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Judah and Joseph: Lessons From an Imperfect Family
No family is perfect. We all face disunity and dysfunction at times. Today, we’ll explore the interwoven story of two brothers, Judah and Joseph, as we consider the ways God uses imperfect families to accomplish his purposes on earth. We’ll begin by imagining what it might have been like to be among Joseph’s brothers when he was sold into slavery. Then, we’ll glean some practical lessons from the family, specifically exploring the dynamics between Judah and Jospeh. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God through the Old Testament. Let’s enter into the story as Joseph’s…
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Surrendering Control: Lessons From Laban and Jacob
It’s human tendency to try to control our circumstances. In some instances, this is healthy. Planning and preparing can help us achieve outcomes that glorify God. Nevertheless, there must be a balance between fulfilling our part and surrendering to God’s plans. Today, we’ll look at the story of Laban and Jacob in the Bible and consider the lessons we can learn from them. 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 today. Before we begin with the story of Laban and Jacob, I invite you into my living room, where a mentor shared…
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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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The God Who Sees Me: He Hasn’t Missed a Moment
One of my close friends frequently reminds me that God never misses a moment of my life. Her words bring me comfort when I feel uncertain and overlooked. The God who sees me is always with me, providing for me. Today, we’ll enter into the story of a woman who felt marginalized, a woman who fled from a difficult situation in desperation. Then, we’ll draw seven lessons from her story that can help us trust in El Roi, The God Who Sees. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find comfort in the presence of the God who sees…
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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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Abram and Lot: A Warning About Settling in Sodom
Last week, we reflected on seven modern-day lessons from the Tower of Babel. Today, we pick up around a century later, with the story of Abram and Lot. (God would eventually change Abram’s name to Abraham.) We can learn some applicable lessons from the lives of these two men. To understand this narrative, we need to recount a bit of the backstory first. Also, 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 today. The Story of Abram and Lot Abram grew up in a city called Ur of the Chaldeans, an important city…
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Lessons From the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is central in the story of Adam and Eve. When presented with two contrasting trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve made a choice that would affect every human being to follow. Today, we’ll take a fresh look at this familiar story and see how it impacts our lives. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free new devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your life today! Lessons From the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil “Where do…
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Old Testament Stories With Modern-Day Applications
“I’m not sure I’m going to make it through Leviticus,” my friend declared as we walked together through the local park. We’d both been reflectively reading through the Old Testament stories in Genesis and Exodus, but Leviticus posed a challenge. “I feel that,” I agreed. A few weeks earlier, we both started a Bible reading plan with the hope of reading through the Bible in a year. Bogged down by text we didn’t understand and rules about sacrifices and oxen, we were both having trouble applying the words to our lives. “Maybe we need a different plan. Instead of just reading the Bible, maybe we need to slow down and…
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The Old Testament Books in Order (and a New Blog Series)
Today, I’d like to welcome you to a new blog series. For the next 30 Fridays, we’ll be studying the Old Testament and learning how these narratives apply to our lives today. I’m beginning by sharing the Old Testament books in order as an overview. At the bottom of today’s post, you’ll also find my new free devotional eBook, Timeless: Apply the Old Testament to Your Life Today. This 30-day devotional explores key biblical narratives from the first six books of the Old Testament and includes practical, modern-day applications. We’ll begin today with a list of the Old Testament books in order, including brief descriptions. At the bottom of the…
