Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
When Christmas feels broken, it's easy to lose hope and feel abandoned by God. But what if you could shift your perspective and find comfort in His presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances? In this powerful devotion, Tracie Miles shares her personal story of heartbreak and healing, and reminds us that God is always with us, never leaving or forsaking us.
As the "good old days" fade into memory, a wise neighbor reminds us that today holds immense value in and of itself, urging us to embrace each day with reverence and thanksgiving. By adopting a new perspective and learning to "number our days," we can break free from the trap of always looking ahead and instead find joy and peace in the present moment.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, stood in a stable with her newborn son, surrounded by no one but God, and treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. In this quiet moment, Mary saw the hand of God at work, and we too can learn to do more pondering like Mary, taking time to appreciate and reflect on the ways God is working in our lives.
Tracie Braylock shares a personal story of her daughter's struggle with confidence and timidity, highlighting the importance of approaching God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find help in times of need. By sharing biblical truths and encouragement, Braylock invites readers to overcome their own struggles and confidently present their needs to God, promising that He is ready to hold them and meet their requests.
As a Christian, you've likely faced walls that seem insurmountable - whether it's fear, doubt, or insecurity. But what if God's strength could empower you to scale them? Drawing on her own struggles and David's biblical example, Sarah Geringer shares three ways to climb your "walls" in God's mighty strength. Note: I've removed the extra line break at the end of the abstract
When feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to forget what's truly important, but recalling God's benefits and promises can bring comfort and confidence. By reframing our thoughts on the truth-filled words of Scripture, we can find peace and strength in the midst of chaos.
Aubrey Sampson shares a personal story of finding self-worth and identity in God's love, encouraging readers to recognize their inherent value as "Beloved" rather than seeking external validation. By exploring biblical passages such as Genesis 1:31 and Ephesians 1:4, Sampson offers a powerful message of hope and empowerment for living from one's true identity in Christ.
Wendy Blight shares a personal story of experiencing righteous anger and the importance of distinguishing between conviction and condemnation, highlighting the need to speak words that build others up rather than engaging in idle gossip. Through her journey, she encourages readers to commit to living in God's unconditional love and to respond differently when faced with disappointment or offense.
As an introvert, finding hope and purpose in a world that often values extroversion can be daunting, but author Holley Gerth offers guidance on how to navigate uncertainty and find strength in solitude. By sharing her personal struggles and insights from the Bible, Gerth shows that even when life's questions seem unanswered, we can still choose to put our hope in God and praise Him again, leading to a deeper connection with ourselves and others.
As Christmas celebrations intensify, many of us feel pressured to say "yes" to festive activities and expectations, potentially overshadowing our commitment to the Lord. In a powerful reflection on Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, Corrie Gerbatz reminds us that saying "yes" to Jesus as our Lord and Savior is the greatest yes of all, one that brings redemption and eternal life.