Author: Michelle Martino
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Holy Healing, Wholly Healed
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I thought sarcastically as I sorted through and hole-punched stacks of papers documenting the highlights of my health journey. As I added each page into a binder, my mind replayed the frustration of getting nowhere, while holding onto hope that this next doctor would be the one to help.…
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You Are Not What You Achieve
“Why don’t I seem to be ‘good enough’? I should have been farther along by now. Will I ever measure up?“ Negative thoughts spiral in my mind and throughout the pages of my journal as I reflect on my goals and growth this past year. While I’m proud of my wins, I didn’t meet every…
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Giving Out of Overflow or Obligation?
It’s that time of year…not just the time we celebrate Jesus’ coming with great cheer, but the time we also tend to talk about generosity as year-end campaigns flood our inboxes, news feeds, and church sermons. Instead of leaning in, we might find ourselves desensitized to the truth we need to hear and apply. We…
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Experiencing God’s Goodness in Busy Seasons
Hi friend. It’s been a little bit since I’ve posted to my blog. (You can read some of my First 5 teachings and recently published works on my website.) This fall season has been jam packed with exciting opportunities, refreshing social gatherings, and impactful events. I’ve learned to make the most of tedious commutes and…
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When the Delays and Detours are Discouraging
In my recent years of traveling, I have not once encountered an issue when taking an airplane. (Rare, isn’t it?) That was…until a few weeks ago. My departing flight was delayed three times, right as I was about to leave for the airport. I wasn’t bothered much, but all I wanted was to do Bible…
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Identity in Christ Survey
Hi, friend! I’m working on my next Bible study, on how knowing our identity in Christ leads to greater freedom in Christ, and could use your insight! If you have a few minutes, I made a 3-question anonymous survey. I’m not looking as much at individual data as I am looking to notice any patterns or…
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Boosting Your Bible Study: Using the Right Resources
Have you ever felt stuck, unsure, or confused when reading the Bible? If so, you’re not alone. A LifeWay Research study conducted in 2020 found that 57% of Protestant churchgoers “find it challenging to make sense of the Bible when they read it on their own.”[1] This demographic doesn’t include other denominations, or people who…
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Discovering the Strength to Endure
“I’m going to let you struggle, but I’m not going to let it kill you.” These were the final words I heard before hitting a new personal record for bench press. I called over my trainer to spot me, just in case I didn’t have the strength to finish the movement. Normally, I’d be confident…
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Invited In
“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out…
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Victory in Jesus’ Name
Life lately: a season of answered prayers Also life lately: a series of unexpected setbacks It’s an interesting dynamic. As much as I’ve been thanking God for all the blessings, I’ve also been praying for the places I’ve felt defeated. Fear tries to convince me of worst-case scenarios, despite the courage I’ve had to move…
Consider the Joy 