“…because God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” – Genesis 41:52 Written by: Melissa Bell In my morning devotion, I came across this verse whose first part references the name Joseph gave his second son that in Hebrew means “fruitful.” “The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God
Bible Reading
How 15 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 (NLT) Setting aside time for Bible reading and prayer is the primary way we have a personal relationship with God. But if you’re new to Bible reading, where do you
Continue Reading
Bible Reading
Choosing What Really Matters
For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. Philippians 1:10 (NLT) By: Melissa Bell I love when God opens our eyes to new themes in Scripture. Recently, while reading through Exodus 14, I was intrigued by a new
Continue Reading
Prayer
Practical Ways to Establish the Discipline of Prayer
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2 Do you struggle with prayer? Be disciplined to make prayer a priority Make a list Assign it a day of the
Continue Reading
Prayer
3 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 Make a prayer list Pray with thanksgiving Experience God’s peace and trust Him Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
Continue Reading
Bible Reading
Beware of Being Trapped in Groupthink
Groupthink is defined: the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
Continue Reading
Personal Stories
12 Ways to Pray for our Nation
Blessed is the nation who’s God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12 A few years ago, I had a unique opportunity to take a “Spiritual Heritage Tour” at the US Capitol. It moved me such in a way that I will never forget. Standing in the Capitol’s rotunda and listening to the stories of our nation’s
Continue Reading
Uncategorized
Determining Factors of What Makes a Great Nation
“God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.” Proverbs 14:34 (MSG) Have you ever thought about the idea that long before our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence on that fateful July 4th day in 1776, God knew that the United States of America would rise? God is the Creator of all the nations.
Continue Reading
Parenting
Struggling with Letting Go?
This man’s name was Nabal, and his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beautiful woman. 1 Samuel 25:3 This week I take a bit of a break from my traditional blog to offer a more personal perspective. Not too long ago, I was reading Abigail’s account in the Bible that is found in 1 Samuel 25. Among