December 19, 2023

Today's daily devotion

Decide in Your Heart

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.—2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Everyone has probably heard the phrase, “It’s the thought that counts.” This time of year, be mindful of its sentiment and intentionally approach others with joyful attitudes—and actions. Something as simple as letting someone get in line in front of you at the store or phoning a friend can spread holiday cheer.

Dear God, help me to be thoughtful and encouraging so that I bring joy to others. The more I give, the more blessed I feel.

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No Need to Worry

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?—Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

Christmas is a time of peace and trust, yet sometimes worry pulls us away from happiness. If worry is stealing your joy, take a deep breath, turn to God’s Word and let go of your stress. Trust in Him.

Heavenly Father, I want to be fully present and awake to experience the beauty in every moment of this special time of the year.

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Powered by Great Faith

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”—Matthew 8:10 (NIV)

In the above verse, Jesus is amazed at the faith of the Roman officer who believed in Jesus’ power to heal. This Advent, reflect on your great faith—and understand the important role trust and belief have in opening the door for Jesus to do amazing work in your life.

Heavenly Father, I believe! I long to amaze You!

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God Sends His Angels

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.”—Luke 1:19 (NIV)

Norman Vincent Peale said, “Always in the darkness, watching over you, is your Heavenly Father. His angels are keeping watch, banishing all fears.” This holiday season, reflect on the angels mentioned in Luke and Matthew, and the tremendous impact they had.

Lord, open my heart to the good news of Your angels.

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Divine Insight

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.—Isaiah 11:2 (NIV)

Do you turn to the Holy Spirit when problems overshadow the goodness of the world? Prayer can provide you with divine insight—often revealing light, love and forgiveness in even the most difficult times.

Dear Lord, Your peace and wisdom guide me to find hope and answers in difficult times.

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The Gift of Grace

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.—1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Writer Susanna Foth Aughtmon shared these thoughts on the holiday season. “We don’t need more parties, or decorations, or gifts, or worries, or expectations to be added to Christmas. What we really need is some grace, for ourselves and others. And we need to love people.”

Compassionate Father, when I am overwhelmed, busy and short-tempered, remind me to slow down and be caring and kind.

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A Season of Love

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.—Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Christmas, the season of love, is a perfect time to grow a forgiving heart. Pray for God’s help to release bitterness or anger you may be feeling toward others, or even yourself. Ask Him to help you heal your heart, and forgive as He forgives.

Heavenly Father, I am ready to release the feelings that are holding me back. I am ready to love with my whole heart.

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Glorify God in Your Life

I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.—Hosea 14:8 (NLT)

As you trim your Christmas tree, consider it a symbol of your everlasting relationship with God. Your bond with the Divine is eternal. As you decorate your tree reflect on how your faith and actions glorify Him.

Lord, You are the Light of the World. May Your light and love shine through me.

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A New Spirit

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.—Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? Perhaps you want to make amends with a loved one or adopt a healthy habit. Jesus can transform your heart to be more like His. He can bring blessings to your life. All you need to do is ask Him for His love and guidance.

Dear Lord, I am ready to make a fresh start. Put a new spirit in me.

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Trust the Lord

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”—Luke 1:30–31 (NIV)

Often the most challenging times are the ones that become the defining moments of our lives. How do you react to the unexpected? When you feel distraught about a situation, put your trust in God. Ask Him for the strength and courage to continue on the path ahead.

Merciful God, when unforeseen events disrupt my life, guide me safely and peacefully toward Your plan.

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When Christmas Feels Broken

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.—Psalm 42:11 (NIV)

Christmas is supposed to be peaceful and beautiful—yet there are moments when this holiday brings out feelings of being stressed, lonely or sad. When the season isn’t living up to your ideal, know that God is beside you. He is there, even if you don’t feel His presence. Reach out to Him and share your deepest thoughts.

Lord, I know You are beside me, guiding me through the highs and lows of the holiday season.

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Reflect on the Blessed Mother

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.—Acts 1:14 (NIV)

This verse is the only mention of Jesus’ mother by name after the Resurrection. Scripture affirms that the Blessed Mother, Mary, spent the rest of her days on earth in constant prayer. Reflect on the profound hope she must have felt as she continued her devotion to God.

Heavenly Father, as I prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, lead me to look at the many Biblical figures and their tremendous sacrifices. Like them, guide me to live my life so that it magnifies You.

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Devotions for Good Health

Keep Moving

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)

I’m Just Fine

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV

Take Care of Your Whole Self

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Free Yourself from Sin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Devotions for Inspiration

Bless the Animals

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)

A man stands triumphant on a mountain peak

You Deserve the Best

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

Renew Your Mind

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)

The World Needs Your Light

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

Devotions on Faith and Prayer

Hands sky worshipping God's hand Bible verses scripture

Sing a New Song

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.—Psalm 96:1 (NIV)

Trust His Plan

Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.—Job 6:8 (NIV)

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Release Old Hurts

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.—Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)