I love the changes of seasons in Colorado, and I adore spring. The world is alive with the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. After long winter months, I look forward to the newness of spring and its reminder of the redeeming work of Christ. No matter how cold and bleary our past, He makes a way for renewal and hope. Jesus reminds us, regardless of how far we feel we’ve drifted from an abiding connection to Him, that He is steadfast and longs to draw us toward spiritual growth once again.

For many bloggers and businesses, progress seems to have come to a screeching halt. Amid all the uncertainty of our times, small businesses began to lift fervent prayers for business success like no time in recent history.

What comes to mind when you think of generosity? Like me, you likely think of sharing your hard-earned income. Jesus gave us many examples of generosity that don’t require opening our wallet.

When we look back, it’s easy to see where we went wrong. I set aside the counsel I’d received to honor your husband. In fact, we’d both stopped honoring each other. Years ago we believed that we had a firm grip on things at home and were successfully balancing our careers, our relationship, and the needs of our kids. And that’s when the bottom fell out of our marriage.

Sometimes it feels as if our society has forgotten how to love one another. Deep down, I know that’s not entirely true. Yet as I look around our hurting world and the ease of attacking each other from behind electronic screens, it seems we could all use a fresh perspective on what it looks like to love like Jesus, just as we’re taught in the Bible. 

If you knew of an effective, spiritual weapon that would flawlessly protect you from the schemes of the enemy, would you use it? Jesus did. He was adept at using the Sword of the Spirit.

In the wilderness, He was hungry, hadn’t likely slept well for weeks, and was far from what might have felt comfortable. 40 days of fasting in the wilderness will do that. During this time of weakness, Jesus faced the temptation of Satan (see Luke 4:1-13), fought a spiritual battle with spiritual weapons, and walked away victorious. This provides the ultimate example of using the Sword of the Spirit, which the Bible teaches is the Word of God.

As we follow Jesus, our aim is to become increasingly like Him. We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). God has a plan for us; we should have plans for ourselves as well. Our planning and goal setting are best when aligned with His. Then they can most effectively help us accomplish His divine purpose for our lives.

I’ve often tried to adopt the daily practice of writing my thoughts and emotions. I find I use spiritual journals more frequently when I’m trying to sort out decisions or seek Biblical direction. I journal in a variety of ways when I feel the Holy Spirit prompt, “Don’t miss this,” or when I’m trying to untangle my thoughts. The daily practice reminds me to focus on our Savior and seek His ways as I navigate life.  Here are 4 steps to getting started.

Many Christians occasionally feel blocked in prayer. Most of us sometimes wonder if God is listening. It’s during those seasons when our faith is stretched. We can give up and stop trying to pray daily, or we can see the opportunity to press in and watch Him restore our trust. But what do the Scriptures say about prayer?