Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
A recent walk down a street led author Chris Baxter to ponder if our thoughts and emotions have a scent, much like garbage trucks do, and how our attitude can be likened to an odor that affects us and those around us. By exploring the biblical concept of incense offerings and prayer, Baxter encourages readers to lay down their worries and replace them with prayers, trusting that God delights in the sweet fragrance of their uplifted voices.
Proverbs 31 is often misunderstood as a passage that condemns women who don't measure up, but it's actually a celebration of women who fear God and live out virtues like courage, strength, and dignity. By reinterpreting this passage through the lens of God's love and redemption, we can discover a message of hope and empowerment for ourselves and others.
In the midst of heartbreak and grief, it's easy to forget God's faithfulness, but recalling His goodness can help us see what He's doing right now - even in our deepest sorrow. By choosing to remember the character of God and focusing on His unwavering love, we can train our thoughts to activate hope and find comfort in times of pain.
Shala W. Graham reflects on the biblical story of Mary and Elizabeth, two women chosen by God for high purposes, highlighting their roles in fulfilling prophecy and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. As Graham encourages readers to recognize their own value and purpose in God's plan, she invites them to believe in His promises and be honored as daughters of the Most High God.
Shirlee Abbott shares a personal dream that led her to discover the importance of "praying upstream," focusing on the future and praying for protection, power, and perseverance in the face of challenges. By shifting her prayers from the present moment to the yet-to-come, she finds a deeper sense of purpose and connection with God.
Lisa Lenning reflects on her experience visiting a pottery store, where she noticed imperfect jars being deemed unworthy of display, and draws parallels with the biblical concept that God chooses "clay jars" to fill with His treasure - the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this devotional, Lenning encourages readers to embrace their weaknesses and hardships as opportunities for God's power to shine through them.
King David's journey offers a powerful lesson on finding joy, peace, and satisfaction in life through a deeper relationship with God. By embracing God's presence and grace, we can discover the true path of life, one that is rooted in faith, trust, and surrender to His will.
Bonnie Gray shares her personal journey of overcoming anxiety and finding freedom in God's unconditional love, revealing that our worth is not tied to our performance but to who God says we are. By embracing this truth, readers can discover a new identity as "My Delight" and learn to prioritize their physical and emotional health with renewed purpose and joy.
A woman's life was forever changed when Jesus met her at a well, offering hope and redemption in her darkest moments. Through her testimony, others were drawn to Him, illustrating that even the most challenging experiences can be catalysts for sharing God's love with others.
As Christmas approaches, many of us struggle to recapture the joy and wonder of the season, feeling overwhelmed by disappointment and disillusionment. A simple prayer for Christmas joy offers a path forward, encouraging us to recalibrate our attention to King Jesus and find true joy in His presence.