Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Carole Holiday shares a personal story of struggling with unbelief and doubt, drawing on her own experiences of grief and loss to explore the paradoxical nature of faith and uncertainty in her latest article. By examining the biblical account of a father's admission of weakness in Mark 9, Holiday reveals that it is precisely our honest admissions of doubt that can draw us closer to God, rather than hiding behind masks of confidence.
Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal experience of feeling lonely despite being surrounded by people, and how she's come to realize that sharing her tears with others can be a powerful way to connect and find hope. By exploring the biblical concept of community and interdependence, TerKeurst encourages readers to seek out supportive relationships and share their own struggles in order to build each other up and overcome pain together.
As Christmas approaches, many of us struggle to find joy in a complicated world, where imperfections and challenges seem to overshadow the holiday's true meaning. In this heartwarming devotional, Elizabeth Laing Thompson shares her personal story of finding hope and peace during a difficult time, and invites readers to join her in embracing God's joy even when life is imperfect.
As Christmas approaches, many of us are struggling with grief, loss, and disappointment, wondering if the true meaning of the season can still be found in our darkest moments. In this powerful devotion, Jodi Harris shares a personal story of heartache and redemption, reminding us that Jesus came not to take away our pain, but to be with us in it, bringing healing and hope to those who mourn.
Karen Ehman shares a personal story of how she's learned to prioritize her daily tasks and work for God's glory, using Psalm 90:17 as a guide. By implementing a simple three-step regimen and praying for God's confirmation and establishment in her work, Ehman finds joy and fulfillment in serving others and living out her faith.
As winter's darkness seems to stretch on forever, a message of hope emerges from the Bible that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. In this powerful devotional, Sarah Freymuth shares how Jesus, the Light of the world, brings comfort and strength to our hearts during life's darkest moments.
God isn't into rushing through life, but rather embracing slower rhythms of dwelling, abiding, and learning to trust Him with our pace, place, and provision. By setting aside a tithe of our grain, wine, and oil, we can learn to fear the Lord and live set apart by His presence.
Mark Batterson's new book, A Million Little Miracles, challenges readers to break free from a limited understanding of God and instead cultivate a holy curiosity for the Creator, leading to a deeper connection with the miraculous in everyday life. By recognizing the vastness of God's nature and the limitations of human thought, readers can begin to see the world in a new light, allowing them to experience the transformative power of miracles and grow closer to who God is.
Nancy DeMos Wolgemuth invites readers to reframe their daily devotional practice from a sense of obligation to an incredible opportunity to know God intimately, drawing near to Him and experiencing an intimate love relationship with the universe's God. By embracing this mindset, believers can discover the strength needed to face each day with a revived and grateful heart, as encouraged in her book "Revive My Heart: A Year of Daily Reflections".
As the new year begins, consider what this story of Apostle Peter's miraculous escape from prison reveals about God's power and our tendency to doubt His work in our lives. By flinging open the door to prayer and trust, we can discover an adventurous relationship with God and wake up each morning committed to growing closer to Him.