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15 Bible Verses for School: Confidence, Trust, and Courage
“I’m sad summer is over. Can you read me some Bible verses for school tomorrow?” our seven-year-old asked as we opened his storybook Bible to read before bed. It was the eve of the first day of school, and first grade felt daunting. He was flooded with a mix of emotions: sadness that summer was ending, excitement about seeing his friends, and uncertainty about what the year would hold. I’d already talked with his teenage sister and pre-teen brother about their feelings, and it seemed everyone had the same apprehensions. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is a helpful way to navigate any new situation, and this extends to school. …
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God Uses the Unqualified: 7 Reasons Why God Chooses the Weak
I recently met with a friend who has been telling a relative about Jesus. Her family member doesn’t know much about God and has been grappling with the message of the gospel. My friend shared how unqualified she feels to be teaching anyone about Jesus. I gently reminded her that God uses the unqualified to fulfill his purpose. God Uses the Unqualified It has been said that God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called. Scripture reinforces this truth. Today, we’ll explore Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church as we discuss seven reasons why God uses the unqualified and weak for his purposes. Be sure to read to…
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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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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…
