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10 Life-Changing Bible Verses About Being Transformed
For years, I kept a photo of a monarch butterfly on my mirror. Beneath the photo, the following words offered a daily reminder: “You are a new creation in Christ.” These words, from 2 Corinthians 5:17, make up one of many life-altering Bible verses about being transformed. A friend gave me the photo shortly after I decided to follow Jesus. It was a reminder that my old life was behind me. Every time I looked at the card, I reminded myself that I was a new creation in Christ, and the sins of my past were washed away by the blood of Christ. More than a decade later, I became…
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How to Surrender to God: 8 Ways
The room is silent, except for the ticking of the black clock on the wall, and I await the roaring engine of the school bus. My calling feels humble, quiet, and hidden in this season, and I’m wondering just how to surrender to God in these hard days of mothering little ones. Opening my Bible in search of encouragement, I find Jesus talking to a wealthy young man. Jesus says to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). As I often do when I read, I imagine…
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Circumcision of the Heart: 10 Ways to Be Transformed
Deuteronomy 10:16 reads, “So circumcise your heart, and do not stiffen your neck any longer” (NASB). Circumcision of the heart is a repeated theme throughout Scripture. Today, we’ll explore its meaning and look at 10 ways to surrender to God for this transformation. Defining Circumcision of the Heart Circumcision of the heart is a metaphor for the removal of pride, disobedience, and spiritual resistance. It is an act that can only happen through the work of the Holy Spirit and includes repentance, humility, and faith. Rather than ritual obedience, devotion is motivated by sincere love for God. In the New Testament, this circumcision of the heart is linked to the…
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Biblical Self-Examination: Questions for Growth
Thomas Chalmers, a Scottish pastor in the 19th century, compared self-examination to searching in a dark room. We cannot see what is in the darkness until we open the curtains and let the light in. Biblical self-examination is the process of letting the light of God’s Truth guide our reflections. We cannot see ourselves accurately by focusing solely on ourselves. Chaos and confusion abound within. We can only see ourselves as we are in the light of God’s Word. With this in mind, today we’ll discuss the concept of biblical self-examination as we explore questions for growth. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free…
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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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How to Stay Focused on God: 8 Tips
As our family adjusts to a new season, I’ve been feeling pulled in dozens of different directions. By the grace of God, all three kids are participating in the same sport, cross-country, but we still feel stretched. I’ve been considering how to stay focused on God amid the noise and activity of this season. A conversation with our six-year-old, Aiden, recently came to mind. As I’ve reflected on his words, they’ve prompted me to come up with practical ways to keep my focus on Christ. I pray these insights bless you. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help…
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15 Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth (With Applications)
I once asked a friend how to discern spiritual growth. She said, “Are you more loving than you were a year ago? If so, you are growing.” I took her words to heart. After she left, I began searching for Bible verses about spiritual growth. Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth I found the following 15 Bible verses about spiritual growth. I pray these verses bless you as you apply them to your life Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you find victory in Christ as well as a library of free devotionals and eBooks for every season of…
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Trusting God With Your Wounds: Bible Verses for Inner Healing
Evening casts a hushed shadow over the valley, and I pause to listen to the chimelike song of a red-eyed vireo. Our family has slipped away for a weekend in the woods, and everything about this weekend feels like an invitation to a deeper level of inner healing. Pulling out my Bible, I make a list of Bible verses for inner healing. In the silence of the woods, I let the words wash over me and begin the process of healing me on a deeper level. Today, I’ll share these Bible verses for inner healing. Then, we’ll talk about how to seek God for emotional and spiritual healing. Be sure…
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10 Spiritual Reflection Questions for Growth and Renewal
Every three months, I set aside time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. I use this time to rewrite my goals and ask God to give me a vision for the upcoming season. Today, I’m sharing the spiritual reflection questions I use during these times. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you spend time in spiritual reflection with God. Space for Asking Spiritual Reflection Questions Four times each year—at set dates—I take time to step back and reflect on life. I’ve been doing this since I was 17. As a teenager, these seasonal dates reflected…
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God Knows Your Pain and Cares About Your Suffering
Several years ago, our family endured a painful series of events. I felt alone and forgotten by God when a friend gently said, “God knows your pain, and he hasn’t left your side.” Her words carried me through that dark season. Join me as I stroll down our country road, reflect on my journey, and explore God’s purpose for pain and suffering. God Knows Your Pain The forest shivers as the first signs of a cold front exhales over the rolling fields surrounding me. Above, a ragged edge of cirrus clouds warns us of what’s to come. We’re in the thick of winter in this part of the world. I…
