Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Jesus prayed for unity and love among His followers, asking that they be brought to complete unity so the world would know He sent Him and loved them as He loves Himself. As Christians, we are called to live out this prayer, embracing a God-honoring unity and love in our lives, even in the midst of division and disagreement.
As Holy Wednesday approaches, a choice must be made between prioritizing worldly pursuits or humbly worshiping Jesus; Mary's example in the Bible shows us what it means to live with holy purpose and find peace and purpose in devotion. By reflecting on our priorities and devoting time to being with Jesus, we can rediscover true purpose and avoid losing sight of who we are meant to be.
Alice Matagora reflects on the way of righteousness, questioning whether she would recognize Jesus if He walked among her today, and how she can avoid becoming like the Pharisees who missed the opportunity to follow Him. In this Holy Week devotion, she invites readers to consider their own hearts and prepare for Easter by embracing God's gift of grace and righteousness found in Christ alone.
Ashley Morgan Jackson shares her personal journey of burnout and how God's disruption in her life led to a deeper understanding of His love and guidance. Through the lens of Jesus' actions in the temple, she invites readers to surrender their plans and trust in God's gentle correction, finding grace in life's disruptions.
As Palm Sunday approaches, Jennifer Dukes Lee reflects on the joy and sorrow of celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, knowing that His parade was short-lived and led to the cross. She invites readers to join her in embracing the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and love, and to lay down their own palm branches for Him alone.
When life shatters our dreams, it's hard to move forward, but the Bible offers hope through the story of Apostle Paul, who pressed on toward his goal despite his past. By focusing on eternal values, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and trusting God's goodness, we can reclaim hope for the future and walk away from shattered dreams.
Abby McDonald shares a personal story of feeling lost and uncertain about God's will, but discovers that His guidance is not like a multiple-choice test where you pick the right answer to avoid turmoil. Instead, Jesus offers a simple yet profound truth: He is the way, and trusting in Him brings freedom and confidence in making decisions.
Carole Holiday reflects on Revelation 1:8, where God declares Himself the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of all things, offering hope and reassurance that His story has a promise of completion and justice. As she shares her personal journey of finding faith in the face of loss, Holiday invites readers to anticipate the good that is coming, just as they can look forward to God's return.
Focusing on what you lack can hinder your ability to see the value in the resources and skills God has given you, but when you shift your perspective to what you already have, you open yourself up to creativity and new opportunities. By embracing this mindset, you can discover your own boxes of opportunity and fulfill God's purpose for your life with the skills and resources He has provided.
Jesus promises rest for our souls, not just a break from life's responsibilities, but a deep sense of calm and peace that comes from walking alongside Him. By embracing His yoke and learning to trust in Him, we can find true rest and relief from the emotional exhaustion and stress of life's burdens.