Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Alicia Bruxvoort reflects on a childhood moment where her young son was carrying an excessive burden, and how this experience has led her to re-examine the weight she carries in life. She shares how Jesus' words of comfort and rest offer a solution to the load that is not hers to bear, inviting readers to sidle up to Him and find relief.
A legally blind woman, who recently gained sight after surgery, shares her newfound joy and gratitude for the world around her, reflecting on how Jesus' healing of a blind beggar in the Bible parallels her own experience. She offers a three-step process to cultivate joyful gratitude, encouraging readers to pause, ponder, and praise God for the ordinary wonders of life.
Lynn Cowell shares her approach to intentionally sharing Jesus with her family, particularly her grandchildren, through everyday moments and activities like baking cakes and making YouTube videos. By following Deuteronomy 6:7, she models a heart of love, identity, and joy that transcends generations, inspiring others to do the same and share God's Good News with those around them.
As social media's influence continues to shape our children's lives, many parents are left wondering how their kids have strayed from the Christian faith and instead adopted a polar opposite worldview. Can changing your own spiritual orbit - and making Jesus central to every area of life - help restore Him to the center of your child's universe?
Mary, Jesus' mother, shows us the way to do great things for God by being willing to submit to His will, regardless of the cost. By understanding that our impact is determined not by our ability but by our availability, we can risk something and follow Christ, just as Mary did, to make a difference in the world.
When sudden pain prompts us to cry out to God, it can be a transformative experience that forces us to acknowledge our need for help and dependence on Him. In this personal reflection, author Kia Stephens shares her own story of unexpected pain and how she learned to trust God's sovereignty and purpose in the midst of suffering.
Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle to see Jesus in her life, feeling uncertain about His presence and wanting to experience His reality. By writing down her desires and praying for a deeper connection with God, she discovered that the "pure in heart" will indeed see Him, and has since pursued a daily relationship with Jesus, finding comfort and assurance in His presence.
When feelings of inadequacy and fear of rejection lead us to hide our weaknesses, we miss out on the power of God's limitless presence. By surrendering our limitations to God, we can discover His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and He becomes enough for us.
Cindy Bultema shares her personal struggle with temptation and addiction, drawing from her own experiences and biblical guidance in 1 Corinthians 10:13 to offer three keys for overcoming temptation: remembering you are not alone, relying on a trustworthy God, and recalling Truth. By applying these principles, readers can make victorious choices and live full lives free from the grip of sin.
Arlene Pellicane shares a personal story of how she learned to find gratitude in the midst of chaos, and how this mindset shift has transformed her life. By embracing the sacrifice of thanksgiving, she discovered that it pleases God and can lead to a deeper connection with Him, even in difficult circumstances.