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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 establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. 15 Bible Verses About Spiritual…
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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…
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A Free 2025 New Year Devotional to Help You Connect With God
Do you want to start 2025 by renewing your commitment to spend time with God? Today, I have a free 2025 New Year devotional for you. Mornings With Jesus will help you connect with Jesus every morning for the next 31 days! I originally wrote this devotional several years ago, but I have updated it once again. If you are looking for a devotional to help you start the new year with God, this is a powerful tool to lead you into his presence. Why I Wrote This 2025 New Year Devotional I spent years reading my Bible and practicing a morning devotional routine without regularly encountering God in the…
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8 Bible Verses About Renewing Your Mind
I recently set out on a slow walk down our country road as the sun set behind the barren maple forest. I had no way of knowing that the walk was going to be a lesson in renewing my mind. Today, I’ll share my reflections from the road. Then, we’ll explore eight Bible verses about renewing your mind. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you renew your mind by spending time in God’s presence. Bible Verses About Renewing Your Mind As I walked down the road, I noticed that the tree line had turned gray with winter. I’m not…
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How to Keep Your Joy in the Lord: 7 Ways
Daylight met us without hesitation today—clear and blue as infinity. As I sat beside the window and prepared for another day, I felt the heaviness in my chest and realized my joy was lacking. Perhaps you can relate. You want to learn how to keep your joy in the Lord even when life feels challenging. In challenging times, it’s easy to take our eyes off God and get swept into the stress and anxiety surrounding us. Today, we’ll talk about keeping our joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you keep your joy in the Lord.…
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Keys to Spiritual Growth: 4 Ways to Develop Spiritual Maturity
Last spring, the week after we bought a new furnace, I walked into the laundry room to discover a sudsy, wet floor. The washing machine had broken, too. Of course. As I stared at the soapy water, I had no idea that God was going to use the situation to remind me of several life-changing keys to spiritual growth. Keys to Spiritual Growth As I moved boxes and began sopping up the water with beach towels, I calculated the cost of a new washing machine and thought, When it rains, it pours. Later that evening, as I lay in bed and reviewed the events of the day, I remembered the…
