Kristi Woods

Here are 5 verses from Psalm 25 we can gather when heaviness rears.

Sometimes my Bible reading is alive and full – somewhat like a scenic picture bursting with color. And some days I simply don't know what to read or where to start...

Have you ever asked, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Disaster striking or disease infiltrating, the suffering or untimely death of those we deem as undeserving, sears the heart, doesn’t it? Situations like these sometimes leave us questioning why God allows such calamity to strike.

Do you recognize the warning signs of a hardened heart? Some of us—believers and nonbelievers alike—miss those warnings. And that’s a problem. We live day-to-day, carting that hardened heart of ours to the grocery store, to church, and even into relationships as we allow its evidence to slip off our tongues or stew in our thoughts. And sadly, we don’t even realize it. 

But that can change. How do we find out if this dangerous spiritual plague festers within us? If so, can God help? Let’s investigate seven warning signs of a hardened heart.

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Would you consider yourself an intentional person? The Bible has much to say about believers living lives of intentionality and purpose to the glory of God. Unfortunately, it's easier than ever for the enemy to distract us with things that don't have eternal value. If you want to live a more intentional life for Jesus, here are several scriptures to pray through as your begin your journey. 

Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror? That girl with her eyes and hair, those cheeks and ears—how do you feel about her? What thoughts zip through your mind when soaking in her reflection? Are they kind or critical, praiseworthy or full of condemnation?

If asked these questions 10 years ago, I would have danced around the answers. After all, who likes to admit they don’t like themselves and bash their reflection far too often? But the truth was I didn’t like the woman in the mirror. I rejected her, finding much wrong and little right. My focus was centered on me versus God.

Other women donned the endless, thin legs I coveted. (Yes, I said coveted.) The long, flowing hair of my dreams sat on their head, not mine. Other women exhibited the creativity and gumption I simply dreamed of. I felt certain I’d never be able to accomplish what they did. After all, I wasn’t good enough. And although I seldom offered the thoughts out loud and felt certain they remained benign, spiritual danger raced among the silence.

The thoughts, however, weren’t benign. They were a cancer of the spiritual kind. But God’s Truth brought healing.

We aren’t relegated to a check-off list concerning thighs, eyes, abilities and more. No, we are the magnificent work of God’s hand. King David, in Psalm 139, champions well the creation of God. We’re wise to follow in his footsteps and use this verse as spiritual ammunition.

“I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.”

PS 139:14 WEB

Several beautiful implications spring to life when we believe the truth of Psalm 139:14. Let’s soak in 10 of them today and walk away bolder, shall we?

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Terricks NoahPhoto Credit: Pexels/Vinicius Wiesehofer 

In Matthew 6:33 (ESV) it says: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” God remains available and ready for us to find Him, to look for and worship Him in those anxiety-riddled situations. To seek God’s kingdom means we’ve made a conscience decision to turn toward God versus anxiety or worry.

What does the Bible say about relationships? We all have them—with friends, spouses, parents, children, and more. Some flow easily and bring much joy. Others not so much. What, then, should we do?

The Bible provides guidance on interaction between men and women, mankind and our Savior, and relationships between believers. Knowing these truths helps us make better decisions and navigate in a righteous manner.

The Bible uses the word “man” throughout its pages. All twelve disciples were men. Many of the stories we read center on males, including those of Moses, Abraham, Paul, David and Joshua. But what does the Bible say about women? Much, and you might be surprised.