-
15 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in the Lord
The tulip poplar leaves are just beginning to emerge like tiny hands waving at the cobalt sky. For six fleeting months, they will greet the dawn with their flapping waves as if they’re living to the full. As I gaze at them, they’re a reminder of how to rejoice in the Lord no matter what the season of life looks like. I pull out my Bible in search of refreshing Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Today, I’ll begin by sharing these Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Then, we’ll discuss practical ways to find joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s…
-
Managing Holiday Stress: 10 Insights for Peace
We walk to the hill where the fir and spruce trees mingle in a dozen shades of emerald. Within minutes, the youngest falls into the thorny branches of a hawthorn crabapple, and the oldest is tangled in a knot of burdock. What was supposed to be fun has become an exercise in managing holiday stress. I take a deep breath and remind myself that this moment doesn’t have to be perfect. Later in the day, after the tree is wired to the wall in the corner of the living room, I take some time to sort through the ways I plan to manage stress through this Christmas season. Perhaps these…
-
Finding Joy in the Lord: 9 Biblical Tips
I’m bent over an industrial meat slicer—not thinking a thing in the world about finding joy in the Lord—when a phrase comes to mind: “Why do we often have to lose what we have to appreciate it?” I’m 21 years old, and I’m far from my home in Pennsylvania. I’m working in a deli in the middle of Alaska, saving money for next year’s college expenses, and hiking every time I get a free hour. I love Alaska. The view of endless mountains intrigues me. I love to watch the fireweed dance beneath the midnight sun and sit by the river that flows grey with glacial silt. This place meets…
-
Honor God With Your Body: 12 Practical Ways
Have you ever wondered how to honor God with your body? Perhaps you’ve read Romans 12:1 and want to apply it to your life: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (NIV). Today, we’ll talk about how to honor God with your body by practicing 12 practical steps. I invite you to join me on a clear winter morning, and we’ll explore the idea of bringing God glory in all we do. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
-
15 Bible Verses About Fitness and Caring for Your Body
Caring for our bodies is important, but it’s not easy to find balance in this area. It’s easy to vacillate between neglecting our bodies and putting excessive energy into caring for them. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about fitness and health as we seek this balance. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you honor God with your body. 15 Bible Verses About Fitness and Health “I’ve been struggling with taking the time to exercise and keeping up with the rest of my life,” a friend recently admitted. “I know I honor God when I care for…
-
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…
-
10 Bible Verses About Enjoying Life and Embracing Your Journey
“God’s gifts are woven into every journey,” a friend once reminded me. “Embracing your journey happens when you learn to see the gifts, especially the ones hidden beneath challenges.” Today, we’ll talk about how to embrace our journeys. Then, we’ll explore ten Bible verses about enjoying life more fully. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace your journey. I invite you to join me in a place that often inspires my writing—the tiny cabin where our family escapes for long weekends surrounded by rolling hills, beech trees, and open skies—and we’ll talk about learning to embrace our moments.…
-
Sowing Spiritual Seeds: 8 Truths for When You Doubt Your Calling
When I became a teacher, I remember looking around and thinking, The needs are so great, and I’m only one person. What difference can I possibly make? The idea of sowing spiritual seeds for God’s glory felt like a long shot. I was just trying to survive. Two decades later, I’m no longer teaching in a public school. But I often look at the world’s condition and have similar sentiments. The needs are so great. I feel so small. What impact could I possibly make? Maybe you’ve experienced similar thoughts. Sowing Spiritual Seeds When You Feel Insignificant Not long ago, I read the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. The…
-
How to Cultivate Contentment When You’re Tempted to Grumble
A grey sky hovered over the mountains as we climbed out of the valley. Cloaked in wildflowers and the viridescent glow of summer growth, the hillsides held us in welcoming arms. The scene felt like a gentle invitation to cultivate contentment and peace. As we traveled up the mountainside, the tender growth of flora was gradually replaced by tall stands of conifers—lodgepole and jack pine surrounding us like protective guardians. We spotted elk grazing in meadows and moose meandering through willows. The shift came slowly at first. The trees began to thin and give way to more expansive meadows. Before long, the scant trees all clung to the mountainside below…
-
15 Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation
Do you feel defeated as you continue to stumble into the same sinful habit repeatedly? Maybe you feel like you’ll never find victory in this area of your life. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore 15 Bible verses about resisting temptation. We’ll also discuss how to overcome sinful habits for good. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s power and presence in your life 15 Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation Here are some empowering Scriptures to help you resist temptation. Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation 1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has…
