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Seeking God’s Presence: 9 Ways to Increase Your Awareness
“God is always present, whether we feel his presence or not,” a wise older woman once taught me as we talked about seeking God’s presence. “When we speak of seeking his presence, we are talking about becoming more aware of him.” I’ve returned to these words countless times over the years. God is always with us. We cannot escape his presence, and we can’t outrun his love. Yet most of us experience times when his presence seems veiled or distant. When this happens, we remember that we walk by faith and not by sight. Our feelings are ever-changing, and they are not a reliable indication of God’s nearness or distance.…
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The Spiritual Meaning of Jericho: 8 Lessons in Spiritual Warfare
Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River and stepped into the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. However, this was not an empty land. It was already inhabited, and Israel would have to conquer formidable adversaries before they could settle in the land. Today, we’ll explore the spiritual meaning of Jericho, the first fortified city on the journey. In many ways, the defeat of Jericho offers a blueprint for overcoming obstacles and strongholds in our lives. Let’s recap the story of Jericho’s fall. Then, we’ll apply the principles from this narrative to our lives today. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s…
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Hungry for God: 10 Ways to Increase Your Spiritual Longing
I’ve been watching the squirrels gather acorns in the forest behind our house, and their preparations draw me to think about spiritual hunger. How do we stay hungry for God when the world offers so many ways to fill our inner hunger? When our hunger for God becomes the driving force in our lives, we experience transformation in his presence. Today, we’ll explore 10 ways to stay hungry for God as we respond to his pursuit. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help fuel your hunger for God. How to Be Hungry for God Let’s take a closer look. 10…
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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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Joshua and Jesus: Spiritual Leaders, Deliverers, and Conquerors
After 40 years spent wandering in the wilderness, Moses died on Mount Nebo. He passed his leadership role onto a man named Joshua, who would lead the people to claim the land of Canaan. In many ways, Joshua’s life points to Jesus. Today, we’ll look at the connections between Joshua and Jesus as we continue exploring the ways the Old and New Testaments form one culminating story. I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you apply the Old Testament to your everyday life. Joshua and Jesus Let’s begin with a quick summary of Joshua’s life. Then, we’ll look at…
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17 Autumn Bible Verses for Embracing the Season
September has come with shorter days and crisp, cool mornings. Hints of amber color the forest, and we anticipate the change to come. Today, we’ll spend some time soaking in a list of autumn Bible verses to celebrate the season. I invite you to use these Scriptures to help you thank God for the seasonal change, slowing down to embrace the transformation. I’ll also share some questions for reflection as we consider each verse. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in replenishing ways this autumn. Autumn Bible Verses Here are God’s Words for autumn…
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15 Bible Verses for School: Confidence, Trust, and Courage
“I’m sad summer is over. Can you read me some Bible verses for school tomorrow?” our seven-year-old asked as we opened his storybook Bible to read before bed. It was the eve of the first day of school, and first grade felt daunting. He was flooded with a mix of emotions: sadness that summer was ending, excitement about seeing his friends, and uncertainty about what the year would hold. I’d already talked with his teenage sister and pre-teen brother about their feelings, and it seemed everyone had the same apprehensions. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is a helpful way to navigate any new situation, and this extends to school. …
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Moses’ Songs in the Bible: Portraits of God’s Character
Moses is traditionally credited with three songs in the Bible. The Song of the Sea is found in Exodus 15:1-18. The Song of Moses is in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. Psalm 90 is titled “A Prayer of Moses.” Today, we’ll begin by exploring similarities between Moses’ songs in the Bible. Then, we’ll take a closer look at Moses’ Song in Deuteronomy. I also invite you 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. Let’s begin by exploring Moses’ songs in the Bible. Moses’ Songs in the Bible All three of Moses’ songs in the Bible are…
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15 Bible Verses for Studying: Anxiety, Focus, and Success
The golden glow of my desk lamp illuminated the textbook in front of me. For good measure, a hazelnut candle flickered beside me, my attempt to usher peace into the late-night study session for my most difficult college final. I was a senior, about to graduate with my teaching degree, and this exam held the power to mar my unblemished GPA. The pressure to perform well is enough to challenge even the most focused and successful student. How do we press into peace in these situations? Whether you are trying to help your first-grader study for the weekly spelling test or trying to pass the MCAT, let these Bible verses…
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Dealing With Detours: 20 Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Plan
Our daughter, Bekah, was born on a clear November evening. The months leading up to her birth felt like nothing short of a detour. Today, I’ll share the story of that detour. We’ll also explore 20 Bible verses about trusting God’s plan when life seems to take a detour. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow in trust when life takes a surprising turn. Bible Verses About Trusting God’s Plan Before my first pregnancy, I planned to continue teaching high school students in my Life Skills classroom right up to my due date. My husband and I planned…
