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Grow Closer to God: 15 Practical Ways to Deepen Your Relationship With Him
Shortly after daybreak, I step outside and let the warm summer rain wash over me. Being in nature always feels like an invitation to grow closer to God. The water streams down my brow in tiny rivulets, and I amble down the muddy road. The cacophony of water falling on the canopy overhead drowns out every other noise. The songbirds, insects, and tree frogs are all silent. Most likely, they are hidden away in their forest homes—hunkered down and waiting for the sun to emerge. I think of my family back at the cabin. They’re probably playing board games and eating pancakes. Like the animals, they’re waiting out the deluge.…
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15 Bible Verses for Travel: Anxiety, Safety, and Uncertainty
After 11 days on the road, we returned home to western Pennsylvania last week. All in all, the trip reminded me of how to thoroughly enjoy God and his gifts in every situation. I also pulled out my Bible as I reflected on God’s Word regarding travel. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for travel. At the end of today’s post, I’ll share some practical insights we can learn from traveling. You’ll also find a free devotional eBook that makes a great travel companion. 15 Bible Verses for Travel Let’s start by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses for Travel: Anxiety, Safety, and Joy 1. Proverbs 16:9 The heart…
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8 Ways to Resist the Devil and Live in Victory
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 “We need to be careful not to give the enemy too much credit,” a wise friend recently pointed out. “Satan does attack us, but we also face attacks simply because we live in a fallen world, and our flesh gravitates toward sin. ‘The devil made me do it,’ is not always a valid explanation.” I’ve been thinking of her words often. Satan prowls around the earth looking for people to devour. We also live in a fallen world in which imperfect people are constantly dealing with the sinful desires common to human nature. In…
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How to Make Thankfulness Your Sacrifice to God
“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God . . .” Psalm 50:14, NLT A million snowflakes fall effortlessly to the frozen earth, piling upon themselves in brilliance while I stand silently watching. My heart is heavy as I stand in this winter forest today—grieving so much change and loss over the past months. As the snow settles with an almost undiscernible hush, a verse comes to mind: “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God” (Psalm 50:14, NLT). A friend’s words reverberate in my heart at the same time, reminding me to give thanks even in the pain of this season. Sometimes, thankfulness is nothing short of a sacrifice—a gift offered with a…
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Persevere in Prayer: 10 Tips for a Consistent Prayer Life
“I know I need to persevere in prayer, but it’s hard when I don’t see any signs that God hears me,” a friend shared as we hiked through a grove of towering oaks. “I get that. It’s hard to keep praying when God seems silent,” I related. “I’ve had times of questioning whether God cared. It’s hard when he doesn’t seem to care about the things that are most important to us.” We spent the rest of our hike sorting through questions about God and faith. When we returned to our vehicles, we hadn’t solved any major problems or answered our most pressing questions, but we both felt assured that…
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Short Prayers for School: 8 Prayers for Your Kids
Our mornings typically begin with a familiar rhythm. There are commands about brushing teeth and making beds. We search for missing shoes and cross-country uniforms. Amid the chaos, I try to pray over our kids, but it doesn’t always happen. If you can relate, I’m sharing 8 short prayers for school today. Pick just one of these prayers to pray every day, and your kids will be blessed. Speak these prayers over your kids or invite them to pray as well. Short Prayers for School: 8 Prayers for Your Kids I originally wrote these Bible-based prayers at the start of a new school year, but now I pray them all…
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20 Bible Verses About Worship and Praise
God’s Word has a great deal to say about worship and praise. Today, we’ll explore 20 powerful Bible verses about worship and praise. Then, we’ll have an honest conversation about learning to exchange worry for worship. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you exchange worry for worship. 20 Bible Verses About Worship and Praise Let’s start with soaking in these Bible verses about worship. Bible Verses About Worship 1. Romans 12:1 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is…
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7 Prayers for Joy and Peace No Matter What You’re Facing
The morning opens wide over rolling grey hills splashed with vermillion. I walk slowly down the country road, thankful that my prayers for joy have been answered. I feel grateful and hope-filled as we look to the summer months ahead. Prayers for Joy and Peace Today, we’ll look at seven prayers for joy and peace. Whether you’re stepping into a hopeful summer season or a barren winter, may these prayers encourage you today. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s peace in all situations. Prayers for Joy and Peace in All Circumstances 1. Pray for joy that isn’t…
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10 Benefits of Seeking God: Promises From Scripture
The Bible promises that when we seek God, we will find him (Jeremiah 29:13). When we draw near to God, he draws near to us (James 4:8). Today, we’ll explore 10 benefits of seeking God as we explore God’s promises in Scripture. I invite you to soak in these truths and use them as inspiration in your journey of faith. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you seek God. 10 Benefits of Seeking God I walk the country roads because I’m searching for God beneath the sapphire skies. The rolling hills and muddied pastures offer space to listen to…
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6 Prayers for Loving Others Even When They’re Hard to Love
Years ago, God brought an acquaintance into my life who was hard to love. She often called me multiple times per day. She was easily offended and didn’t respect my boundaries. I felt called to continue loving her, but it wasn’t always easy. Today, we’ll explore six prayers for loving others, especially when loving doesn’t come easily. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God so that you can be his vessel of love in this world. 6 Prayers for Loving Others Over time, I realized I needed God’s love to pour through me if I was…
