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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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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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15 Bible Verses About Surrendering to God
Robins chatter on the lawn, delighted after an early morning deluge chased the earthworms from their sleepy hideaways beneath the earth. As I watch them from my chair beside the window, I pull out my Bible in search of Bible verses about surrendering to God. I’ve been clinging to control lately, I need God to help me release my clenched fists and trust him. Today, I’m sharing 15 Bible verses about surrendering to God. May these Scriptures help us all release our grip and trust God. 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…
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15 Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation
Do you feel defeated as you continue to stumble into the same sinful habit repeatedly? Maybe you feel like you’ll never find victory in this area of your life. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore 15 Bible verses about resisting temptation. We’ll also discuss how to overcome sinful habits for good. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s power and presence in your life 15 Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation Here are some empowering Scriptures to help you resist temptation. Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation 1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has…
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5 New Year Prayer Points for a Fresh Start
I meander slowly through a forest encased in white. Strangers’ footprints delineate the path through crusty layers that have thawed and frozen a dozen times. I’m in the woods today to regroup and focus on the months ahead. The New Year always feels like a fresh start. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore five New Year prayer points to help us begin this year with focus and hope. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God at the start of the new year or any time. 5 New Year Prayer Points for a…
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How to Empty Yourself and Let God Fill You
The syncopated sound of rain on a metal roof nearly lulls me to sleep on a grey afternoon. Life has been full lately, and this afternoon to rest is nothing short of a gift. Perhaps you need this gift, too—space to empty yourself and let God fill you. We’ll talk about creating this space today. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and be filled. Empty Yourself and Let God Fill You Every few years, I reread a book called Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton. I rarely read books more…
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How to Give God Control: 5 Scriptures on Surrendering to God
As morning broke, I recently left my usual chair and walked outside to the deck. The world was teeming with energy and life. Songbirds surrounded me as I opened my Bible in search of Scriptures on surrendering to God and slowing my pace. I needed this encouragement because summer break has come. Our oldest children will be home for the next two months. As much as I love these days together, I also fight the urge to rush from one task to the next. In the summertime, I struggle to keep up with the dishes, the laundry, and the constant requests for snacks and entertainment. I feel like I can’t…
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Transform Your Life With These 5 Prayers for the New Year
The wind howls all day—rattling the windowpanes and nearly bending the old poplar to its breaking point. We watch through ice-glazed glass while the Christmas lights blaze white on the mantle. I have no idea that stepping into the white world is about to help me begin praying focused prayers for the New Year. “You’re not thinking of taking your daily walk today, are you, Mom?” a little voice prods. “Are you worried about me?” I ask, turning from the window where the snow is swirling in small whirlwinds across the yard. “You shouldn’t go out in this,” our young son declares protectively. “The TV said it’s 40-below zero with…
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How to Be Still and Listen to God: 7 Practical Tips
Daylight finds us with an unseasonable chill, and we close the windows and wrap ourselves in fleece blankets. Pulling out my Bible, I flip to a familiar Psalm. It reads, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I’ve been learning how to be still and listen to God for decades and have yet to master the practice. My mind has been racing again lately, and silencing my thoughts today feels next to impossible. Instead of being critical of my racing mind, I am kind to myself today. I lean back and let the thoughts pass like clouds in a sapphire sky. Finally, after several minutes, my mind…
