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7 Lessons From the Life of Sarah in the Bible
We’ve been studying the Old Testament on Fridays for several weeks. Last week, we reflected on the story of Abram and Lot. Today, we’ll take some time to consider some applicable lessons from the life of Sarah in the Bible. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your life. Lessons From the Life of Sarah in the Bible Sarah is known as the wife of Abraham, and these two were originally known as Sarai and Abram before God made a covenant with them and changed their names. In Genesis 15:5, God made a covenant…
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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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Walk by Faith, Not by Sight: Trusting God in the Unknown
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV Walk by Faith, Not by Sight We recently celebrated Jesus’ resurrection. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and showed them the nail marks in his hands and the wound in his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they realized Jesus had come back to life. Meanwhile, one disciple, Thomas, was not present with his friends when Jesus revealed his resurrected body. Thomas told the other disciples that he would not believe that Jesus had been resurrected unless he touched the nail marks in his hands and put his hand into Jesus’ side. After revealing…
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God Is Love: Making Sense of Suffering
“I know God is love. I know he can only be good. But everything about this situation feels unkind,” I admitted to a friend. “All of this is true,” she responded. “God is love. He is always good, only good. And this situation feels unkind.” I was dealing with a debilitating medical issue that struck at what felt like the worst possible time. As much as I wanted to trust God to sustain and equip me, it felt like he’d pulled the rug out from under my feet. As I walked through the situation, the following words repeatedly came to mind: “Everything God permits in your life is his vessel…
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8 Easter Prayer Points With Scriptures to Guide You
The scent of spring has settled over the valley, the whole earth singing a song of resurrection. It seems fitting as we prepare to celebrate a different resurrection. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore eight Easter prayer points with Scriptures to guide our prayers. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in replenishing ways this Easter and beyond. 8 Easter Prayer Points With Scriptures Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ and the work he accomplished on the cross. At the cross, God demonstrated his love for us by sending his Son to…
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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. 15 Bible Verses for Birthdays Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word as we explore a…
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18 Bible Verses to Start the Day With God
When our youngest child was an infant, getting out of bed became more difficult than ever. After restless nights spent tending to him, I was rarely eager to start the day. During that time, I decided to speak the words of Psalm 118:24 first thing every morning. This simple practice helped me align myself with God in my exhaustion. Today, we’ll explore 18 Bible verses to start the day with our focus on Jesus. First, I invite you to join me as I recently returned to the practice of speaking Psalm 118:24 each morning. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to…
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15 Bible Verses About God’s Mercy in Difficult Times
Autmn loses itself to the darkness one long evening at a time. Now, more than ever, we need the reminder that God’s mercies are new every morning, that he will carry us through the long, dark months ahead. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about God’s mercy. I encourage you to soak in these words when you feel alone and discouraged. God is merciful when we fail. He pursues us with goodness and mercy all our lives. These are the gifts he carries in his hands, waiting for us to reach out and receive them. Let’s turn to God’s Word as we consider his mercy toward us. I also invite…
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15 Healing Scriptures for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
The season’s first skiff of snow greeted us with the dawn this morning, and I thought of the places we’ve been and the things that have changed since we last woke to a wintry morning. I pulled out my Bible in search of healing Scriptures to carry us into the new season. Recently, a friend remarked that everything God permits in our lives is part of his plan to heal us. I’ve been thinking about these words for days. Every relational struggle, health crisis, financial setback, and difficult situation exists to heal us. And the ultimate “healing” is that we will emerge looking more like Jesus. As we reflect on…
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Has God Abandoned Me? 7 Promises for Your Hurting Heart
I awaken to the sound of wind rattling the windowpanes. Rain beats against the house like an intruder attempting to break through the walls, and I pray the old windowpanes can keep it at bay. When the storms of life rage, it’s easy to look to the ominous sky and ask, “Has God abandoned me to weather this storm all alone?” Has God Abandoned Me? Perhaps you know how it feels to cry out to God in your storm and find only silence. Maybe you’ve been looking heavenward and wondering why God seems to have left you to navigate your storm without his help. I’ve faced plenty of battles, but…
