Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Lynn Cowell shares a powerful story of how her small gift of love and music impacted the lives of children, demonstrating that even the smallest acts can multiply into big changes. Through her personal experience and biblical insights, Cowell encourages readers to discover their own unique gifts and share them with others, trusting in God's power to amplify their impact.
Shannon Popkin shares a personal struggle with comparison and how Jesus' response to the disciples' "who's the greatest?" arguments offers a better question: "How can I empty myself and serve?" By embracing humility and serving others, we escape the measure-up mindset of the world and find true greatness in the Kingdom.
Nicki Koziarz shares her personal struggle with confirmation bias, where she would unconsciously seek out gloom in life, and how understanding this concept helped her shift her focus to the goodness of God. By applying Paul's wisdom from Philippians 4:8, readers can learn to replace gloom with hope, power, and might, and start seeing evidence of God's presence in their daily lives.
Lysa TerKeurst shares a powerful message about surrendering our questions of "why" and instead asking God to help us see Him in the midst of life's challenges, finding spiritual sight over answers. By letting go of our need for explanations, we can tap into God's presence, goodness, and power, and find hope and comfort in His love.
A Sri Lankan Christian, severely burned in a church bombing, credits her faith for survival and finds strength in worshiping God despite the tragedy. Through her story, Rebekah shares how Jesus' love and forgiveness sustain her, even in the midst of persecution, and invites readers to join her in praying for persecuted Christians worldwide.
Sharon Jaynes shares her personal story of heartbreak, loss, and infertility, drawing parallels with the biblical figure of Job, who also faced unimaginable trials. Through her raw honesty and faith, Jaynes reveals how she learned to trust God's purpose in the midst of pain, finding hope and redemption in the darkest moments.
As we embark on a new year, many of us are tempted to start anew, cutting out old habits and adding in fresh ones, but what if our true source of renewal lies not in our own efforts, but in the steadfast love of God? Discover how Corrie Gerbatz finds hope and encouragement in the promise of God's mercy being new every morning.
Shala W. Graham invites readers to come to Jesus, who offers rest and freedom from legalistic burdens, rather than trying to execute a prescribed path. By embracing Jesus' humble and gentle heart, believers can find true fulfillment and obedience in following His unique calling.
I know what it feels like to have been hurt so deeply that living out the commands of Scripture to forgive seems too cruel to even consider.