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The Parable of the Talents: Don’t Waste Your Gifts
Today, we’ll take a closer look at a parable that teaches us the importance of using our God-given gifts for his glory. After this Parable of the Talents summary, we’ll share practical applications as well. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you respond to God’s calling. Let’s begin with a summary of the Parable of the Talents. The Parable of the Talents Jesus shared this parable in Matthew 25:14-30. In the parable, a business owner went on a trip. He called his servants to look after his assets while he was away. One servant received five bags of silver. …
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15 Bible Verses for Depression and Discouragement
The snow was knee-deep when we awoke to another storm, flurries quickly escalating to whiteout conditions. The long, dark days of winter were taking their toll, and there was no end in sight. We all face long, discouraging seasons when we need God to lift our heads. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for depression and discouragement. I encourage you to soak in these words as you ask God to renew your mind and refresh your spirit. Before we begin, it’s also important to point out that God uses many different means to heal us. In addition to reading Scripture, praying, and seeking support from loved ones, pursuing help…
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10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life and Experience God’s Answers
Imagine how different our lives might be if we prayed with fervency, believing God would respond to our prayers. Today, we’ll explore 10 ways to improve your prayer life. We’ll look at biblical examples of prayer warriors and discuss the shift from praying out of obligation to praying with expectation. I’ll also share a personal example of praying with specificity and watching God break down barriers in a relationship. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God daily. 10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life The following insights are gleaned from God’s Word as well as…
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Spiritual Warfare in the Bible: Verses and Examples
We are all surrounded by a spiritual realm that usually goes unseen by human eyes, but this realm is just as real as the physical world we can see. Spiritual warfare refers to the ongoing battle between godly forces of good and satanic forces of evil in this realm. Today, we’ll explore a list of spiritual warfare Scriptures and look at examples of the spiritual warfare in the Bible. We don’t need to fear this spiritual realm. Those who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives have his authority over the spiritual forces of evil surrounding us. Let’s take a closer look at this reality together today.…
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12 Questions for God to Help You Walk With Him
At times, most of us have questions for God. We want to know why he permits suffering, and we seek him for purpose and direction. When I think of questions for God, the book of Habakkuk comes to mind. The book of Habakkuk is unique because it takes the form of a dialogue between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk asks questions. God answers. Most of us won’t hear God’s audible voice when we approach him with questions, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t turn to God with our questions. Today, we’ll explore 12 questions for God that can help us walk with him and live in alignment with him. First, let’s…
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Family Devotional Books: Free With Kindle Unlimited!
As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love. For a limited time, we’re offering all three of our family devotional books for free with the Kindle Unlimited plan. Kindle Unlimited enables you to download eBooks to your phone or tablet and read them for free! If you don’t have the plan, sign up for a free three-month trial, which will give…
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Trusting God in the Process of Stepping Into the Unknown
As I write these words today, I am moving into a new season of learning to trust God—all while watching for doors of opportunity to open wide. Trusting God when life feels secure and predictable is one thing; trusting God in the process of stepping into the unknown is much more complicated. Today, we’ll talk about trusting God in unknown situations. We’ll then explore a list of Bible verses to stand on when our trust falters. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow in trust. Trusting God in the Process Our youngest child recently joined his older…
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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. You’ll also find a library of free online devotionals to help you grow closer to God.…
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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…
