Category: Self Improvement
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Does God Play Favorites?
One early evening while preparing supper, I overheard an exchange of whispers coming from the family room. My two oldest girls were discussing which one of them should come to me to “plead their case.” “No, you go ask Momma; she always says yes to you.” “Is that so?” I asked as I sprang into…
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Why We Shouldn’t Abandon Church Attendance
This morning at church was different—we didn’t hug or shake hands; instead, we maintained the proper “social distance” with waves and fist bumps. Nonetheless, merely coming together under one roof with many of my church family was enough to restore my faith and subdue the doubt and fear I had silently harbored over the past…
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When We Grow Weary in the Waiting
Today’s devotion originally appeared on Encouragement for Today Proverbs 31 Ministries. “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you…
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Encouragement to Continue to Shine Brightly, Even When we Fall Short
Although the battle for our souls was won the moment we trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, spiritual warfare will be waged until Jesus returns and God throws the Devil into the lake of fire. (I get pretty excited thinking about that!) The Prince of this World is the undeniable enemy of God who will do…
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Beauty in the Unseen
Post Originally appeared on Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today. Click to Read More. “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” Mark 9:35 (NIV) Startled by an unexpected noise, my party-decorating in the church gym abruptly came to a…
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Are You a Hard Place Kind of Friend?
” Is it True? Is it Kind? Would I want someone to say it about me?” Join me on the blog to unwrap why it is essential we have gospel centered, honest friendships!
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More Than a Meal: A Simple Act With Eternal Significance
The Lord does not excuse our excuses: we don’t have the time, we don’t have the money, we don’t have the culinary skills, etc. Ask God to change this mentality and refocus, looking outward instead of inward at self, for this is not just about food; it’s about following in the steps of the one…
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Trusting God in the Dry Seasons
Excerpt from devotion written for Proverb’s 31 Encouragement for Today Navigating the church’s halls with the giggles of rambunctious toddlers as my guide, I eagerly approached my daughter’s classroom. Peering in, she caught my eye — “Momma! I am dry bones; look at me come alive!” Music blared, and small limbs flailed in every direction…
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Read your Bible, pray every day: More easily said than done
Our family morning routine involves a prayer, a Bible verse and a few songs while eating breakfast. The other day we sang a song that many of us equate with juice boxes and butter cookies: Read your Bible, pray everyday if you want to grow
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Lord, that was supposed be MY Blessing
“Seriously, they chose HER to be the next director?” I thought while walking into the breakroom after learning this news. Once there, it was like being back in high school where the popular girls, my so-called friends, dissected their latest victim, not much differently from the frog we had just left displayed in the science…
Laura R Bailey 