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Accepting Jesus as Your Lord and Savior: An Invitation
“How do you feel about accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” a young man asked me over dinner on our first date. The question caught me off guard. Who asks this on a first date? “I’ve been a Christian my whole life,” I told him. “I think I already did that.” “But do you remember the moment when you decided to follow him?” my date asked. “Not really. I’ve just always believed,” I answered. “It can be really helpful to have concrete moment of decision,” he pressed. “Are you trying to convert me?” I asked, becoming defensive. “I’m pretty sure I’m already converted.” Accepting Jesus as Your Lord and…
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God Hears Our Prayers—Even When He Seems Silent
The summer air was thick with humidity as we made our way into the wilderness. Hemlocks breathed their pungent, piney scent, and the river rolled along casually—inviting us into the clear, cool water. I had no idea this backpacking trip with a friend was about to become a lifelong reminder that God hears our prayers. We reached our campsite and erected our tent as storm clouds gathered overhead. With the invincibility of 25-year-olds, we didn’t worry about the ominous clouds and ran to the river for a swim as soon as the tent was in place. After a short swim, the thunderous clouds descended upon us, and heaven unleashed in…
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Psalm 23 Prayer Points With Scriptures
We all face times when we need the assurance that God is with us in the valley of the shadow of death. We need his assurance, comfort, and guidance. Today, we’ll explore six Psalm 23 prayer points with Scriptures to guide our prayers. Then, I’ll invite you to apply these prayers to your difficult situations. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find comfort in the Lord. Let’s begin with our Psalm 23 prayer points. Psalm 23 Prayer Points With Scriptures Psalm 23 is an excellent model for prayer when life is difficult. Let’s use God’s Word to guide…
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A Powerful Prayer for Healing: Press Into God’s Power
Praying the words of others can be a powerful way to pray because we can soak in the words we are praying rather than trying to think of what to say. Others’ prayers can guide us and lift our heads when our emotions are shaken. Today, we’ll discover a powerful prayer for healing by an Italian priest named St. Padre Pio. Then, we’ll pray seven additional prayers for healing. I invite you to join me as I recently sat by the window at dawn and prayed this prayer. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God.…
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12 Bible Verses About Weakness and Strength
Most of us have been taught to hide our weaknesses. Meanwhile, our weaknesses are the precise areas where God wants to reveal his strength. Today, we’ll explore 12 Bible verses about weakness and strength. Then, we’ll have an honest conversation about how to turn to God in our weak moments. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional book to help you turn to God in moments of weakness. 12 Bible 1Verses About Weakness and Strength Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses About Weakness and Strength 1. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for…
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5 Ways to Rest in God’s Presence: A Review of Just Rest
Snowflakes fall like a quiet benediction on a hushed spring morning. I awaken feeling groggy after another night of tending to coughing children. I’m desperate to rest in God’s presence this morning—to let his love wash over me and fill the empty places. Opening Melanie Redd’s new book, Just Rest: A 90 Day Devotional Journal, I read the following words: “True rest for the soul, however, comes from one place only—and that involves walking in the good way. This is the path we choose when we walk close to Jesus. The pathway to rest is found in Him alone.” We live in a culture in which hurry and hustle are…
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What to Do When Your Dreams Are Shattered
Have you recently faced the loss of a dream? Maybe you’re wondering what to do next, and you’ve been wrestling with God about this dream. You are in the right place. Today, we’ll have an honest conversation about what to do when your dreams are shattered. I invite you to join me in the woods with my little boy, and we’ll talk about bringing our broken dreams to the Lord. What to Do When Your Dreams Are Shattered The earth breathes a new aroma, and we sit by the creek to watch the crocus rise. I could use a dose of hope today, but I don’t mention my heavy heart…
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Why Today Is Going to Be a Good Day
Above a scrim of wispy cirrus clouds, a hawk cries out as it soars upon some unseen current. For the first time since autumn, we slept with the windows open last night. Awakening to a cacophony of birdsong and the melodies of God’s created world feels like a gift given directly from his hand. “Today is going to be a good day,” I whisper. Smiling, I climb from the sheets, make the bed, and think of these eight simple words as I brush my teeth and greet the three children who await me downstairs. I repeat these words as I make the coffee and prepare breakfasts for everyone: “Today is…
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10 Bible Verses About God’s Faithfulness in Life’s Storms
The other night, a storm rained itself empty like it was working something out. Sometimes life is like this—you wrestle with God until you’re poured out. During these times, it can be helpful to find an anchor. Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses about God’s faithfulness in the storms of life. I invite you to join me as we open God’s Word together. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you navigate life’s storms with God. 10 Bible Verses About God’s Faithfulness in Life’s Storms We’ve wrestled with God more than once throughout this past year. At times, life hasn’t…
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How to Trust God More: 7 Ways to Grow in Trust
Layers of altostratus rest above the western tree line like wet towels hastily folded. Splinters of sapphire peer through their sparse creases and remind me of promises for better days to come. Closing my eyes, I remind myself of the power of trusting God in hard times. Today, we’ll explore seven insights on how to trust God more when we don’t understand his ways. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow in trust. How to Trust God More Not long ago, I sat with a friend whose heart was broken. We talked about how to find healing when…
