Unless You Become Like a Child: A Key to Growing Deeper in God and Living Out Your Callings, Plus a Prayer for a Childlike Heart

Unless You Become Like a Child: A Key to Growing Deeper in God and Living Out Your Callings, Plus a Prayer for a Childlike Heart

One kingdom key to enjoying a deeper relationship with God and succeeding in the good work He’s called us to do is having a childlike heart—one of curiosity, playfulness, and willingness to learn and dream…

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Exploring Who You Are: A Key To Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life

Exploring Who You Are: A Key To Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life

We all have an innate desire for our lives to matter, and I think most of us believe that we have a purpose and hope to accomplish that purpose. We know the Bible says God has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He has called us to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

But when it comes to actually understanding what our purpose is, many of us struggle. We do our best to help others and serve God, but we often feel unfulfilled and are left wondering if we’re really doing what we’re meant to do…

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The Meaning of El Shaddai, a Name That Reveals More About God’s Care for You Than You Might Realize

The Meaning of El Shaddai, a Name That Reveals More About God’s Care for You Than You Might Realize

…I felt God speaking to me clearly and personally. My nutritional status was no surprise to Him—and it didn’t worry Him as it did me because He is my All-Sufficient One, the One Who nourishes me and supplies my every need. No problem or deficiency is too big for Him to overcome…

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What Does It Mean to Bear Fruit? 4 Types of Fruit Found in the Bible

What Does It Mean to Bear Fruit? 4 Types of Fruit Found in the Bible

As Christians, we often hear and talk about bearing fruit. But this concept, though lovely, is sometimes a little vague, and you might wonder, What exactly does it mean to bear fruit?

To help answer this question, I'm sharing an article I wrote for iBelieve.com that goes over four types of fruit found in the Bible and some tangible ways they can be expressed in our lives…

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Why Letting Go Is So Important

Why Letting Go Is So Important

Every month for the past 40 months, I’ve written “devotions due” on the 15th of my calendar—a reminder to submit my two monthly devotions to The Joyful Life Devotion Team.

But at the beginning of this year, I felt God prompting me to step down from this particular team.

I wrestled with this decision because I enjoyed being a part of this group of writers; I love the friendships I’ve formed there and the publishing opportunities I’ve been given. I also worried that I was mishearing God. Being on this team was a good thing, and letting go of it didn’t really make sense. What if I’m wrong and I release something I’m meant to maintain? I wondered…

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One Thing You Might Need to Do if You're Feeling Stressed

One Thing You Might Need to Do if You're Feeling Stressed

As purposeful women, we have goals and dreams we’re doing our best to steward, and this is good. But God doesn’t want us to get burnt out. He understands the toll tough seasons can take, and like the stressed moose who are drawn to the easier walking paths, it could be that He is inviting you to take it easy for a bit…

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Feeling Unmotivated? This Could Be the Underlying Reason Why

Feeling Unmotivated? This Could Be the Underlying Reason Why

Are you feeling demotivated or discouraged, particularly when it comes to setting goals, planning, or dreaming, and you’re just not sure how to get your zest for life back?

If so, it could be that there is unfinished business—perhaps unresolved grief, a damaged relationship, or a disappointed dream—that needs attention…

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Could Jesus Be Inviting You Into a Slower Pace of Life?

Could Jesus Be Inviting You Into a Slower Pace of Life?

All my life, I’ve felt the need to hurry. But now I find Jesus giving me the same invitation He gave Alan Fadling: Slow down.

So I’m doing my best to unhurry my life and my heart. I’m learning to accept my slower-paced nature and to walk with my Shepherd beside quiet—not frenzied—waters. I’m learning to find rest in the rhythms of the One Who never hurries His sheep.

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When You Don’t Feel God’s Love: 5 Practices for Going Deeper in Your Relationship With God

When You Don’t Feel God’s Love: 5 Practices for Going Deeper in Your Relationship With God

“I don’t feel God’s love.”

Have you ever said or thought these words?

If so, you’re not alone. Many times I’ve struggled with the disconnect between knowing that God loves me and actually feeling His love.

It might be tempting to brush aside the discomfort of this disconnect and get on with the responsibilities of life. “After all,” some say, “love is an action, not a feeling.” But if you look closely at the love displayed in the Bible, it’s clear that it’s not just rote responsibility—it’s also passionate emotion...

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Celebrating the Wonder, Mystery, and Beauty of Our Creator's Birth This Christmas

Celebrating the Wonder, Mystery, and Beauty of Our Creator's Birth This Christmas

A few years ago, my church’s worship pastor, who was in charge of composing an arrangement for our Christmas Eve service, asked if I would be interested in writing something to accompany the music.

As I prayed about this opportunity, I felt as if God dropped an idea into my mind…

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