Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
A good shepherd knows how to lead His sheep even when they aren't sure where they are going.
As athletes of faith, we often struggle to focus on our spiritual goals, getting sidetracked by past mistakes and distractions. By embracing the biblical principle of "forgetting what is behind" and fixing our gaze forward, we can pursue our prize in Christ Jesus with clear focus and renewed faith.
Anitha Abraham reflects on the importance of separating the holy from the common in her daily life, drawing inspiration from Ezekiel's words and applying principles to modern times such as waiting, focusing, and changing one's posture to prioritize God. By doing so, she encourages readers to put God first and cultivate a deeper connection with Him, offering practical tips and resources for developing this habit.
Lysa TerKeurst reflects on the biblical story of the Israelites' 40-year desert wandering, where they were stuck in a mess due to their own disobedience and lack of trust in God. She encourages readers to ask themselves if there are areas in their lives where they need to "turn north" and seek God's guidance and empowerment through "Go-To Scripts," empowering truths from God's Word that can help them break free from their current messes.
A young woman's journey from feeling like she wasn't good enough for her varsity cheerleading team to discovering the truth that she is enough in God's eyes, and how this realization can change an entire community. Through a personal story of redemption and forgiveness, Cindy Bultema shares the powerful message that no one is too far gone, and Jesus desires to meet each person where they are to help them fulfill their purpose.
Arlene Pellicane shares a personal story of teaching her son to stay focused in public, mirroring the challenge of maintaining spiritual focus in life's distractions. She reminds readers that their heavenly Father is always near and guides them through life's "department store," encouraging them to turn their eyes toward Jesus and discover His unwavering love.
As a busy parent, navigating the demands of parenthood can make it challenging to establish a consistent quiet time with God, but Jesus encourages persistence in pursuing Him, not perfection. By embracing this promise and seeking Him with an open heart, believers can find peace and confidence in their relationship with God.
When someone you love is fighting a losing battle, it's easy to feel drained and want to give up. But what if that person needs you most when they've lost hope? A powerful story from the book of Ruth shows us that even in the darkest moments, there is always someone willing to fight for those who have given up.
Listening to the soundtrack of His Word and connecting with other believers rightfully restores and renews our faith.
As a mother, Jessica Smartt's struggles with gardening served as a catalyst for her journey of self-discovery and growth in parenting. By applying the same principles she learned from caring for plants - individualized attention, observation, and adaptability - to her children, she discovered that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather an art of watching and responding to each child's unique needs.