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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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Called to Follow: 15 Bible Verses About Following Jesus
Today, we’ll begin by entering into the story of an unexpected man who was called to follow Jesus. His story is a reminder that Jesus calls people from every walk of life to follow him, even those we would not expect. Then, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about following Jesus in our lives as well. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to encourage you as you follow Christ. Bible Verses About Following Jesus Before we read these Scriptures, let’s enter into God’s Word as we read about the call of an unexpected follower. The Call to Follow Jesus A…
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8 Faith-Building Lessons From Rebekah in the Bible
God is always guiding his children, even as we go about the everyday work of our lives. The story of Rebekah in the Bible is a helpful example of the way God blesses our everyday faithfulness. Today, we’ll explore eight practical lessons from Rebekah as we consider her example. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you remain faithful as you follow God. Lessons From Rebekah in the Bible After the death of his wife, Sarah, Abraham realized he was nearing the end of his life as well. Eager to find a wife (who was not a Canaanite) for his…
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Hearing From God: 7 Keys to Discerning God’s Voice
A few weeks ago, I met with a younger friend who was trying to decide what to do after graduating from college. “Why is hearing from God so hard?” she asked in frustration. “I’m so confused. At times, I sense that God is giving me signs about what to do next, but the next day, I wonder if maybe it’s actually the devil trying to confuse me. How can I be so messed up that I can’t tell if it’s the devil or God speaking to me?” My heart went out to my friend because I’ve been in her place. It can be hard to tell whether we’re hearing from God,…
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Nothing Is Too Hard for God: Trusting the God of the Impossible
“Nothing is too hard for God. You can trust him with this,” a friend offered as we walked in the fading evening light. I wanted to believe her, but the assignment in front of me felt impossible, even for God. I’ll share the details about this situation shortly. First, let’s turn to God’s Word as we consider the promise that nothing is too hard for God. Nothing Is too Hard for God My friend’s words were from the promise found in Jeremiah 32:27, which reads, ““I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (NIV). We see this principle of God’s power over all…
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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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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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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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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…
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15 Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
We all face times when stepping out in faith elicits uncertainty and even fear. During these times, we can anchor ourselves to God’s Word, standing on the promises of Scripture. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about stepping out in faith. I’ll also share some practical ways to keep your eyes on God as you take the first step. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith Here are God’s words about…
