Key Scripture: Matthew 5:16 (NIV) Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Devotional Most of us can think of someone whose faith has impacted our lives. Maybe it was a parent, a grandparent, a pastor, a friend, or someone from church. Perhaps they never stood on a stage or wrote a book, but there was something about the way they lived that pointed people toward God. Their faith …
Key Scripture: John 14:15 (NIV) If you love me, keep my commands. Devotional When most people think about worship, they think about songs. And that’s understandable. Music has always been a beautiful expression of worship throughout Scripture. Some of the most powerful moments in the Bible involved people lifting their voices in praise to God. But the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize that worship extends far beyond what happens with our lips. In fact, some …
Key Scripture: Galatians 5:13 (NIV) Serve one another humbly in love. Devotional A few years ago, someone asked me a question that made me stop and think. They asked, “What if some of the most spiritual things we do don’t feel spiritual at all?” At first, that sounded strange. Most of us naturally associate spiritual growth with prayer, Bible study, worship music, church services, or quiet time with God. Those are all important parts of our walk with Christ, so …
Key Scripture: Psalm 56:8 (NIV) Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record? Devotional Grief is a strange thing. Just when you think you’re doing better, something unexpected can bring the emotions rushing back. A memory appears out of nowhere. A familiar song starts playing. A photo pops up on your phone. Suddenly you’re right back in a moment you thought you had moved past. Loss has a way of lingering in …
Key Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV) Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Devotional Have you ever noticed how easy it is to worship when everything seems to be going well? When prayers are being answered, doors are opening, and life feels relatively smooth, gratitude comes naturally. We don’t have to remind ourselves to thank God because His …
Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) For we live by faith, not by sight. Devotional Have you ever noticed how differently you can view the exact same situation depending on the day? One day you feel hopeful. You believe God is working. You’re confident that everything will be okay. Then something happens. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’ve had a difficult week. Maybe an unexpected setback catches you off guard. Suddenly the same situation that felt manageable yesterday now feels overwhelming. …
Key Scripture: Psalm 13:5 (NIV) But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Devotional Few things test our faith quite like disappointment. There is something especially painful about bringing a desire before God, praying over it, believing for it, and then watching things unfold differently than we hoped. Whether it’s a relationship, a job opportunity, a ministry goal, a financial need, or a prayer we’ve carried for years, disappointment often hurts because it involves something …
Key Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles… Devotional Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. Most of us don’t mind trusting God when things are moving. We can handle taking steps forward. We can handle seeing progress. What becomes difficult is when we’ve prayed, we’ve trusted, we’ve obeyed, and yet nothing seems to be changing. The waiting season can feel …
Key Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Devotional Grief has a way of changing everything. It changes how we view ordinary days. It changes how we think, how we feel, and sometimes even how we pray. Whether the loss involves a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or a season of life that can never be recovered, grief often leaves us carrying emotions we weren’t prepared for. …
Key Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Devotional One of the most difficult parts of following God is learning to trust Him when we don’t understand what He’s doing. Most of us are comfortable trusting God when things make sense. When prayers are being answered, doors are opening, and life seems to be moving in the direction we hoped, it’s easy to see His hand at work. …