March 202303/21/2023
The Lord is our shield, our glory, the lifter of our head, and He will hear our every cry and He will answer. We must speak these words of truth and strengthen our faith based on our understanding of who God is and how He has helped us in the past.
03/20/2023
There will always be something or someone threatening to distract us from our joy. We must choose daily to fight the good fight of faith. To remember the joy we have in Jesus.
03/19/2023
Have you ever really messed up in your life? Not something unimportant or easy to correct, but in a way, it can’t be easily made right or fixed at all, something that can't be erased, redone, or even forgotten? If so, it's a horrible and devastating feeling for most individuals.
03/18/2023
For the last two years, I’ve wondered why my walk with the Lord felt dry. I’d find myself almost daily asking, “how did I get here”? Yet, for some reason, I never took it farther than that. I kept chugging along, doing life and feeling dry, almost empty, if you will.
03/17/2023
Even if God doesn’t do what we want it is still God who is at work in our lives.
03/16/2023
Endurance involves time and process. It is hard work, but good work, if in Christ we let it have full effect. It is producing in us faith and character that withstand the wear and tear of life.
03/15/2023
Jesus knew his followers would struggle with trusting God in uncertain times. In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cautioned believers against worrying about such things. He knew the key to an abundant, peace-filled life and shared it with all who would listen.
03/14/2023
The more we forgive, the freer we can live, knowing that our Father in heaven has forgiven us of so many things. Forgiveness is freedom.
03/13/2023
The Lord wants to meet our needs and longs to have a personal relationship with us, satisfying our souls with the sweetness of an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. As we go about our day, let us glorify and offer gratitude to our God. He always has a plan and is eager to provide for his children; He is a God who provides miraculously!
03/12/2023
Have you ever sensed God wanted you to do something but were uncertain about what steps to take to see it through? You felt that tug at your heart that only grew stronger by the day, but you had no idea how to start. God is with you, ready for you to seek guidance through his precious Holy Spirit. Let’s begin with this prayer to be led by the Spirit and let him teach us to do his will.
03/11/2023
When we meet with God in His Word, through prayer, and even as we seek counsel through fellow Christian friends, our calling becomes clear. The truth about our calling is that God will always prepare the way and plant desires in our hearts to glorify Him; all we have to do is submit.
03/10/2023
When trials come, do you tend to blame God, run away from him, or turn to him? Sometimes I do all three.
03/09/2023
So when my heart is troubled and anxious, I have to ask myself, where are you looking for peace? When we find our peace in God, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in a way that baffles the world.
03/08/2023
Paul, in Romans 15:1-7, encouraged believers of all levels of faith to humbly work to get along and accept one another, even if their beliefs on personal freedoms differ.
03/07/2023
As we focus on the Lord being our strength and our song, we begin to see how He is our salvation in every situation. He saved our souls once, and He loves us so much that He wants to save us from the hard things that we are walking through.
03/06/2023
As challenging as it is to be seeking Christ’s will for our lives, we can consider it a glorious invitation to walk with Him daily and follow His leading.
03/05/2023
Abel possessed an obedient, humble heart. That heart led to the sacrifice that became the action of faith that still speaks today. May we all have the courage to act out our faith, do the right thing, and leave a legacy that speaks long after we are gone.
03/04/2023
Paul’s letter still applies to our lives today— when sinful desires tempt us or when we focus too intently on our worldly problems rather than our heavenly hope. “Focusing on the things of heaven” can be our battle cry when we fall into the trap of overthinking.
03/03/2023
Maybe you are a big feeler too? A sensitive soul? The one that loves fiercely but hurts deeply. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, always vulnerable, but expecting it in return. You’re seen as dependable, trustworthy, compassionate, and highly intuitive of others' needs.
03/02/2023
Let’s pray today for the healing strength we need from the Lord to step out of atrophy against all odds and into the full life we are meant to live as God’s children.
03/01/2023
The Apostle Paul shares with the Philippian church that it isn’t enough to proclaim your salvation, but as believers, we should see it worked out in our life, bearing fruit for all to see.
February 202302/28/2023
The Bible is full of truth about eternity and wisdom on how we should live our lives while we are still here on earth. Jesus doesn’t promise that we will escape pain here on earth, but He does promise that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20).
02/27/2023
My toddler nephew hates long lines. To him, twenty minutes is a rough draft of eternity! He can’t anticipate the reward on the other end of the line. Certain moments are worth waiting for if our hearts are mature enough to anticipate the reward at the end of the line.
02/26/2023
The reality is that, as humans, we can’t truly fathom eternity. We know that God has provided eternal life to those who trust in His Son Jesus, but understanding the weight of eternity is beyond our comprehension.
02/25/2023
King David's courageous faith came from the relationship he developed with God. God’s faithfulness gave David the confidence to cry to Him for help in many circumstances, and we can, too.
02/24/2023
If change is causing us to worry or stress out, we need not run to other things or people to try to fix our anxiousness. We will always be disappointed, left feeling empty and even more anxious. We must run to God.
02/23/2023
Our deep bond with the Lord, made possible because of Calvary, changes everything. His love transforms us and radically alters what we do with our lives.
02/22/2023
Lately, wars and rumors of wars fill our headlines, along with natural disasters affecting our food sources, fuel supplies, and mobility. Yet, Jesus urged us in Matthew 24:6 not to be alarmed.
02/21/2023
Lasting change can feel impossible sometimes, can’t it? It only adds to our discouragement when we fail to meet our goals, keep our promises, or honor our commitments.
02/20/2023
God faithfully weaves us together one at a time, our lives blending together to illuminate the beautiful spectrum of color and compassion He knit into every human heart.
02/19/2023
One of the best ways to guard our hearts against bitterness is to ask God to bless those who curse us. You won’t have space in your heart for offense when you are approaching the throne of grace on behalf of that enemy.
02/18/2023
Discipling our children is not just a one-and-done thing; it isn't a checklist but a way of life. Yes, we should work toward a daily prayer and bible reading routine, but a big part of discipling our children is constantly talking to them about God in all situations.
02/17/2023
Our modern-day existence ebbs and flows on a sea of words and images. Online communication seems to be the key enabler for us to work, rest and play. I mean, you’re reading this devotional online!
02/16/2023
Is there a desire God has planted in your heart? Maybe a story you want to share? Or perhaps you are in need of encouragement and looking for someone to stir your faith?
02/15/2023
Jesus truly understands how it feels to be not only rejected but hated and has told us we’re not the first to experience it. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first” (John 15:18)
02/13/2023
Remember that God sees you. When you feel invisible, remember that his heart is tender toward you. He walks with you, guiding you, bringing you comfort and rest.
02/12/2023
Words can be painful. Sometimes I think it might be easier to endure sticks and stones over a verbal attack. May we extend forgiveness to those who have carelessly spoken a rash word that caused us pain. And ask the Holy Spirit to transform our rash words into words full of wisdom that bring healing.
02/11/2023
Trust is not a static response. It doesn’t mean we stop wringing our hands and letting them hang limply at our sides. It is active. Trust is relying on the integrity, strength, and ability of God. It’s placing our worries in his capable hands and then doing good.
02/10/2023
As a parent, has your heart ever been deeply troubled? If so, know if anyone understands, God does. He knows the challenges, disappointments, and regrets of parenting. Let’s face it, parenting from the very beginning has been extremely tough and for many heartbreaking as well.
02/09/2023
The motive behind Adam and Eve’s disobedience was comparison, which led to covetousness, which led to pride, which led to selfishness, which led to ungratefulness for what God had already provided (all rooted in fear).
02/08/2023
Prayer is powerful. Our prayers are heard in heaven. Scripture says the Lord is already on the move in response before we are done praying. He loves us, His children. So why does it feel like our prayers go unnoticed and unanswered at times?
02/07/2023
If your regrets prove to be overwhelming, release them to the Lord. Allow him to meet you right where you are, just as Jesus met Peter on the beach after Jesus rose from the dead.
02/06/2023
The truth is, in order to say yes to what’s pertinent and important will mean saying no to other things. While at the time, sacrificing and prioritizing can seem painful, having limitations and making adjustments are a natural part of the human experience.
02/05/2023
But as wonderful as being freed from sin’s grip, God doesn’t want us to stop there because Jesus is the door, the gate to knowing Him as Father.
02/04/2023
Jesus is not only our example on this Christian pilgrimage, but He is also the One who endows us with the power and grace to keep running our race and to finish well. We are able to keep pressing forward, casting off distractions, discouragements, and disappointment because He is the One who is faithful to complete the work that He began in us.
02/03/2023
Being children of God is our inheritance! We have the ability to be Spirit-led. “There is so much more I want to tell you,” Jesus said, “but you can’t bear it now.” (John 16:12 NLT) We often crave answers we don’t receive direct answers to.
02/02/2023
On a scale of 1 to 10, how patient are you? Do you greet long line-ups with ease? Do you sit in traffic jams in a state of quiet contentment? If you are like me, probably not.
02/01/2023
Today, my prayer for you is that you find your joy in the Lord. No matter what the situation looks like around you, you make the choice to run to Him.
January 202301/31/2023
The mindset of Christ helps us lay aside our worst-case scenarios and view other people through the lens of humility so we can discover the power of God at work in them and us.
01/30/2023
In Romans 8:1, the Bible tells us that we do not have to carry condemnation in our lives when we’re truly in Christ. If you are a born-again believer, condemnation does not exist because the punishment for our failures and sins does not exist.
01/29/2023
The truth is the more we engage with others, the more inevitable conflict becomes. But we have two options when approaching difficult interactions: we can harbor bitterness or show the love of God.
01/28/2023
The power of winter in the physical world allows the ground to rest so that in the growing season, it can do what God designed it to do—produce life. We also produce life. We can speak life with our words and bring life with our actions. But there’s a season for rest too.
01/27/2023
With eyes full of unimaginable end-of-the-world apocalyptic and catastrophic images, many are up at night, unable to sleep or find rest, living in a perpetual state of terror.
01/26/2023
Great leaders are formed by learning and observing the strategies of those who have blazed the trail before them. But there is a fine line between learning from others and comparing ourselves to each other.
01/25/2023
No matter what is going on around us, even if it seems like everything is falling apart, we must remember that God holds the entire universe in His hands. He is completely sovereign. Nothing passes through His hands by accident.
01/24/2023
The next time something catches you by surprise, and you find those anxious feelings bubbling inside you, your thoughts going every which way, try this. Allow anxiety to prompt you to pray. Talk to God about your problems and trials.
01/23/2023
While we can’t save others, God, in His graciousness, invites us to be co-laborers with him in the process!
01/22/2023
To be able to imitate Christ and enjoy this kind of fellowship with Him, we must look to Jesus as our example. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, He still leaned upon God the Father for everything He said and did while He walked this earth. Jesus would rise early to pray and seek God for His will for the day.
01/21/2023
Our Savior, Jesus, is empathetic toward us. Empathy means a wise understanding of what another person is going through. Many people say, “I know how you feel.” Jesus actually knows.
01/20/2023
Do you struggle with believing lies? Is there a particular deceit that entangles you, trapping you on more than one occasion? For me, that lie is that what I do with my time and how I use my talents are insignificant.
01/19/2023
What motivates your drive toward Christ? For the Apostle Paul, it was the prize of the upward call of God.
01/18/2023
Let’s choose to remember these truths in moments of fear and pain. Life is going to throw us some challenges. It’s not going to be easy all of the time. But in Christ, we have the strength to get through it.
01/17/2023
After almost nine years of sobriety, someone I love relapsed back into the pit of addiction. Stunned by this setback and overwhelmed with disappointment, I’ve questioned why God would allow something that was once such a testimony of redemption to be squandered by a series of bad choices.
01/16/2023
The Bible continually calls us to patience. Patience is an unpopular discipline, particularly today. We are told that time not spent in activity is but a waste; Idle hands are the devil’s plaything, we hear.
01/15/2023
If we find ourselves no longer hungry for spiritual things, our spiritual health may be in great danger. We need to find out why we have stopped being hungry for pursuing God’s Word and Kingdom pursuits.
01/14/2023
This title seems odd, right? Why would people want to know the reasons someone prays? Well, I believe when someone knows why we pray and who or what we’re praying for, they get a glimpse into who we are and what God is doing in our lives.
01/13/2023
There is so much out of our control. This fact, along with the overwhelming standards of beauty, performance, and success, produces a perfect storm of anxiety about not being good enough.
01/12/2023
As readers of the Bible, we often get caught in the mindset of reading the Bible to find ourselves. It is true that the Bible is full of the ways that God loves us, the beautiful ways that God created us, and how He longs to be invited into our lives.
01/11/2023
We want to be the sole protector of our people and our circumstances, we want to be the guide of our life, we want to be the redeemer of hardships we face, and we want to act as Savior.
01/10/2023
Have you ever drifted down a river in a boat? When we drift, we are at the mercy of the river current. We risk collision with floating tree trunks or shallow shores
01/09/2023
Paul knew following Jesus in a world full of temptations was going to be arduous, like running a long race. One that would require the right pacing. He knew we would fare better if we didn’t come out the gate ablaze and burn out too quickly.
01/08/2023
May we approach planning humbly, learning to adjust and adapt when things don’t work out how we’d hoped. Because God is all-knowing and loves us dearly, we can trust His plans are always better than anything we orchestrate.
01/07/2023
Jesus was the servant of all. In fact, He was the Servant King. Christ shares in the Gospel of John the importance of serving and following Him as He serves others.
01/06/2023
Positive thinking is important, but without proper roots, we may force our view of what is good in front of what God proclaims “good.” Gratefulness intersects with positivity in a realistic way which allows us to see what we currently have and entrust God with what is to come.
01/05/2023
Do you ever start January with resolutions all shiny and bright? Do you think, “This is the year I’m going to get it all together?” And some of us work those goals like a bread maker kneading dough. But others, like myself, find those shiny resolutions dulling after a few days.
01/04/2023
We fall prey to a lie that true and lasting change depends only on our ability, convincing ourselves we aren’t capable. Have you ever been there?
01/03/2023
Daily tasks, jobs, and roles can regularly leave us feeling depleted and run down. In addition, our stubborn human hearts often deter us from dealing with sin, conflict, and emotion. Besides that, we are finite beings and simply run out of our own meager supply of goodness. Left to ourselves, we are going to fall short every single time.
01/02/2023
Every year I pray and choose a word that will set the tone of the new year. Some words I’ve chosen are words such as kind, patient, and this past year I chose the word proclaim. It is such a joy to see how God uses words and this simple yearly rhythm to grow me and direct my steps.
01/01/2023
The year 2022 is over and done with, and the new year, as it always does, has begun in earnest. Every year, as New Year’s Day draws closer, we all want to imagine that a prosperous and optimistic future awaits us. So much so that we alienate ourselves from all the bad that we experienced during the past year and look forward to a new beginning.
December 202212/31/2022
The New Year is upon us and as we begin to possibly ponder resolutions and ways to grow in every aspect of our lives, let’s consider how we can continue to bring forth generosity this coming year. 2 Corinthians 9:7 lays out for us a beautiful depiction of the cheerful giver. If we take a look at the verse before that in 2 Corinthians 9:6, it tells us that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, but whoever sows generously will reap generously.
12/30/2022
The everlasting peace of Jesus may be hard to comprehend, but once we experience it for ourselves, we are forever changed. However long the storm we’re facing lasts, God is faithful. His peace is available to us from beginning to end.
12/29/2022
I admit I struggle with taming my tongue, especially if I am caught up in my emotions and/or sleep-deprived or hungry. My flesh wants to rule, and one way that happens in my life is how I am wielding my words.
12/28/2022
The death of a child creates grief far too visceral to articulate. As Christian people, how do we walk through a loss so pronounced and painful? How do we hold together the belief in God’s goodness with the unfair reality of a child’s death?
12/27/2022
What might be just another thing we have to deal with could be a turning point in another person’s life. Maybe not, but what if we approach every opportunity as a possible life-changing interaction? Too dramatic, some may think? Possibly but isn’t it better to err on thinking it may be a God opportunity rather than just a big waste of time?
12/26/2022
There’s no denying that the Christmas season brings a mixture of emotions; within minutes, we can feel joy, excitement, anxiousness, irritation, and loneliness. But year after year, among the hustle and bustle, I’ve noticed that people are kinder, more patient, and generally in a better mood, which I attribute to the gift of Christmas cheer.
12/25/2022
We know the true meaning of Christmas, and we are invited each year to take time and press into the joy and worship of our Savior. Today, let’s pray as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
12/24/2022
May this Christmas season be one of you living fully in the peace that the Lord gives, and may that peace flowing from you be the reason that people turn to the Lord and discover the truth of why we celebrate Christmas as they fall in love with Jesus who is so much more than just a baby in the manger.
12/23/2022
Family is important. We are all purposefully placed by a purposeful God. It’s not always easy to find, or embrace, those people. For multiple reasons, we often have trouble connecting with each other.
12/22/2022
Silent Night, a beloved Christmas carol with humble beginnings that dates back to 1816. Written by a young priest in Germany after a longstanding war and fall in political and social status, this song was inspired when he took a walk one cold winter night, noticing the stillness and peacefulness of his little town.
12/21/2022
If you’ve ever wondered if God sees the misery, hears the cries, and is concerned with suffering, the answer is ‘yes.’ Still, it’s hard for us to understand how such a loving, compassionate, and giving God could ever even allow any suffering in the world.
12/20/2022
The word “everlasting” for a long time was one that had me thinking of hard seasons, slow seasons, and seasons of my life that seemed as if they’d never end. But, God. He has redeemed this word for me because, truly the only thing everlasting is Him. No season, no hurt, no pain, not even the victories we will see as a human on this side of heaven will ever last forever.
12/19/2022
Although we don’t have much control over the words other people will say around the table, we can pray beforehand for holiday meal conversations to be glorifying and Christ-centered. And should someone begin to say something that is not gracious or seasoned with salt, we can pray that the Lord would set a guard over our mouths and keep watch over our lips (Psalm 141:3).
12/18/2022
This time of year can feel hectic and overwhelming. There are a million to-do lists happening at once, family schedules to be worked out, travel plans to be solidified, and more. It can be easy to fall into the temptation to be anxious, stressed, or fearful. However, as we focus on the fourth candle of Advent today, may we remember the wonderful gift of peace that Jesus has brought to us.
12/17/2022
So as you seek out ways to celebrate and enjoy this season. Remember that true joy, lasting joy, comes from the presence of God. Take a moment to acknowledge He is with us, and we will be with Him forever because of this miraculous birth. This is our source of true joy this Christmas.
12/16/2022
When we consider our own preparations for Christmas, may we prepare our hearts to receive him. We can examine our thoughts and attitudes and eliminate the ones that turn our hearts toward doubt and despair. Our hardships don’t exclude God’s presence in our life.
12/15/2022
This is the first Christmas without my mom. This Christmas will be different and difficult. Maybe you find yourself in a different and difficult Christmas season as well.
12/14/2022
Each year as the Christmas season gets closer, my heart fills with excitement over celebrating Jesus with family and friends. The decorations, the parties, the gifts…they all occupy my mind and time. But as Christmas Day approaches, my thoughts usually turn to Mary.
12/13/2022
The prophet Isaiah points out crucial truths in the verses above, by which we can operate in our daily lives. When our emotions start to run away, we can instead choose to yield to the following powerful truths as we pray.
12/12/2022
We, too, can experience the season's excitement like Mary those many years ago. As believers, we thank the Lord for sending his Son and eagerly wait for the second coming of Jesus. As we enter the Advent season, may we keep Christ at the center of our hearts and celebration as we remember that He alone is the reason for the season.
12/11/2022
As we pray through the third advent candle, the candle of joy, may our hearts reflect on the beautiful message from the angel given to the Shepherds in the fields. The angel brought good news of great joy.
12/10/2022
Jesus, the Savior of the world, came as an infant, grew to be a man, died on the cross for our sins, conquered death through His resurrection, and will one day return. So, this promise God is with you covers every detail and every little nuance of your life.
12/09/2022
At Jesus’ birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. Can you imagine sitting in the dark, warming yourself by a fire, tuning your ear to the night sounds when an angel appears before you and the glory of God fills the night?
12/08/2022
As we find ourselves in the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth and all He is to us, I pray that your heart would be softened to see the great, intricate works of our Mighty God. And may you will find yourself in awe and wonder at His works.
12/07/2022
Peace is a high commodity these days. Desired by the masses, found by few. Often individuals believe if they can gather wealth, family, and a prominent position, peace will come.
12/06/2022
During the holidays, we are easily convinced with marketing strategies that we need to spend a lot of money to make holiday gatherings special, provide lavish gifts, and shop all the holiday deals.
12/05/2022
Recently I had the rare treat of grabbing dinner with some of my closest girlfriends. We began discussing our upcoming holiday plans. Within minutes the topic of in-laws, family tension, and general dread over getting together with relatives in the upcoming weeks was brought up.
12/04/2022
As we pray through the second candle of faith for the Advent season, may we be reminded that we serve the God who makes a way and prepares our hearts. Jesus is the Way; He is the One we are celebrating who came and fulfilled every prophecy of the Old Testament. He is the Savior of the world.
12/03/2022
Christmastime is a beautiful and holy time of year, causing us to pause and reflect on God’s rich love for us, soaking in all its wonders, but for the overwhelmed mom, going into this season can cause a surge of panic. As excitement and anticipation grow, so do the anxiety, frantic nerves, and seasonal stress.
12/02/2022
Nothing could ever take away the Truth of Christmas. Jesus is the Truth. He was born on earth as a gift to us. It’s the greatest love story of all time. Let’s pray to fully embrace Him this Christmas.
12/01/2022
We are often too easily swept away in all the magical traditions causing us to forget the true gift of the Christmas season. As we prepare our homes and families for Christmas, can we also prepare room in our hearts and minds?
November 202211/30/2022
When God allows for disappointment to happen in our life, we must remember that all things that come our way are meant to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in us and conform us to the image of Christ, whether we were expecting them to happen or not. When we are disappointed, we are given an appointment to praise God no matter what.
11/29/2022
Whether it is a pesky weeklong cold during the start of the fall weather, a chronic illness, or a serious disease. We or people we know are living life today with sickness. God did not intend for us to be sick in this world. Our bodies were perfectly designed to be healthy and strong. However, when we sinned and darkness entered the world, sicknesses came to be.
11/28/2022
Feeling heartbroken is probably one of the worst pains we endure as humans. It’s an outwardly unseen injury, a wound so deep, no one else can remove the pain from us no matter how many sweet, comforting words they speak to us.
11/27/2022
Today as we pray through the first candle, hope, may we be reminded of the fulfilled promise of Jesus as the Messiah long awaited by the people of God.
11/26/2022
We are called to be good stewards of our time, talents, and treasures. But where things can get sideways is when we begin to worship an orderly and predictable life to the point where we come unglued when something threatens our plans. For some of us, uncertainty is a stumbling block to joyfully submitting to God’s divine interruptions.
11/25/2022
This time of year is not just about the gifts, the songs, the food, and the decorations. It’s a season of remembrance, it’s a season of giving and serving those around us just as the King of Kings left his home in heaven to come to earth in the most vulnerable form — a baby — to grow, live, and die a brutal death on a cross for us.
11/24/2022
Thanksgiving is not just God’s will for one day a year, but for every day of our lives. As we pray for Thanksgiving may it remind us to be thankful always.
11/23/2022
I recently called one of my siblings to ask about holiday gathering plans. I wanted to know if he’d be okay with having the thanksgiving meal at our house this year. The conversation was going great until we began to go over the guest list.
11/22/2022
Life is hard, struggles are real, but the Lord is still good. In our lives, in the midst of all our hard places, we can still find so much that we can be thankful for. God calls us to be a thankful people.
11/21/2022
This is the season of harvest. A time of celebration, brilliant leaves, and Thanksgiving. As we reflect in our hearts this fall, we can be reminded to take time to praise God in prayer though gratitude.
11/20/2022
Thanksgiving and Christmas are possibly the only times when every family member can come together and finally catch up. Although this can be a joyous time seeing on another, there might be some questions that can go too far.
11/19/2022
You can be fully devoted to the Lord in a way that a married person cannot. Today as we pray over singles, may we remember that they have a beautiful purpose in God’s kingdom.
11/18/2022
Have you ever been hated? If so, you’re in good company because Jesus was perfect, yet He had those who hated Him to the extent of wanting Him dead. More concern should be if the world loves us because it’s a sign we most likely aren’t living our lives for God.
11/17/2022
As we are surrounded by loved ones, co-workers, and strangers who do not have Jesus in their hearts, may this be a reminder for us to pray boldly for them and to speak up and share the gospel in authentic ways while we have the time. One of the most powerful ways we can minister to them is by prayer. Let’s take time today to lift up those we are burdened for to know Christ.
11/16/2022
Our walk with God isn’t always easy or straightforward. There are times in our spiritual lives when we feel overwhelmed.
11/15/2022
There are also moments when we are serving the Lord faithfully and do not know how He is going to show up in the midst of the busyness and in our inadequacies. However, He is ever faithful to provide all that we need in Him to accomplish His kingdom work even when we feel weak.
11/14/2022
Do you ever feel like you’re going through the same battle again and again? Like you never find relief from the struggles you’re facing? Maybe, like me, you’ve heard the saying— that each one of us is either about to enter a battle, right in the middle of one, or coming out of one into a time of rest.
11/13/2022
Today’s prayer is a very personal one for me, and I hope it reaches and touches those in similar situations. My mother has Alzheimer’s — early-onset — she’s only 58. Even if she wasn’t so young, Alzheimer’s is still a horrible disease that changes the very core of an individual until, in one long, agonizing process, you can no longer recognize the person sitting in front of you, and neither can they.
11/12/2022
Kindness seems to be a lost art in our culture today. Although it is promoted a lot, true kindness can only come from the Holy Spirit. Sure, a person can do an act of kindness, but a person can truly only be kind because of the Holy Spirit in life.
11/11/2022
Our shoulders were never meant to balance the weight of the world around us, but we certainly try sometimes, don’t we? Is there a heavy burden weighing upon your heart and mind today?
11/10/2022
Many are reluctant to cry out to God when suffering for fear their complaints would offend Him. And rightly so! Remember in Exodus when the Lord burned with anger at the Israelites for grumbling? But there is a significant difference between complaining about God versus complaining to God.
11/09/2022
Loving ourselves is choosing to see ourselves as loved by God, no matter what. We silence our inner enemy that nitpicks over the littlest of things. The words of Jesus call us to claim God’s love even when we feel we are at our worst.
11/08/2022
I had forgotten how to pray. It was my first Moms In Prayer group and we bowed our heads and hearts before the Lord to lift our children to him. Tears leaked from my eyes as I sat listening to the other women pray for my child.
11/07/2022
As a follower of Christ, I have been called to spread the gospel, to be a fisher of man — that means within my own family and the world around me. I’ve been suppressing that call, even ignoring it, but hearing my sisters admit they have drifted away has awaken that call within me, and I pray that it will for all of us today.
11/06/2022
The idea of drawing near God’s throne with confidence can fill us with trepidation. Will God reject us? Will he turn his back to us? Can we be vulnerable before God, or do we need to wear a façade of strength?
11/05/2022
When we learn to number our days, we become more aware of the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us. And staying in sync with him helps us consider each item on our to-do list and decide whether it is a priority.
11/04/2022
Discouragement is dangerous. It’s one of the greatest tactics of the enemy, because discouragement ushers in doubt, and doubt makes us question our calling or even worse, our faith.
11/03/2022
Expectations, especially unspoken, can create trouble in our lives. It leads to assumptions where we guess, sometimes wrongly, and then disappointment comes in waves. But do we know how to answer that when Jesus asks the question?
11/02/2022
Today, we are going to pray boldly for the Holy Spirit to renew us and reveal victory in our lives. We do not have this by anything that we can do but because of what Jesus has already done for us.
11/01/2022
Whether you are a grandparent yourself or you have grandparents in your life, this verse reminds us of the joyful season and the value of the parents of parents. The Proverb says that grandchildren are a crown to the aged. When I think about the joy of my parents and in-laws entering this season, I smile. I am delighted to watch how they step into this new time with such anticipation and excitement.
October 202210/31/2022
When the calendar hit October 1, my soul filled with glee as I realized the sweep of holidays was in full effect: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. I love this time of year!
10/30/2022
Rejection had overwhelmed me so much that I wasn’t being fully honest with people in my life. The lie I believed was that I would be rejected if my sin or wrongdoing was discovered.
10/29/2022
Teens struggle for acceptance among peers, and as parents, we need to remind them that they are loved and accepted just as God created them, not because of how they look, what they drive, or the toys that they possess.
10/28/2022
Many are creating a Christianity (and Jesus) to their own liking that allows them to continue to embrace worldly ideologies and philosophies that make them feel better about themselves. But in the gospels, Christ assures us that if we try to hang onto our life, we will lose it. If we want to hold onto the world, we will inevitably lose our soul.
10/27/2022
While we need food daily to nourish our bodies, there is another kind of nourishment that feeds our souls and that’s Jesus Himself. Most of us turn to food or other forms of nourishment and satisfaction to fill us not just out of necessity for our bodies to survive, but out of a place to comfort us, to give us peace, and to temporarily bring us pleasure.
10/26/2022
When a storm of life rages all around us, it’s hard to believe any relief waits beyond its terrifying fury. Gray clouds and devastating winds block our view of the coming sunrise. That’s when we must have faith in the certainty that storms will eventually cease. That light will shine once again.
10/25/2022
The husband being the head of the home doesn’t mean the wife doesn’t get a say in what happens in the family or the wife is disconnected from family matters, it means at the end of the day, the husband is held responsible for the decisions made. It is God's order for the family.
10/24/2022
Often times, we may experience burnout or exhaustion trying to depend only on ourselves. When we depend daily on ourselves, it can lead to us daily denying our need for Jesus.
10/23/2022
We know that God is with us and with our futures. It can be really easy to live in a future hope — so much so that we can miss the present — our once future. Even though we have so many hope-filled promises about the future, Jesus also reminds us to take care of what will happen today.
10/22/2022
Worship simply means “ascribing worth.” It is what/who you give your time, your devotion, your affection, your finances, your heart, your praise, and thanksgiving.
10/21/2022
In Psalm 139, the Bible says that He knew the days of my life and recorded them before I had even breathed my first breath. He knew what was best for me, more than I certainly knew for myself. Yet, it took many hard moments, such as being a military spouse and being states from home and my daughter being diagnosed with epilepsy, to realize that there were so many things I couldn’t control. Instead of relying on my wit, I needed to truly learn the beauty of trusting in the Lord.
10/20/2022
There are times when you and I must answer a phone call, open an envelope, or encounter a headline from a breaking news story that leaves us holding our breath. In these moments, fear feels powerful until we remember that we have an All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Present God. If you struggle with doubt and worry, you are not the only one.
10/19/2022
God wants us to love each other in the same way that He loves – unconditionally. In fact, God wants us to love in such a way that the people around us will know we are fully devoted followers of Christ. I wonder what our relationships would look like if we did love the way Jesus loves us.
10/18/2022
When life is stagnant, it can be hard to hear God’s guiding voice. It is an unknown occurrence that happens from time to time. We can be in the Word, seeking God through prayer daily, yet no doors seem to be opening, all we hear are crickets in return.
10/17/2022
Smack dab in the middle of the Lord’s prayer found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, Jesus is teaching his followers how to pray. After He has blessed the name of God the Father and shared his desire for the Lord’s kingdom to come and will to be done, we find a few short yet powerful words: give us this day our daily bread.
10/16/2022
In Galatians 6:2, the apostle Paul encourages the church with this, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” He knew there would be times when we would need help, and as a fellowship of believers, we can fulfill God’s great plan by being there to help carry one another’s burdens.
10/15/2022
Over and over in Scripture, we see a common command of God to respect those who are older than us and to not forget them in their old age. There is such beauty in learning from the generations who have come before us. We all have things that we can take away from each other.
10/14/2022
Stephanos, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Tychicus, Barnabus, Timothy, and Onesimus. When you hear these names, what does it make you think of? For many of us, most of these names would not “ring any bells” at all. So who were they? And why were they mentioned in Scripture?
10/13/2022
Whether it is in our daily places of work or school, in our homes, in our churches, in our organizations, or on our favorite teams, there are leaders. The Lord has specifically called certain people to positions of leadership among believers.
10/12/2022
Scripture calls us in Romans to celebrate and empathize with those around us. People are celebrating exciting news, and we join in the rejoicing. However, not every day is going to be a walk in the park. When others come to us in mourning, the response of a believer in Christ should be to mourn with them.
10/11/2022
Rest assured we have the power to overcome whatever we face. We have the power through submitting all to God.
10/10/2022
It can be so hard to reconcile the reality of death and suffering with the goodness of God. I believe that the tragedies in life are not created by God nor is it part of His plan or will.
10/09/2022
When our heart is overwhelmed with the cares of this life, we must take the time to cast them upon the Lord.
10/08/2022
With the Lord’s help, we can have all the strength that we need to just keep on doing good to everyone.
10/07/2022
Today, I pray that we can all embrace God’s word gladly and seek to serve Him in all our ways.
10/06/2022
What step of faith is God asking you to take today?
10/05/2022
God is there for you in all the ups and downs of your days.
10/04/2022
We live in a filtered world.
10/03/2022
Let's walk in confidence today knowing that no matter what our day, month, or future looks like, we can trust that God is already one step ahead.
10/02/2022
God has entrusted each one of us with different family members. Whether biologically or through adoption, the Lord has strategically placed each one of us where we are for a reason.
10/01/2022
Who have you been praying would receive the gift of salvation through Jesus? God has not given up on them.
