Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. — Luke 2:14 NIV Does your heart yearn for peace? The hectic nature of Christmas sometimes inspires more weariness, conflict, loneliness, and feelings of unworthiness than the joy promised by the angels at Christ’s birth. The tumult…
Experiencing Love Through Forgiveness
Her many sins have been forgiven — as her great love has shown. — Luke 7:47 NIV There are many reasons why people fail to experience God’s love, and one of them is unforgiveness. When we don’t forgive, a barrier of bitterness grows and obstructs His love from entering in. Friend, are you harboring resentment?…
Putting Down Emotional Baggage
If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. — John 8:36 On a trip to the High Sierra mountain range in California, some-thing hit me: the pack animals that carried our gear had no way of freeing themselves from the burdens on their backs. Unable to reach their heavy loads, they depended…
Draw Near to God in Suffering
Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know. — Jeremiah 33:3 At some point, we all wrestle with why God allows us to suffer and we wonder if it’s because He no longer loves us. But the truth is, some of the greatest…
The Likeness of Love
God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” – Genesis 1:26-27, emphasis added Have you ever thought about how profoundly God loves you? You could spend a long time considering it and never plumb the…
Top 12 Devotional Gifts
Some books are more like friends than inanimate leather-bound pages. Streams in the Desert and Jesus Calling have been my friends for years now and my ratty, well-loved copies sit on my desk every day just waiting to bless my heart with today’s Scripture and devotional reading. If you are a regular devo devotee, too, you know…
Intimacy Is Essential
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. – Jeremiah 33:3 At some point, we all wrestle with why God allows us to suffer and we wonder if it’s because He no longer loves us. But the truth is, some of the greatest…
You Are Truly Known
My God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You… Your lovingkindness is better than life. – Psalm 63:1, 3 Do you ever wish someone understood, appreciated, respected, and loved you for who you are? This is because you were built for intimacy—a close, deeply satisfying relationship that empowers, edifies, and encourages you…