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10 Spiritual Reflection Questions for Growth and Renewal
Every three months, I set aside time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. I use this time to rewrite my goals and ask God to give me a vision for the upcoming season. Today, I’m sharing the spiritual reflection questions I use during these times. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you spend time in spiritual reflection with God. Space for Asking Spiritual Reflection Questions Four times each year—at set dates—I take time to step back and reflect on life. I’ve been doing this since I was 17. As a teenager, these seasonal dates reflected…
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15 Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times
The way the mittenlike leaf of the poplar unfurls from its tiny burgundy bud is an astonishing mystery to me. In these moments of wonder, the rhythms of the natural world offer encouragement about the importance of perseverance. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about not giving up in adversity. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you persevere through life’s difficult seasons. Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times As the old poplar tree reminds me, when we stand strong in the face of challenges (including long winters, spiritually dry spells, and seasons of feeling defeated),…
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10 Reasons to Trust God in Uncertain Times
Spring rain serenades us through the open window—singing a sweeter song than the frozen whisper of the winter we just endured. Looking back at what we’ve learned over the past few months, I’m reminded that God is just as trustworthy in the dark winters as in the hope-filled springtimes. Today, I’m sharing 10 reasons to trust God, including some lessons gleaned from our darkest winters. 10 Reasons to Trust God Maybe you need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in your own dark season. If so, I invite you to slowly read through these biblical reasons why God is worthy of your trust. Be sure to read to the end…
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5 Gifts Found in the Valley of Weeping
Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with blessings. Psalm 84:6 AMP The Gifts We Find in the Valley of Weeping A chorus of birdsong ascends out the window, almost as if encouraging us to hope again—reminding us that seasons change, and a master Creator has ordered the ebb and flow of the world he holds in his hand. As I sit at the window and greet the day, I thank God for the gift of springtime sunshine and the shift away from the long, dark winter months. Opening my Bible, the words of Psalm 84 capture…
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What Happens When We Pray: 8 Benefits of Heartfelt Prayer
Twilight finds me in a stand of hardwoods, and I watch the canopy flourish in the evening’s marigold glow. I’ve come to the woods to talk to God. As I sit beneath a towering oak, I remind myself of what happens when we pray. What Happens When We Pray I spent the first part of my life believing that prayer was a way of getting God to do things for me. As I grew in my spiritual life, I learned that prayer is about cultivating a relationship more than making requests. Perhaps you need this reminder today as well. Let’s take a closer look at what actually happens when we…
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7 Kingdom Prayers for Our Nation and the World
A few years ago, a friend challenged me to change how I prayed. She shared her journey of learning to pray kingdom prayers in addition to praying for her personal needs. This way of praying has radically shifted my focus. The need for God’s people to rise in a global prayer movement has seldom been more apparent. Today, I’m sharing seven kingdom prayers to pray over our nation and our spheres of influence. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free eBook to guide you in seven days of praying for our world. 7 Kingdom Prayers for the World Matthew 6:10 reads: “Thy kingdom come…
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15 Bible Verses About Hospitality: Plus Creative Ideas
Most people think of hosting guests for meals or overnight visits when they hear the word hospitality. Yet hospitality is much more than opening our homes. We can offer hospitality anywhere by opening our hearts to others. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses about hospitality. Then, we’ll explore eight creative and low-key ways to extend the gift of hospitality. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you carry God’s love wherever you go. Let’s start with seeing what God’s Word says about hospitality. 15 Bible Verses About Hospitality Here are 15 Bible verses about being hospitable. Bible Verses About…
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10 Bible Verses About Enjoying Life and Embracing Your Journey
“God’s gifts are woven into every journey,” a friend once reminded me. “Embracing your journey happens when you learn to see the gifts, especially the ones hidden beneath challenges.” Today, we’ll talk about how to embrace our journeys. Then, we’ll explore ten Bible verses about enjoying life more fully. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace your journey. I invite you to join me in a place that often inspires my writing—the tiny cabin where our family escapes for long weekends surrounded by rolling hills, beech trees, and open skies—and we’ll talk about learning to embrace our moments.…
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15 Bible Verses About Habits and Healthy Rhythms
Our habits are important. They form the rhythms of our lives and guide our days. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about habits and consider how we might align ourselves with God as we seek healthy habits. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you start a habit of meeting with God daily. Bible Verses About Habits and Healthy Rhythms Let’s see what God’s Word says about habits and routines that will lead us closer to the Lord. 15 Bible Verses About Habits and Daily Rhythms 1. 1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV Or do you not know that your body is…
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Sowing Spiritual Seeds: 8 Truths for When You Doubt Your Calling
When I became a teacher, I remember looking around and thinking, The needs are so great, and I’m only one person. What difference can I possibly make? The idea of sowing spiritual seeds for God’s glory felt like a long shot. I was just trying to survive. Two decades later, I’m no longer teaching in a public school. But I often look at the world’s condition and have similar sentiments. The needs are so great. I feel so small. What impact could I possibly make? Maybe you’ve experienced similar thoughts. Sowing Spiritual Seeds When You Feel Insignificant Not long ago, I read the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. The…
