And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.—Genesis 1:31 (KJV)
In the above verse, the Great Creator didn’t describe the universe as perfect. “It was very good.” If you find yourself seeking perfection this holiday season, turn to today’s verse. Your best is good enough. Celebrate very good jobs well-done.
Dear God, help me to let go of unreal expectations and unattainable goals so that I can be fulfilled in knowing my best is very good.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Mother Teresa said, “When you know how much God is in love with you then you can only live your life radiating that love.” Love is the essence of God’s character. In this season of giving and receiving, focus on loving deeply and authentically. When we live in love, we reflect His heart.
Lord, help me to show deep and genuine care for those around me. Inspire me to embody Your love in all I do.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
As you prepare for Jesus’s coming, consider this: Each and every day, Jesus is planning your future and preparing blessings for you. Some gifts help you grow in faith. Others are signs of His presence to reassure you that you are not alone and that because of your faith, anything is possible.
Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your limitless wonders. I celebrate You, my glorious God.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.—Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
Faith is the gift of God. Lose yourself—all your fears and insecurities—in His great love. Know that He is helping and loving you, ready to guide you in every problem that you face. He will bring peace and calm to your troubled mind.
Almighty God, thank You for filling my life with Your greatness and glory.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.—Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
God is your healer and mender of broken feelings. If you’re carrying wounds from past hurts, turn to Him for healing. His love and grace can heal your pain. Trust that God is with you every step of the way, restoring you to wholeness.
Heavenly Father, I seek Your healing touch. Comfort my pain and mend my brokenness.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Forgiveness is a powerful gift, both to give and to receive. It frees you from the weight of resentment and opens your heart to peace and healing. This Christmas, extend the gift of forgiveness to yourself and others. Open the doors to reconciliation.
Lord, teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me to heal relationships and bring peace into my heart.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and off love and of a sound mind.—2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Fear can trap you, but faith empowers you to move forward. This Advent, choose faith over fear. Trust in God’s plan and courageously step ahead even when the path seems uncertain. Each step forward in faith builds your trust in His divine guidance.
Heavenly Father, help me to replace my fears with faith in You. Grant me the courage and a sound mind to face life’s challenges.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.—Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “If, beginning this Christmas, you say to yourself—God, through Jesus Christ, is with me—and repeat it daily through the long days and weeks, in happiness and discouragement, that is the greatest gift you can give the Christ Child.” Today, reflect on the miracle that God is here. God is with us!
Lord, I know You are here with me.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.—Romans 5:5 (NIV)
This Christmas, nurture the spark of His love in your life and in the lives of those around you. Pray. Read the Bible. Ask God how you can be of service. Have gratitude for your life and all its wonders. You’ll discover that the more you share His love, the greater it will grow.
Merciful Father, though mountains may vanish, Your undying love will never leave me.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.—Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
Saint Jerome is quoted as saying, “So valuable to heaven is the dignity of the human soul that every member of the human race has a guardian angel from the moment the person begins to be.” Do you believe God’s messengers protect and help you? Think about the above scripture and reflect on your life. Can you name a time when you felt guided or protected in mysterious and comforting ways?
Heavenly Father, thank You and Your messengers for guarding, guiding, and showering me with Your heavenly care.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.—Galatians 4:4 (NIV)
For generations upon generations, people watched and waited for the coming of the Messiah. They prayed and believed. But it was not until “the set time had fully come” that Christ arrived on earth. God’s timing is always perfect.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son to give us the gift of Your saving grace.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.—Galatians 4:4 (NIV)
For generations upon generations, people watched and waited for the coming of the Messiah. They prayed and believed. But it was not until “the set time had fully come” that Christ arrived on earth. God’s timing is always perfect.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son to give us the gift of Your saving grace.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
In the bustling holiday season, it’s easy to lose sight of the tranquility that God offers. Amid the holiday preparations, remember that true peace comes from a deep trust in Him. Find calm in moments of chaos by focusing on His steadfast love and promises.
Heavenly Father, help me to anchor my heart and mind in You. Amidst the hustle of the holiday season, lead me to Your perfect peace.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
In moments of weakness or doubt, God’s grace offers strength. Surrender to Him and give your struggles to His capable hands. Relinquish your burdens and find strength in His infinite grace.
Almighty God, I exchange my worries and weaknesses for Your strength and grace.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.—Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that genuine peace is found in your relationship with Christ. Anchor your heart in God’s love and discover a contentment that transcends life’s ups and downs. Welcome this divine knowing. Trust that in every situation, God’s grace is more than enough.
Heavenly Father, guide me to appreciate the abundance of blessings You’ve poured into my life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Pause and reflect on the light of God’s joy. In your moments of quiet reflection, acknowledge the seeds of prayer and devotion you have tenderly nurtured. Know that your efforts, though they may seem hidden from view, are deeply valued in God’s eyes.
Heavenly Father, I am grateful for my deep connection with You.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.—Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
This time of year can bring memories and melancholy. If you find yourself grieving the past or a loved one, listen closely to the whispers of grace amid the sorrow. Lean into His divine comfort. Let yourself feel, let yourself heal. You are tenderly held in His arms.
Lord, wrap us in the tender embrace of Your love as we navigate complicated feelings.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.—Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
This time of year can bring memories and melancholy. If you find yourself grieving the past or a loved one, listen closely to the whispers of grace amid the sorrow. Lean into His divine comfort. Let yourself feel, let yourself heal. You are tenderly held in His arms.
Lord, wrap us in the tender embrace of Your love as we navigate complicated feelings.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.—Ephesians 4:26 (ESV)
In the quiet whispers of your heart, anger can arise from hurt or misunderstanding. Yet God calls you to a higher path—one where anger does not lead to sin. Transform your anger into prayer. Seek His guidance to navigate through difficult emotions with grace. By releasing your anger, you find peace.
Dear Lord, help me find peace in Your presence and wisdom in Your Word.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
As we near Thanksgiving, let your heart be filled with the unseen blessings God has woven into your life. This time is a gentle reminder to pause and reflect on the gifts of love, family, and even challenges that have strengthened your faith. In every moment, there is a reason to give thanks, for in gratitude, your heart aligns more closely with His.
Lord, fill my heart with genuine gratitude. Teach me to see Your hand in every circumstance.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 