Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today

Miranda Jo Davis invites readers to "dive into the dumpster" and salvage broken relationships, just as Jesus would, by showing compassion, pursuing, and redeeming those around them. By embracing a spirit of humility and unconditional love, individuals can transform their relational rubbish into spiritual treasure, gaining freedom to love all relationships "as-is," just like Jesus did.

Failure can be a heavy burden, but it does not define us. According to Wendy Pope, God's truth defines who we are, and our failures do not disqualify us from our potential; rather, they provide an opportunity for Him to work in and through us.

Arlene Pellicane explores the concept of a balanced work-life equilibrium, citing biblical verses from Ecclesiastes to emphasize the importance of striking a moderate pace between idleness and overwork. By examining the pitfalls of both extremes, she offers practical advice on how to cultivate a sense of contentment, peace, and productivity in one's daily life.

Jesus invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, promising a deeper level of intimacy with God that surpasses anything else. By letting go of distractions and embracing the hard work of growing closer to Him, we can experience unparalleled closeness with Jesus in both heaven and on earth.

Kelly Barbrey shares her personal journey of finding a consistent prayer life, from identifying distractions to cultivating a daily habit of prayer, and offers practical tips for creating a dedicated space and time for prayer, including designating a "prayer chair" and starting with gratitude. By embracing the practice of prayer, readers can experience freedom and connection with God, even in the midst of chaos.

Lynn Cowell shares her personal journey of discovering contagious courage, inspired by the stories of women in the Bible who risked everything to stand up for what was right. Through her own experiences and biblical examples, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take courageous action to bring change and hope to those around them.

Anitha Abraham shares a personal story of feeling like she was chosen for a role, but not truly wanted there, and how her sister's perspective on the biblical story of David changed everything for her. By examining the story of David's selection as king of Israel, Abraham reveals that true worth and value come from God's choice, not human approval.

Lysa TerKeurst shares a personal story of struggling with feelings of inadequacy and scarcity when it comes to her own success, but ultimately finds freedom in recognizing that her success doesn't threaten others. By shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, she encourages readers to focus on their own growth and contributions to the Kingdom.

Rebecca Smith shares her personal story of loss and grief after a miscarriage, but finds comfort in the unexpected blooming of a peace lily plant that becomes a symbol of God's presence and care. Through her experience, she reflects on Romans 8:28 and discovers that even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, God works all things together for good.