In today’s guest post fellow blogger Jenna Oates reminds us of the essence of hospitality–taking the initiative to care for another person with an attentive, warm, and Christlike heart. I was first introduced to the concept of biblical hospitality as a sophomore in college. Someone gave me a book called The Gospel Comes With a House Key, written by Rosaria Butterfield, and within the first few pages I was hooked. I always loved the concept of sharing meals with others or getting to know my neighbors, but wasn’t sure what hospitality looked like in the 21st century where so much of our interact ..read more

If you are struggling with severe anxiety, please seek a biblical counselor or professional help. I wrote this post to address the common anxiety that occurs due to the stresses of life. – For many years my perfectionist heart was stricken with anxiety – afraid to make decisions, stunned by failures, worried about pleasing people, and overwhelmed by my responsibilities. I remember thinking again and again: I will never be enough. My life can crumble at any second. I don’t know what to do. I can’t do it all. What if I don’t succeed or do what everyone expects of me?  Then, in God’s graciou ..read more

I’m overjoyed to have my sweet cousin Sabrina’s first ever guest post on the blog. Here she exhorts us to simplify our vision for the year (and really our life!) with this one biblical resolution. We can quickly become bogged down and burdened by the expectations we make for ourselves or take from others. But I pray this encourages you to keep Him at the center of whatever you pursue. Today is January 26th, 2021. A few clouds spot the sky here outside my bedroom window, and at 3:33 pm the sun is already beginning to set. Just like that the first month of the new year is almost over.  When ..read more

I wrote this last year as we entered 2020, with no clue what an unprecedented, wild year the world would have. Little did I know how much strength and courage we would need to gather from the Lord and His Word. Now, as we approach 2021, I believe this truth, this “anthem” is all the more relevant. With unknowns at an all time high, our trust in God and boldness in Him needs to be all the greater. Blessings to you this new year! – This time of year always brings mixed feelings.  I wonder with excitement and apprehension over what the next 365 days could hold. The same questi ..read more

While Jesus was still in the womb, a Spirit-filled woman joyously announced the immensity of His coming. Elizabeth welcomed his mother Mary into her home with wonder and worship, while carrying her own miracle baby that would be John the Baptist. As you prepare your heart for a new Advent season and for a new year, I invite you to momentarily set aside any grocery shopping lists, Black Friday sales, or activity planning from your mind. Let’s zero in on the example of Elizabeth, whose reaction to the Lord Jesus reminds us of the true glory of Christmas. Her acts of faith can also be echoed by u ..read more

All of us are waiting for something. On this side of heaven there will persist a nagging sense of lack. Whether we’re longing for a husband, a baby, a sense of purpose, a pain-free body or cure, prosperity, or simply change. . .an ache can well up in our soul. And yet God’s Word says: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 Days after my 2 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia I remember coming across these verses: “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the  ..read more

Here are wise words from fellow Christian blogger Kristine Bolt on how to wait upon God’s timing. In this guest post she breaks down key spiritual truth while providing steps to take in your faith. I pray her vulnerable message brings peace to your heart if you’re in a season of waiting. – Waiting on the Lord may be one of the most difficult parts of being a Christian. Not only does it require patience, but it also requires trust. So maybe, like me, you get tripped up on it pretty often. It’s hard enough waiting for something you deeply desire while trusting God, but it’s even more difficult w ..read more

Whenever we face a tough dilemma we are quick to research. We may google or text our friends, hoping for help. There are so many voices, so many opinions out there. Whatever advice we find, we must consider – is this godly wisdom? Is this the right thing to do? Sometimes the suggestions we receive only make the decision more complicated. Thankfully Scripture informs us of what true wisdom is. The Bible may not address the many gray areas of life or every single situation, but it gives guidelines for recognizing the way that pleases God – the way of righteousness, peace, and life. God’s Word no ..read more

The post Free Easter Family Worship Guide appeared first on Free Indeed ..read more

The following questions every Christian (male or female) could ask, but I wrote them specifically with women in mind. Why? As I meet and counsel young ladies in the church, I find many wrestling with their life’s direction.  Commonly I hear: am I really just supposed to be a wife and a mom?  I appreciate their searching question, and it is worth looking at the Scriptures to answer. But there are even better questions to ask, questions that go deeper into the heart.  Before I jump into those, however, let’s think about the ladies’ original question.  It reflects two issues of our ti ..read more