Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
As the New Year begins, many of us make promises to ourselves and God, but do we truly know what's driving our desires? Join Wendy Blight in writing a personal New Year's prayer, examining your motivations and desires, and learning how to apply God's Word to bring lasting transformation.
Lysa TerKeurst encourages readers to focus on small, daily victories rather than the seemingly overwhelming end goal, as these smaller successes can add up to achieve bigger victories. By measuring success one choice at a time and practicing self-control and perseverance, individuals can build momentum towards achieving their goals and living a life well-lived.
Jesus' disciples were exhausted and felt they couldn't meet the overwhelming needs of a crowd, but Jesus asked them to present what food they had and then performed a miracle. By focusing on what they could do rather than their limitations, we can bring order to our situations and trust in God's power to perform miracles.
Forgiveness is a process that requires intentional effort, as it's not always an easy journey. By acknowledging the importance of forgiveness and seeking God's grace, individuals can break free from the burdens of bitterness and anger, ultimately living a life of mercy and freedom.
Forgetting to remember God's benefits can lead to a lack of trust and perseverance in the face of trials. By reflecting on past experiences of God's goodness, believers can cultivate a deeper faith and learn to wait on His purposes, trusting that He has a higher plan for their lives.
Simeon's unwavering faith and trust in God's promises serve as a powerful reminder that true joy and fulfillment come from knowing Jesus, not from material gifts or earthly expectations. By embracing the wait and trusting in God's perfect timing, we can experience the miracle of Christmas and discover the reality of Christ in our lives.
God chose shepherds, the lowest members of society, to reveal the greatest news of eternity, a Savior born in Bethlehem. This surprising choice by God highlights the humble nature of Jesus' birth and the importance of humility and amazement in sharing the Good News with others.
The Queen of Sheba's historic visit to King Solomon is a powerful reminder that true wealth and beauty come from within, not from material possessions. By seeking God's wisdom through prayer and the Bible, we can transform our homes into "wealthy" places where love, grace, and spiritual insight are shared with others.
Marybeth Whalen reflects on the biblical account of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her response to God's plan for her life. As she ponders how Mary would have reacted in similar situations, Whalen encourages readers to examine their own attitudes towards circumstances that don't go as planned, inviting them to treasure God's word and trust His plan.
The article is a devotion based on 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat faces uncertainty and fear about the enemy's army. He turns to God for help and guidance, asking for wisdom, strength, and direction. The author reflects on how we can apply this principle in our own lives when faced with unknowns or uncertainties. Key takeaways: * We should ask God for wisdom, help, and direction when facing uncertain situations. * Our eyes should be focused on God, not the problem itself. * We need to trust that God can take care of our situation. * We can share our burdens with others and pray for each other's strength. Power verses: * 2 Samuel 22:20 - "He brought me