Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Lynn Cowell shares a heartwarming story of how her family has made Christmas a special time to welcome and include those who may not have a place to celebrate, becoming a meaningful holiday tradition that reflects the love and compassion of God. Through her personal experience and biblical insights, Cowell highlights the importance of recognizing our Heavenly Father's presence in our lives and extending His love to others, especially during the holiday season.
Jasmine Williams shares a personal journey of discovering the fullness of worship, revealing that it involves not only fervent expressions of gratitude but also worshipping in Spirit and truth through God's Word. By integrating Bible study, prayer, and praise, she finds empowerment to face challenges using Scripture, leading to a deeper connection with God and a more submitted heart.
Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with forgiveness, revealing that the hardest person to forgive is often ourselves, and that true forgiveness starts with God's mercy and not our own efforts. By sharing her journey of confessing sin, seeking forgiveness, and letting go of shame, Lysa offers hope and healing for those struggling to overcome feelings of regret and guilt.
Meredith Houston Carr shares a personal story of how a gumball machine taught her about gratitude, comparing it to Jesus' words in John 21:21-22, where Peter compares his fate to that of another disciple, reminding us to focus on God's goodness and our own faithfulness. By keeping our gaze vertical and lifting up praise for all He has done, we can find peace and contentment in the midst of life's challenges.
A harrowing encounter with a near-miss car accident prompts Tracie Miles to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of living in the present moment, embracing joy and gratitude despite difficult circumstances. By applying Psalm 90:12's wisdom to live wisely and intentionally, readers can transform their lives by thinking positively, forgiving quicker, and prioritizing happiness over unhappiness.
A seemingly insignificant moment of jealousy and bitterness in a family can have far-reaching consequences, as seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers in the Bible. This subtle distortion can grow into hatred and ultimately shape the course of history, highlighting the importance of recognizing and refuting negative emotions to avoid their multiplied impact on future generations.
When a long-held calling is lost, it can be devastating. However, as one author shares her personal struggle and journey of faith, she discovers that trusting in God's plan can bring comfort and purpose, even amidst uncertainty.
A sudden tornado warning forces a mother to take shelter with her young child, leading to a moment of profound dependence on God and a reminder that His presence and protection are always available, even in the midst of chaos. By setting our minds on things above and not being distracted by the storms we're experiencing, we can find peace and trust in God's loving presence.
Lysa TerKeurst shares a personal struggle with being easily offended and offers a solution through the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the importance of confession and forgiveness in daily life. By incorporating this prayer into her daily routine, she found peace and prevented chaos, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and confession to break cycles of hurt and resentment.
Believing impossible things is a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience, yet many struggle with it due to limited faith and a lack of trust in God's power. By embracing a childlike faith and remembering that "everything is possible with God," readers can regain confidence and trust their Creator for everything.