Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Elizabeth Laing Thompson shares a powerful message of God's love and forgiveness, illustrating that He welcomes us back with open arms after we've made mistakes or regretful decisions, offering a fresh start through His mercy and grace. In her latest study, "Fresh Start," she explores how God can help us move past regret and start anew, even when things seem unfixable.
Anitha Abraham shares a personal story of feeling unappreciated after going out of her way to help someone, and finds comfort in the biblical verse Hebrews 4:15-16, which reminds us that Jesus understands our weaknesses and is worthy of our gratitude. By reflecting on this verse and its application to everyday life, Anitha encourages readers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and express their gratitude to others.
Meghan Ryan Asbury shares her personal struggle with holding onto hope despite feeling disappointed and afraid of being let down, but finds comfort in Romans 5:5, which reminds us that God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. By choosing to put our hope in God alone, we can learn to live differently and find joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Carol Whitaker shares a personal story of spiritual struggle and redemption, highlighting two key truths from Scripture that offer hope to those who feel they've gone too far in their walk with God. By exploring the promises of forgiveness and cleansing found in 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1, Whitaker encourages readers to turn back to God and find restoration through His love and mercy.
As a parent navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs, author Cleere Cherry Reaves shares her journey of discovering that God has a unique plan for each individual, one that may not align with our expectations but is designed to refine and revive us. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, Reaves reveals the transformative power of embracing the present moment and trusting in God's sovereignty, offering hope and encouragement to those facing life's unexpected twists and turns.
Christine Caine shares the inspiring story of Anna, a 84-year-old widow who waited faithfully for the Messiah, and encourages readers to practice hopeful waiting in their own lives, trusting God even when they can't see His promises come to pass. As Advent approaches, Caine reminds us that we're waiting with faith, hope, trust, and expectancy, just like Anna, who saw Jesus, the Messiah, in her old age.
Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with comparison and envy, revealing how she learned to shift her focus from what others have to the blessings in her own life. By embracing gratitude and recognizing that everyone's package comes with both good and bad, TerKeurst encourages readers to choose gratitude even in the midst of challenges.
Renaming is a sacred act in the Bible, symbolizing God's desire to change a person's life direction and step them into His purpose. By accepting Christ as your Savior, you'll be given a new name by God's own mouth, reflecting Your true identity as loved, saved, redeemed, chosen, right with God, belonging to God, daughter of God, light of the world, overcomer, and more.
When uncertainty and panic set in, God's Word offers a beacon of hope as a "lamp for my feet" and "light on my path." By clinging to His promises and trusting in His guidance, believers can find their way forward even when the road ahead seems unclear.
As a woman struggling with physical and emotional pain, Bonnie Gray shares her personal journey of healing and finds strength in the grace of Christ Jesus. Through her story, she reminds us that healing is not just about physical recovery, but also about spiritual restoration and finding peace in our anxious souls.