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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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What Does the Book of Proverbs Say about Hospitality? 12 Verses to Guide Our Hospitality with Wisdom
Today, I’m excited to share a guest post from my friend Desiree Talbert. Desiree will be unpacking a list of insights from Proverbs on hospitality. These words blessed and challenged me, and I pray they will bless you richly as well! Rethinking Biblical Hospitality When we think about biblical hospitality, we often picture meals shared with friends and neighbors, homes full of welcome, and caring for those in need. We can see commands for hospitality in the Bible, stories that show the importance of hospitality in the Old Testament, and the teachings of the New Testament for how Christians ought to care for others. What Does Proverbs Say about Hospitality?…
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12 Questions for God to Help You Walk With Him
At times, most of us have questions for God. We want to know why he permits suffering, and we seek him for purpose and direction. When I think of questions for God, the book of Habakkuk comes to mind. The book of Habakkuk is unique because it takes the form of a dialogue between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk asks questions. God answers. Most of us won’t hear God’s audible voice when we approach him with questions, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t turn to God with our questions. Today, we’ll explore 12 questions for God that can help us walk with him and live in alignment with him. First, let’s…
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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 for Athletes Who Want to Glorify God
God calls us to give our best effort in everything we do, and sports can teach us about character and hard work. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses for athletes who want to glorify God. As a life-long athlete, I have memorized many of these verses and spoken them over my athletic endeavors. Now that I am also a coach, I believe these truths can help other athletes by teaching them important lessons about life. If you are an athlete, I encourage you to read these Scriptures often and commit them to memory. God wants you to glorify him in all you do, and this includes giving your best effort…
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15 Bible Verses About Living Life With Purpose
Poet Lucy Shaw wrote that grass has no memory. I think of her words as I gaze out the window, last week’s snow holding memories of children making snow angels and pulling sleds through the yard. Embrace these days, I tell myself as I open my Bible in search of Bible verses about living life with purpose. Perhaps you want to know what the Bible says about purpose, too. I invite you to soak in the words below. God has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is not as complicated as it might seem. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for…
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Unlikely Heroes of the Bible: God Uses Imperfect People
I recently met a younger friend for coffee, and we caught up on the past few months. Since I’d last seen her, she’d surrendered her life to Christ, and the transformation was beautiful. She was also having trouble forgiving herself for the decisions she made when she wasn’t walking with Christ. As I reflected on the conversation, I was reminded of the many unlikely heroes of the Bible. These people didn’t appear to be qualified to lead others. But God doesn’t choose those who are wise and strong according to worldly standards. He chooses the weak. He chooses sinful people who know they need a Savior and are willing to…
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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. As I gaze at them, they’re a reminder of how to find joy no matter what the season of life looks like. In the quiet moments of a new day, I pull out my Bible in search of Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Today, I’ll begin by sharing these truths. Then, we’ll discuss practical ways to find joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free online devotional to help you enjoy God’s presence. 15 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in the Lord Let’s…
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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…
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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…
