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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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Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: Reclaiming Peace
Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful. John 14:27 The country road is wet with rain this morning. Puddles shaped like hearts reflect the pale blue of dawn’s new mercies, and I’m thankful God chose to water the earth while we slept. As I gaze out the window and inhale deeply, I feel the tension in my shoulders. Life has been full here lately. I often catch myself wishing away the days as I wait for the season to shift. This isn’t the way I want to live, praying…
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God’s Invitation in Brokenness: Bible Verses About Pain and Hurt
Morning exhaled its first hopeful breath in shades of lavender. Watching from my chair on the deck, I breathed it in, needing the hope of a new season, a new beginning. It had been a tough season. Pulling out my Bible, I began searching for hope-filled Bible verses about pain and hurt. As I read God’s Word, peace flooded me. I found comfort, hope. Perhaps you need this today as well. Bible Verses About Pain and Hurt Today, we’ll explore a list of Bible verses about pain and hurt of various kinds. We’ll also talk about the ways God uses brokenness for our good and his glory. Be sure to…
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Moses and Jesus: Connecting the Old and New Testaments
Years ago, as I attempted to read through the Bible for the first time, I reached out to an older friend for help. Some of the Old Testament narratives were hard to read. My friend helped me see that the entire Bible points to our need for Jesus. Today, we’ll talk about the connections between Moses and Jesus as we study the Bible. We’ll look at the subtle ways Moses and Jesus are connected. We’ll also explore the ways Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament promises as he established a New Covenant with all God’s people. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
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15 Bible Verses for Teachers This School Year
During my years as a teacher, I kept a framed card with a Bible verse on my desk. It read, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, ESV). This verse encouraged me on tough days and reminded me to persevere. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for teachers. If you are a teacher, I invite you to soak in these truths. Let them remind you of why God called you to be a teacher and renew your mind. Maybe you’re not a teacher, but you want to encourage a teacher you care…
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15 Spiritual Warfare Scriptures for the Battles of Life
The atmosphere within our home had been tense for days. Everyone was touchy, and it felt like a dark cloud loomed over our family. On a clear winter morning, I opened my Bible and began speaking a list of spiritual warfare Scriptures over our family. Spiritual Warfare Scriptures for Victory Reminding myself that God’s Word is the only offensive weapon against Satan’s attacks, I spoke his Word and stood on his promises. Nothing startling happened; however, over the course of the next few days, peace returned. The experience was a reminder that the battles we face in our everyday lives are not merely battles against flesh and blood. There are…
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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…
