Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
As we hear God's powerful Word, it's essential to create an environment that allows its seeds to grow and flourish, rather than being choked by the worries of this age or distractions from the world. By truly welcoming God's Word and giving it time, space, and priority, we can experience profound growth in our faith and become the people He designed us to be.
As a mom, you have the power to set the tone for joy in your home, and Blythe Daniel shares her personal story of learning to choose joy despite life's challenges. By embracing the spirit of joy and modeling it for your children, you can help them develop a strong foundation for happiness and resilience.
Laura Bailey shares her personal struggle with shame and guilt, but finds freedom in Romans 8:1-2, which reminds us that Christ's work on the cross freed us from sin's power. By applying the "M.O.V.E." acronym - Meet with God, Own your story, Veto negative thoughts, and Elicit help - readers can move past shame and guilt into a life of joy and gladness.
When uncertainty surrounds your future, it's easy to get caught up in trying to figure out what's next, but the Bible reminds us that trusting God is more important than clarity. By putting our weight on Him and acknowledging His character, we can find peace in walking by faith rather than trying to control every outcome.
Alicia Bruxvoort shares a personal anecdote about her daughter's beach day blunder, where she mistakenly perceived her siblings' faces as red due to her own sunglasses. The author reflects on how our hearts can distort our view of God's goodness and offers Psalm 119:96 as a reminder that the Bible provides an unchanging Truth that can correct our flawed perspective.
As three of her children get married in rapid succession, author Lynn Cowell finds herself overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, but discovers a powerful solution in the Bible's promise of God's peace that surpasses all understanding. By learning to pray and praise instead of worry, she finds a sense of calm and trust in Jesus' ability to work out every detail, offering readers a practical guide to finding their own unshakable confidence despite life's challenges.
Stacy Lowe shares a personal story of disappointment and frustration when her plans for a sunrise photo shoot on New Year's Day didn't go as expected, but instead finds peace in the midst of chaos when she remembers that God is always present, even when we can't see Him. By shifting her focus to trust and fixity on God, Lowe discovers a deeper sense of purpose and connection with Him, reminding us that our daily lives are not about satisfying our own agendas, but about playing our part in accomplishing His plan.
In a powerful exploration of living a beautiful life, author and pastor Bob Goff shares his insights on how God has given us everything we need to lead a godly life through our knowledge of Him. By taking inventory of the opportunities already available to us and partnering with others, we can discover new stories that replace old ones, leading to a more purposeful and joyful existence.
As a Christian writer, Rachel Marie Kang reflects on the importance of grace and forgiveness in her life, sharing how she's learned to release the past and find healing through God's love. By embracing this kind of grace, we can measure our own capacity for forgiveness and let go of the records of wrongs that hold us back.
Amina, a Christian widow and mother from northeast Nigeria, shares her powerful story of survival and faith in the face of persecution by Boko Haram. Despite being held captive for five weeks and facing unimaginable hardships, Amina credits her faith in Jesus with giving her strength to persevere.