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15 Bible Verses for Studying: Anxiety, Focus, and Success
The golden glow of my desk lamp illuminated the textbook in front of me. For good measure, a hazelnut candle flickered beside me, my attempt to usher peace into the late-night study session for my most difficult college final. I was a senior, about to graduate with my teaching degree, and this exam held the power to mar my unblemished GPA. The pressure to perform well is enough to challenge even the most focused and successful student. How do we press into peace in these situations? Whether you are trying to help your first-grader study for the weekly spelling test or trying to pass the MCAT, let these Bible verses…
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Moses and Jesus: Connecting the Old and New Testaments
Years ago, as I attempted to read through the Bible for the first time, I reached out to an older friend for help. Some of the Old Testament narratives were hard to read. My friend helped me see that the entire Bible points to our need for Jesus. Today, we’ll talk about the connections between Moses and Jesus as we study the Bible. We’ll look at the subtle ways Moses and Jesus are connected. We’ll also explore the ways Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament promises as he established a New Covenant with all God’s people. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
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15 Bible Verses for Teachers This School Year
During my years as a teacher, I kept a framed card with a Bible verse on my desk. It read, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, ESV). This verse encouraged me on tough days and reminded me to persevere. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for teachers. If you are a teacher, I invite you to soak in these truths. Let them remind you of why God called you to be a teacher and renew your mind. Maybe you’re not a teacher, but you want to encourage a teacher you care…
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15 Spiritual Warfare Scriptures for the Battles of Life
The atmosphere within our home had been tense for days. Everyone was touchy, and it felt like a dark cloud loomed over our family. On a clear winter morning, I opened my Bible and began speaking a list of spiritual warfare Scriptures over our family. Spiritual Warfare Scriptures for Victory Reminding myself that God’s Word is the only offensive weapon against Satan’s attacks, I spoke his Word and stood on his promises. Nothing startling happened; however, over the course of the next few days, peace returned. The experience was a reminder that the battles we face in our everyday lives are not merely battles against flesh and blood. There are…
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Balaam and Balak: Proximity Does Not Equal Faithfulness
The story of Balaam and Balak is found in Numbers 22-24. This unusual narrative teaches us many practical lessons that are still relevant in today’s culture. Today, we’ll recap the story of Balaam and Balak and draw some lessons for our lives. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you create space for connecting with God daily. Let’s begin with a quick review of the story of Balaam and Balak. Balaam and Balak As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, King Balak of Moab became frightened by them. Not wanting to confront them in battle, he sent…
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The Rebellion of Korah: Choosing Surrender Over Pride
The rebellion of Korah was a dramatic uprising against Moses. Led by Levites named Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders in the wilderness, these rebels challenged Moses’ leadership, a decision that would cost them everything. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this event and reflect on the messages is carries for us today. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and connect with him in deeper ways. Let’s enter into Numbers 16 and begin by imagining how it must have felt to experience the rebellion of Korah firsthand. The Rebellion of Korah The afternoon…
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Joshua and Caleb: When the Giants Look Bigger Than God
Thought the past several Fridays, we’ve been learning to look for signs of Jesus in the Old Testament. The story of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13-14) is one of the clearest places where the Old Testament points to Christ. Today, we’ll revisit the story of Joshua and Caleb as they explored the Promised Land with the spies. Then, we’ll look at how this narrative points to the gospel. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in deeper ways. Let’s start with a quick recap of the story of Joshua and Caleb. Joshua and Caleb: The Spies…
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Living in Expectation: 20 Bible Verses About Jesus Coming Back
When our oldest two kids were young enough to fit into a double stroller—before our third child came along—I took them for long stroller walks almost every day. Sometimes, our oldest child would look at the cloud formations and say, “Mom, when Jesus comes back, I think he’ll be riding on clouds that look these ones.” Today, we’ll look at 20 Bible verses about Jesus coming back as we aim to become more aware of this reality. I loved our daughter’s sense of expectancy. Her anticipation reminded me not to be lulled to complacency or so consumed by daily life that stopped expecting Jesus’ return. We are all susceptible to…
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For When You Need God’s Guidance: The Pillar of Cloud and Fire
“I wish God would make the way clear like he did with the pillar cloud of fire,” I said to a friend as we talked about finding God’s direction. “I’ve had the same thought,” she agreed. “But I’ve also realized he’s given us something better. The pillar of fire didn’t go away. It came to dwell within us.” “That’s a remarkable way of looking at it,” I reacted. When God’s people wandered in the wilderness on their journey to the Promised Land, God led them with a pillar cloud of fire. The fire guided them at night, and a cloud guided them by day. God’s guidance was unmistakable and straightforward. …
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The Aaronic Blessing and Jesus’ Fulfillment
The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) is one of the most tender moments in Scripture. God told the priests exactly what to speak over the people. Unlike the giving of the Law, the Aaronic blessing did not set boundaries; it revealed God’s heart. This blessing was more than a prayer. It was a promise. Ultimately, every line of the prayer found its fulfillment in Jesus. Today, we’ll examine the ways this blessing found its completion in Jesus. First, let’s look at the blessing. Before we begin, I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience greater peace in Christ.…
