-
Nadab and Abihu: Strange Fire and Irreverent Worship
Leviticus is a book about holiness. The first seven chapters outline God’s instructions for sacrifices and offerings, teaching about the seriousness of sin. Then, the priests are ordained to begin their service in the tabernacle when the unthinkable happens: Nadab and Abihu, Aarons’ oldest sons, burn “strange fire” and are struck dead by God. Today, we’ll consider how the story of Nadab and Abihu relates to us. We’ll start by imagining we are among God’s people as the priests begin their work. Nadab and Abihu: Strange Fire and Irreverent Worship The golden thread glistened in the firelight, and the air was thick with incense and anticipation. Cleaned, robed, and anointed,…
-
25 Comforting Bible Verses About Death and Eternal Life
Years ago, I was walking through a local library with a friend when she grabbed onto my arm and blurted, “How can I know I’m going to heaven when I die?” Her uncle had just passed away, and she’d been thinking about life after death. Because we were in a library, we found a Bible on a nearby shelf, sat down, and studied it for Bible verses about death and eternal life. Maybe you have similar questions to the ones my friend was asking. Today, we’ll look at 25 Bible verses about death and eternal life as we consider what God says about the afterlife. Also, be sure to read…
-
Why Did God Give the 10 Commandments?
Today, we’re going to imagine ourselves within the scene of a historic day, the day God gave the 10 Commandments to his people. We’ll also aim to answer the question, Why did God give the 10 Commandments? Let’s begin by entering into God’s Word. Why Did God Give the 10 Commandments? As dawn breathed over the land, it appeared to be an ordinary day. The mountain was quiet, the sky clear. The people stood at the foot of the great mountain. Their clothes were freshly washed. They had purified themselves in anticipation of this day for three days. Despite the preparations, when the moment arrived, they felt entirely unprepared. The…
-
Prayer Points for Intimacy With God With Scriptures
The warm days of June have arrived with all their light and brilliance, and life is filled with potential, hope. No matter where this season finds you, God is pursuing you. He wants a close, loving relationship with you. Today we’ll explore ten prayer points for intimacy with God with Scriptures to guide us. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and develop a closer relationship with him. Prayer Points for Intimacy With God With Scriptures God’s greatest desire is a relationship with each of his children. For this reason, when we pray his Word…
-
Be Still and Trust: A Devotional Book for Deeper Peace in God
Most of us would gladly receive deeper peace in God as we go about our days, but it’s hard to know where to begin. I have a tool for us today: my newest book, a devotional book called Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest, and Renewal. These devotions are designed to help readers create space for stillness and rest with God as they navigate full schedules and busy lives. The book is on sale on Amazon today. Below, you’ll find a devotion from the book. I’m also offering a free seven-day eBook devotional with the first seven devotions from the book to get your started. May we…
-
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…
-
Be Still and Know That I Am God: 8 Tips
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NIV “Be still and know that I am God” My mornings by the window have changed. These days, our two cats crouch like sentinels as we marvel at the chickadees and house sparrows outside. I’ve been starting my days beside this window for at least a decade now. The cats joined our family just over a year ago, and their stillness is a daily reminder to quiet myself and be present with the dawn. Today, we’ll explore some practical ways to be still in God’s presence. What…
-
10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life and Experience God’s Answers
Imagine how different our lives might be if we prayed with fervency, believing God would respond to our prayers. Today, we’ll explore 10 ways to improve your prayer life. We’ll look at biblical examples of prayer warriors and discuss the shift from praying out of obligation to praying with expectation. I’ll also share a personal example of praying with specificity and watching God break down barriers in a relationship. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God daily. 10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life The following insights are gleaned from God’s Word as well as…
-
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…
-
How to Live for God: 10 Insights to Transform Your Life
The rhythm of the elliptical is like a cadence keeping time with my prayers. I pray while I exercise. Today I’m praying for single-minded focus to help me live for God in a world so full of distractions. I stare at a beautiful landscape background on my computer while a worship mix stirs my soul. I’m listening to Israel Houghton’s moving rendition of “To Worship You I Live” when a question startles me from my daze. How to Live for God I think of Paul’s words: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). The song prompts me to consider what I live…
