Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today

Marissa Henley shares three reasons to live fearlessly in a frightening world, drawing on her personal experience with cancer and Christ's promise of eternal life. By turning their eyes to Jesus' power, resurrection, and dominion over death, believers can find hope and comfort in the face of mortality.

A rustling coat and a simple act of kindness from a stranger prompt author Sandell Snyder to confront her own self-absorption and the ways in which she has lost sight of Jesus' command to love one another. Through her personal journey, Snyder challenges readers to examine their own interactions and consider how they can shift their focus towards love and compassion, just as Jesus did.

Shala W. Graham shares her personal struggle with adjusting to unexpected circumstances, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led her to reevaluate her expectations and trust in God's purpose. By reflecting on biblical stories like Barabbas, she encourages readers to release their own expectations and cling to God's promises, finding calm in chaos.

Alicia Bruxvoort shares a personal story of perseverance and faith, inspired by King David's words in Psalm 27, where he writes about trusting God even when faced with struggles and uncertainty. By embracing the confidence that comes from knowing what we don't know, we can boldly proclaim our trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.

When it's hard to love yourself, it's often a reflection of our struggle to live out the second greatest commandment - loving our neighbors as ourselves. By focusing on receiving God's unending love and cultivating self-love, we can break free from negative thoughts and treat others with kindness and generosity.

Kelly Barbrey shares a personal story of how her plans were disrupted during the pandemic, and how she learned to trust God's purpose over her own carefully laid plans. Through Proverbs 19:21, she encourages readers to seek God's direction and purpose in their next move, finding victory in the waiting and redirection that can come from unexpected twists and turns.

Forgiveness is not about reaching a certain percentage, but rather releasing the offender from our grasp entirely. In this powerful devotional, Meredith Houston Carr shares her personal journey of struggling to forgive and finds freedom when she learns that true forgiveness means letting go of even one last piece of bitterness.

Lynn Cowell shares a personal story of discovering her true worth and value, finding that she is loved and cherished not because of her achievements or actions, but simply because she belongs to Jesus. In this heartwarming devotion, Cowell encourages young girls to rest in God's unconditional love, reminding them that their identity and self-worth come from Him alone.

Sharon Jaynes shares a personal experience of feeling inadequate to fulfill her calling, but discovers that God wants her to stand in the gap for others, praying and struggling together with them. By applying this principle from Ezekiel 22:30, readers can learn how to be a partner in prayer with friends, forming a strong wall of defense against spiritual battles.