Trial
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Deception, Division, Doubt, and Discord
From the Garden of Eden to the present day, the enemy’s strategy remains unchanged. Just as he deceived Eve into believing God wasn’t truly good—insinuating He wouldn’t provide what was best for her and Adam—Satan uses those same tactics on us today. A Moment for Reflection. Think about the last time you felt tempted to doubt, just as Eve did. How did it happen? What sat at the heart of that deception? Did you give in, or did you resist by standing on 1 Corinthians 10:13?: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what…
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A Lesson Relearned: When Doubt Creeps In
You’d think I would know by now. I’ve been there and done that so many times. I know better. Sometimes I forget. I wonder if you do the same thing. Has God asked you to do something lately that felt like a challenge—something for which you felt less than adequate? Did you ask the Lord for the ability to walk through it? Or did you ask Him, and then allow your weaknesses—or the lies of the enemy—to stifle you? Jeremiah faced a moment like that. While Jerusalem was under siege by Babylon, God gave him a prophecy. The message pointed to better days ahead and even hinted at the new…
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Soldier of Grace
If you’re in the midst of a battle—or have just come through one—you’ll be encouraged by this post from guest blogger Alycia Neighbours, my youngest daughter (by only 13 minutes behind her twin “older sister”). She’s a gifted artist and writer, as you’ll soon see. Her message speaks to anyone questioning the purpose behind their struggles. Be encouraged as you read. When people see a veteran with medals across his chest, they stand in quiet awe. They see honor stitched into fabric, courage pressed into metal. They don’t ask for proof of what he’s been through. The weight of what he carries is enough. But what if our battles were…
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Persecuted…But Full of Grace
Have you been criticized for your faith recently? Has anyone made fun of what you believe? Have you ever felt like you were fighting to stand firm in your convictions? In the Gospels, we see people imprisoned—and even martyred—for their faith. John the Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded for speaking the truth (Matthew 14). Stephen is recognized as the first martyr after Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit was given, and the early church was born in Jerusalem, as recorded in the Book of Acts. When Stephen was questioned about his faith and what he had been preaching about Jesus, he did not back down. He continued proclaiming the truth,…
- Favorite Quotes, Knowing God's Will, Lament, Lessons, Spiritual Growth, Struggle and Loss, Test, Trial, Waiting
Turning What Ifs Into Even Ifs
As I’ve continued my Titus Bible study, a question was posed that stopped me in my tracks: What if we turned our “what ifs” into “even ifs”? Almost immediately, my mind went to the MercyMe song “Even If.” If I’m honest, I found myself quietly singing some of the lyrics as I sat with that question. I’ve loved that song since the first time I heard it, but I needed the reminder it offers—a call back to standing firmly on its message: “I know You’re able and I know You can save through the fire with Your mighty hand, but even if You don’t, my hope is You alone.” If…
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Beginning the Year With Open Hands
Like so many others, the beginning of a new year brings a time of assessment and renewed focus—especially in my walk with Christ. During this season, I find myself particularly sensitive to how the Holy Spirit speaks and gently reveals areas I need to consider and address. Sometimes that prompting comes through a worship song, a passage of Scripture, or a message preached. On the last Sunday of December, a guest preacher taught from Colossians 2. Paul was encouraging the church in Colossae to be unified in love and to grow in wisdom and understanding of God. He also warned them not to be deceived by the false teachings that…
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Simply Praying
Last week, on January 1, I found myself reflecting on the past year. I remembered sweet moments and hard seasons, times of questioning and wondering, and times of being settled and still. There were moments of lament and joy, anger and comfort—all woven together through the days of 2025. I imagine you experienced many of these emotions too. Several friends of mine are currently walking through extremely difficult seasons. Many of them live far away, so I can’t physically sit with them. But they are never far from my heart, and certainly never far from my prayers. I’ve committed to praying continually for them during these challenging days. My heart…
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The Silence is Broken
Imagine how you’d feel if God stopped speaking to you. Absolute silence. Even as a dedicated follower. What if that silence lasted for a very long time? Would you start to think God had simply stopped working, that He was just idle? This is how the Jewish nation may have felt. After the prophet Malachi closed the Old Testament with his prophecy, God’s direct, prophetic voice fell silent for approximately 400 years. The next time a divine message would be given was to the priest Zechariah as he served in the Temple. Despite him and his wife, Elizabeth, being advanced in years and past the age of childbearing, God declared…
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Mary’s Example: When Calling Feels Impossible
Are you ever unsure whether you’re truly qualified to do what God has called you to do? Do you feel confident when you step out to serve Christ—whether it’s a one-time task or part of your daily calling? As I was studying Behold the Savior, a LifeWay Women Advent study, I was reminded of how Mary must have felt when the angel Gabriel announced her assignment: to give birth to the Savior of the world. We know she found peace in God’s presence, yet I can’t imagine she instantly felt “qualified.” In this day’s lesson, author Alena Pitts Franklin shared a quote that resonated deeply with me: I venture to…
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He Throws My Sin Behind
I recently wrote devotionals for encouraging.com. This week I am reposting, He Throws My Sin Behind In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where even the most steadfast people, institutions, and laws can prove fallible, what can we truly depend on? While few things are 100% reliable, the Word of God offers an unwavering anchor. Consider salvation. We often question if we’ve “done enough” to secure it. My own certainty was tested during Hurricane Sally. Amidst a night of terror, a powerful truth emerged: if we died, we’d instantly be with Jesus. That undeniable realization solidified an assurance no earthly storm could shake. There are promises you can cling to when…
