Devotional Archives for Encouragement for Today
Beth Knight shares a personal story of how she was reminded that "gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body" (Proverbs 16:24), as she reflects on her tendency to speak unkindly to her husband. By acknowledging her own heart's need for God's grace, Knight encourages readers to approach life with kindness, forgiveness, and humility, seeking to "drench others with the love of Christ we have first received."
Lysa TerKeurst shares her personal struggle with breast cancer and how she learned to trust God even when faced with more than she could handle, offering a message of hope and encouragement for those navigating difficult circumstances. By reframing our understanding of God's sovereignty and His goodness in the midst of hardship, we can find strength and renewal in our faith.
God's pursuit of humanity is a radical and sacrificial act of love, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, and continues to pursue us today with unexplainable affection. By examining Scripture and personal experiences, author Kia Stephens reveals that God's relentless pursuit of us is not limited to romantic gestures, but encompasses His tremendous love and faithfulness in our lives.
Meghan Mellinger challenges traditional notions of self-worth and perfection, arguing that God's love is not based on human performance but rather on His unconditional favor and sacrifice. By embracing this perspective, readers can break free from the pressure to be "enough" and instead discover their true identity in Christ.
Andy Stanley shares a powerful parenting principle that may surprise you: guarding your child's heart is more important than monitoring their behavior. By asking simple yet profound questions, parents can help their children develop emotional intelligence and a strong foundation for life.
Alicia Bruxvoort shares her personal struggle with pain and how she's learning to turn to God in her sorrow, finding comfort in the psalms and discovering that God's invitation to draw near is not limited to epic moments of worship or poignant times of praise. By embracing vulnerability and seeking God in our pain, we can find hope and healing in the midst of hurt.
Lysa TerKeurst invites readers to consider what holds their heart, asking a question that Jesus posed to a rich ruler in the Bible: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" She shares her own journey of surrender and trust, encouraging readers to let go of lesser things and follow hard after Jesus.
A mother's broken crayons symbolize her own shattered life, but Jesus' response to a woman caught in adultery offers hope and healing for those struggling with shame and regret. Through her personal story and biblical insights, Toni Collier invites readers to confront their hurts and discover the unconditional love and restoration power of Jesus.
When we compare our lives to others, it can lead us down a path of isolation and loneliness, but compassion can bridge the gap between differences and bring connection and communion with one another. By embracing compassion and seeing ourselves as holy and beloved, just like God sees us, we can transform comparison into a catalyst for growth and deeper relationships.
Kat Armstrong invites readers to rediscover their love for Bible reading with "holy curiosity," sparking a deeper connection with God's Word and transforming it from an obligation to a source of wonder and delight. By embracing three perspectives - inquisitive, inspirational, and imaginative - readers can cultivate a passion for studying the Scriptures and experience its beauty and truth in a new way.