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Balaam and Balak: Proximity Does Not Equal Faithfulness
The story of Balaam and Balak is found in Numbers 22-24. This unusual narrative teaches us many practical lessons that are still relevant in today’s culture. Today, we’ll recap the story of Balaam and Balak and draw some lessons for our lives. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you create space for connecting with God daily. Let’s begin with a quick review of the story of Balaam and Balak. Balaam and Balak As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, King Balak of Moab became frightened by them. Not wanting to confront them in battle, he sent…
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10 Prayers for Teens This School Year and Beyond
The teenage years can be exciting as well as challenging. As we begin a new school year, our teens need our prayers. We can pray for them by focusing on their mental health, relationships with others, and relationship with God. Today, we’ll explore a list of prayers for teens at the start of this school year and beyond. Prayers for Teens Years ago, I was a high school teacher and youth leader for the teens at our church before having my own family. I’ll never forget a conversation with a mom who declared, “I know my son isn’t walking with God right now, but I believe my relentless prayers for…
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God Hears Our Prayers (Bible Verses About Answered Prayers)
The long shadows of evening folded over us as we sat on the shoreline. A rainbow of stones beneath our feet, mountains enveloping us, we sat in awe of the scene so far from our home in Pennsylvania. I invite you to join our family in this moment as we consider God’s faithfulness and study Scripture with a list of Bible verses about answered prayers. God Hears Our Prayers (Bible Verses About Answered Prayers) “This is the best campsite we’ve had!” one of the boys remarked. “I love Montana!” “I just wish it weren’t so smoky,” the other boy added. “God, we pray this smoke will clear,” I prayed aloud.…
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Giving Thanks to God for Everything: Short Prayers of Gratitude
One of the sweetest and most unexpected gifts of a camping vacation is returning home. Everyday conveniences that were once taken for granted become reminders of the importance of giving thanks to God for everything. Giving Thanks to God for Everything First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to give thanks in all situations. When the monotony of daily life drones on, we can become numb to the blessings surrounding us. After two weeks away from home, spent mostly in a tent, the comforts of home have been surprisingly amazing: Hot, running water with the turn of a knob. A full four-burner stove, including an actual oven! The ease of an electric…
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God Is With Us: How Noticing God’s Presence Changes Us
I stumble upon the words on a Montana morning, sitting beneath towering conifers as they watch over our small campsite: “For the Lord your God is living among you” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT). God is with us. We know this. I know this. But on this morning, I receive the words differently. Maybe the scenery of a different place has awakened something within me, sharpened me. I think of the 35-hour drive across the country to reach this place. I reflect on the past four days spent in this quiet camping spot. Most of our moments were good. But there were also moments in which kids threw punches, and parents snapped…
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Living Purposefully: 7 Ways to Make a Difference
Our family recently returned from a memorable road trip from our home in western Pennsylvania to the mountains of northwestern Montana. As I reflect on our time away, one interaction reminds me of the importance of living purposefully. Today, I’ll share my experience. Then, we’ll look at seven ways to live more purposefully. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace God’s purpose for you. Living Purposefully Our horses plodded in a steady procession beneath the endless western sky. As we rode through meadows of late-summer wildflowers, the scene reminded me of the years when I hiked through the…
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The Rebellion of Korah: Choosing Surrender Over Pride
The rebellion of Korah was a dramatic uprising against Moses. Led by Levites named Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders in the wilderness, these rebels challenged Moses’ leadership, a decision that would cost them everything. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this event and reflect on the messages is carries for us today. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and connect with him in deeper ways. Let’s enter into Numbers 16 and begin by imagining how it must have felt to experience the rebellion of Korah firsthand. The Rebellion of Korah The afternoon…
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God Uses the Unqualified: 7 Reasons Why God Chooses the Weak
I recently met with a friend who has been telling a relative about Jesus. Her family member doesn’t know much about God and has been grappling with the message of the gospel. My friend shared how unqualified she feels to be teaching anyone about Jesus. I gently reminded her that God uses the unqualified to fulfill his purpose. God Uses the Unqualified It has been said that God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called. Scripture reinforces this truth. Today, we’ll explore Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church as we discuss seven reasons why God uses the unqualified and weak for his purposes. Be sure to read to…
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18 Encouraging Bible Verses for Women to Grow in Faith
As I write to you today, our daughter is nearing her sixteenth birthday. Lately, we’ve been talking about how to find God’s vision for her future and what it means to be called by God. These conversations have led me into Scripture, seeking God’s Truth about faith, strength, and calling. Today, I’m sharing a list of encouraging Bible verses for women of all ages as we aim to walk in alignment with God and grow deeper in faith. I encourage you to share these Scriptures with the women you care about and take time soaking in them for yourself. We’ll explore some of the common Scriptures addressing women, such as…
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Joshua and Caleb: When the Giants Look Bigger Than God
Thought the past several Fridays, we’ve been learning to look for signs of Jesus in the Old Testament. The story of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13-14) is one of the clearest places where the Old Testament points to Christ. Today, we’ll revisit the story of Joshua and Caleb as they explored the Promised Land with the spies. Then, we’ll look at how this narrative points to the gospel. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in deeper ways. Let’s start with a quick recap of the story of Joshua and Caleb. Joshua and Caleb: The Spies…
