter writes a monochrome story in shades of gray. I gaze out the window feeling defeated by a handful of discouraging situations, ranging from disappointments in my career to physical injuries that impact my everyday rhythms. Pulling out my Bible, I decide to soak in God’s words as I seek encouraging Bible passages to speak into my circumstances. We all deal with defeat. Dreams don’t work out as we expected. Medical issues sideline us for weeks, months, or years. We lose loved ones for a myriad of reasons. During these times, it’s easy to lose hope. Meanwhile, God’s Word is an anchor. Scripture is a source of hope for the…
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Doubting God: 5 Ways to Work Through Your Doubts
Doubting God is part of living apart from him on a fallen earth. It’s not wrong to have doubts about our faith, but the way we react to our doubts is important. Today, we’ll discuss five ways to find truth when we doubt God. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in fresh and renewing ways. Doubting God: 5 Ways to Respond “Mom, I’ve been having trouble believing God,” our six-year-old son recently admitted to me as we lay on his bed one evening. He wants to be a pastor when he grows up, and…
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18 Bible Verses to Start the Day With God
When our youngest child was an infant, getting out of bed became more difficult than ever. After restless nights spent tending to him, I was rarely eager to start the day. During that time, I decided to speak the words of Psalm 118:24 first thing every morning. This simple practice helped me align myself with God in my exhaustion. Today, we’ll explore 18 Bible verses to start the day with our focus on Jesus. First, I invite you to join me as I recently returned to the practice of speaking Psalm 118:24 each morning. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to…
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20 Bible Verses About the Kingdom of God
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, his prayer included these words: “Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Many of us have memorized this prayer, but we fail to understand the Kingdom of God. Today, we’ll study this phrase and explore 20 Bible verses about the Kingdom of God. Bible Verses About the Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God is mentioned more than 80 times in the New Testament. Let’s look at 20 of these verses together today. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s Kingdom in your…
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Prayer Points for Today: Start Your Day With God
Winter stirs within me a longing. I long for the light. I long for the long days of summer, the sun still high in the sky as we tuck the little ones into bed. As I gaze out the window on this winter morning, I feel inspired to write a list of prayer points for today, reminders to begin all my days with God. 10 Prayer Points for Today I invite you to join me in praying through these prayer points for today. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you stay in step with God every day. Prayer…
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15 Bible Verses About New Beginnings for the New Year
The morning of winter solstice met us with a pellucid sky. I stared out the window and gathered my thoughts before pulling out my Bible in search of Bible verses about new beginnings. Something about the start of a new season leads me to step back and reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. At this time of year, I also start looking ahead to the New Year as I assess my goals and seek God for vision. I invite you to join me as we turn to God’s Word for 15 Bible verses about new beginnings for the New Year. I’ll also share a list of questions…
