Category: Devotions

Endure in His Strength

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, Hope and Strength6 Comments

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. -Isaiah 40:29

There have been many days that I wasn’t sure I would get through. Living with chronic illnesses can be unpredictable, never knowing what each day will bring. I’m learning that we don’t need to do more than God asks of us. He will give us what we need-even strength to get through moment by moment when we are walking through fiery trials. On those days when I’m at my weakest, is when his strength pulls through for me. It’s those days, when I feel Him strongly at work in me-it’s those days, that he is teaching me to be fully dependent on Him-because, frankly, it’s the only way to be. I’ve tried my way. It doesn’t work. He, however, gives me the strength and rest needed each day to persevere.

So let us not walk in the flesh, but rather cry out to Him for the strength to endure, the strength to carry on when those boulders in front of us block the way and are too big to move ourselves, when all feels impossible. God can move mountains. For with Him and in Him, anything is possible.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. -Psalm 138:3

Plugged In?

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, Other5 Comments

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. -John 1:1

What are you plugged into-the Word or the world? If you are plugged into the world, you are much more susceptible to the enemy. And, he is out there seeking to kill, steal, and destroy. He wants to devour anyone he can get his hands on. Peter urges us in 1 Peter 5:8, to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” What a perfect opportunity for him to slither in when our focus isn’t where it needs to be.

With distractions and temptations at our every whim, along with a society pulling us in constant worldly directions, it’s easy to succumb to the world, leaving openings for the Satan. I don’t know about you, but I’m not up for playing tug o’ war with the enemy. And that’s exactly what we are leaving ourselves vulnerable to when we are not plugged into the Bible and dwelling in His presence. I recently came across this quote by Jarred Wilson, which says, The closer we are to the Shepherd, the safer we are from the wolves.

We must close the gaps, inching ourselves closer to our Shepherd day by day, moment by moment, arming ourselves with His Word, and clothing ourselves with rest of the armor of God. By making a conscious effort to die to ourselves daily, choosing God, and living out His Word continuously, we remain plugged into Him. It’s not enough to just read the Word-we must live it and breathe it. We must apply it in our everyday lives, not just as an after thought.

Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. -1 John 2:15

Cheer On, Cheerleader!

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, Other2 Comments

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. -1 Thessalonians 5:11

Are you being a cheerleader in your loved ones lives? Encouraging others is something God calls us to do. Recently, my husband and I watched Life Below Zero: Port Protection. One of the women on the show, Timbi, was holding her tongue and mentioned she was trying to be a cheerleader for her husband in order to help keep him on track with his projects. I could see she was frustrated, but at the same time she bit her tongue and proceeded to continue to motivate him. She stood by his side and cheered him on to move forward with their projects, despite his mistakes and setbacks. This made me think about how God has called us to act. As Christians, we are called to uplift others. Proverbs 18:21 says, The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Being a perfectionist and being very particular about how I like things done, I’ll be the first to admit, it’s easy to pick. What’s harder is choosing the higher road by setting expectations aside and building others up. This can be extremely challenging. When we want something done a certain way or expect something to get completed to our satisfaction and it’s not, how much more difficult it is to hold our tongue and speak words of encouragement. I’m not saying we can’t ever express our dissatisfaction or our feelings, but we need to do it in a way that is not tearing others down. This is something I am definitely working on.

So, the next time we are tempted to get upset about something someone did that wasn’t up to par with what was hoped, let’s remember to bite it and build them up. Whether it’s a friend or a coworker, a family member or neighbor-we can look for the good and choose our words carefully-words that speak life, and not death.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. -Ephesians 4:29

Freedom to be Broken

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, Hope and StrengthLeave a comment

Do you ever feel like you are wearing a mask? With all the social media apps out there, it’s easy to hide behind what appears to be “perfect”. “Perfect” isn’t reality though. It’s these masks that we put on to appear “ok”. And when we don’t live up to that standard of at least “ok” or “more than ok”, it can induce guilt, which in turn erodes us from the inside out. But with Jesus, there is freedom. There is freedom to be real and authentic because He wants us to come as we are. He gives us the freedom to be broken and take off our masks. And He gives us the freedom to be who He made us-who we really are. We don’t have to hide behind some facade with Him. We can be brutally honest about who we are because He already knows and loves us unconditionally anyway.

And not only can we share every piece of ourselves with Him, if there are pieces that need putting back together, He’s the guy for the job. When we’re broken and we reach for Jesus, depending on Him more fully-when we rely on Him, that’s where He places the pieces perfectly, creating a beautiful mosaic of our lives. He gives us the strength and ability to shine and fully express who we really are with the world. It’s in Him where we find freedom because being broken is being real. If we are being truthful, we’re all a little bit broken. And showing that brokenness to Jesus and others is honesty and authenticity. It’s where others can relate and His hope radiates.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. -2 Corinthians 3:17

Shine His Love

On By PhillippiIn DevotionsLeave a comment

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8

Are you so caught up in the busyness of life and the world that you are forgetting to let your love shine? If we aren’t careful, we can easily get swept up in the day to day, overlooking and missing the most important opportunities to give and show the love of Christ. These moments are everywhere. And if there’s one thing we could all use, it’s little (or a lot) more love. Sometimes, spreading that love can be as simple as a smile. Let’s be the light that brightens and changes lives. And let’s make sure that everything we do and say, is done in love.

Dear Lord, let us keep our eyes and hearts open to these moments and remember why we were put on this earth. I pray that we can be a vessel of your love, shining bright for those who need it most.


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

Rest in the Most High

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, PresenceLeave a comment

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. -Psalm 62:1

In God alone, is where true peace and security is found. Step out of the storm and rest in Him. Let Him be that shelter. For the rest He gives, is like no other. This peace seeps deep down into our bones deeply and completely. It’s not just surface-y. No, it’s the real deal. This peace and security cannot be found in distractions or at the bottom of a bottle. It cannot be found by running or in a bag of potato chips. This peace is found in His presence, and when we dwell in Him, we will experience this profound rest-a rest only He can provide. It can’t be shaken or moved. And no one can take it away. This gift is ours for the keeping.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. -Psalm 91:1

Trust Fall

On By PhillippiIn Devotions3 Comments

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to my Father, the Creator of everything on heaven and on earth.-Ephesians 3:14

Are you weary? Are you carrying heavy burdens right now, like I am? Are you struggling with stress or anxiety, even when you try so hard to keep your eyes fixed on Him? Tonight, as I listened to some Christmas music while completing the day’s homeschool tasks, these words spoke to my heart-“fall on your knees”. Fall on your knees, loved one, and come to Him. He wants to fill you with His peace so you can carry on. Take a few moments to bow down and breathe. Press pause. Drop to your knees and spill out your heart. He is the Great Comforter and His ear is all yours.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” -James 4:10

Fasten Yourself and Do Good

On By PhillippiIn Devotions4 Comments

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9

Have you ever had one of those really bad weeks? I’m not talking about one day, but rather, a few. Each day you peel yourself out of bed and put one foot in front of the other, hoping the day will be better, but it ends up seeming like each day just crashes into the next until BAM! you just want to give up? That’s been my week, y’all. It’s been tough. I don’t think I’ve been walking in His strength. He is renewing me day by day, but the truth is, I’m still trying to figure out exactly what walking in His strength looks like and how to do this all the time.

In my time in the Word tonight though, God spoke to me in 1 Peter 4:19, telling me to commit myself to Him and continue to do good. There are several definitions for the word commit, but what stood out when I looked it up on Oxford Languages was the meaning-to pledge or bind to a certain course; to be dedicated to; and the synonym devoted. I then looked up the word bind and the word fasten spoke to me. When I looked up the definition of the word devoted, the words that popped off the page were- to give all or a large part of one’s time or resources (to Him). What does this all mean?

When we feel like giving up, let’s devote ourselves more fully to Him. Let’s spend time with Jesus, giving Him the opportunity to fill and refresh our souls. Not only that, let’s give our time to Him-both in the physical sense, and by putting time in His hands, letting Him order our days. Do you ever find that there’s just not enough time in the day? Then, why don’t we allow Him to help us? In our own strength, we can quickly burn out. Yet, by fastening ourselves to Him, we can walk alongside Him in each and every moment. We fix our eyes intently on Him, knowing He is beside us-because He is. Intently is the key word here, folks-we eagerly and earnestly keep our focus on Jesus because when we take our eyes off of Him, how easy it is to do on our own.

And speaking of do-maybe your week was like mine, or even your day, and you experienced lots of hurts and hangups. Despite these, let’s continue to do good. Let’s serve others-even if they’ve hurt us, but with the strength He provides, so He can be glorified because that is His will. And His will be done, not ours. Stand firm in the faith because after we have suffered a little while, He will restore us making us strong, firm and steadfast.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. -1 Corinthians 15:58

Be Still

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, Presence3 Comments

Do you ever get to the point where you are feeling so burnt out? I’m talking really, really tired? Today, the stress didn’t even come knocking. Instead, it slipped right in the front door without me being aware. By the time I realized it, I was drained. I wasn’t walking in the Spirit. Thoughts of daily tasks and chores needing to be completed, along with the extra Christmas planning, were running through my mind. This evening, I took a few minutes to myself and God spoke to my heart. During that time, He told me to be still.

Are you too, needing rest this Christmas season? If so, we need only be still. Be still and soak up His presence, His peace and His love. Let’s draw on the One that will replenish us. Are you weary and carrying heavy burdens tonight? We can lay them all at the feet of Jesus-all the overwhelming thoughts, all those to-do’s that we desperately want crossed off our lists, tomorrow-all of it. Lay it all at His feet and immerse yourself in Him. We can lean on Him and we can lean into Him, we need only be still. Ask Him tonight to help you quiet all those thoughts and to fill you with His peace, then wrap yourselves in His everlasting arms. Resting in Him, He will lead us beside still waters.

He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. -Psalms 23:2-3 (AMP)

One Big Package

On By PhillippiIn Devotions, Presence4 Comments

For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. -Philippians 4:11

Let’s talk about being content. How can we be content when we are in situations or circumstances that make us feel otherwise?

We do it with through Him. In Philippians 4:13, Paul explains that he is able to be content no matter the circumstances through him who gives me strength. When we prayerfully present our requests to God and ask for the strength, He will empower us. He wants us to be content and we can, in His strength.

I recently came across a quote by BJ Thompson that I’ve been pondering: “Until Jesus is enough nothing else will be.” Maybe the reason we aren’t content is because we weren’t created to be content without Him. Without Him, we are restless. Nothing in this world will ever satisfy us like He does. And until we let Him fill us, we will never be wholly content. We must drink from the water, in order to never be thirsty. If we are thirsting, we aren’t replenishing our souls. If we are reaching for earthly distractions to give us pleasure, we aren’t knocking back enough of Jesus. If we are looking for love or other people to meet all of our needs, we aren’t consuming enough of Him. If we are grasping at the next big toy or gadget we think will fulfill us, we aren’t drinking from the Well. Only He can fill us the way that we truly desire. And what is it that we truly desire? To fill that God-shaped hole-that void that only He can.

I was in the Word again tonight, reading Psalm 16 and what spoke to me immediately was in your presence there is fullness of joy. In His presence, there is joy. There’s not a little, there is fullness. He will fill us up to the brim with joy! What an incredible blessing! In His presence, we can be content because He is all we need. When we continually set the Lord before us, and we walk in His presence through every circumstance, we can have that joy. It’s ours and it’s His gift to us. Not only that, but we can know that He is right there with us in every situation and we need not be moved. In fact, Psalm 16 says we shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. We can breathe, and rest assured that He’s got us-no matter what life tosses us. We can be still and know that He is God. And when we remain in His presence, there is joy and contentment waiting there for us. We just need to grab hold of Him and hang onto Him through it all because He will never leave or forsake us.

What else can we do? Luke 12:15 says to watch out and be on guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in abundance of possessions. Truly living life is being in the present, in His presence, wherever we are because our abundance will only be found in Him. It’s not found in possessions. Possessions are of this world and His followers are not.

So this Christmas season, let’s remain in His presence, remembering that He is our present. He is the only One that can fill us with the contentedness we wholeheartedly yearn for. And no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in, we will not be shaken if we have Him by our side. For He is our peace, hope, and joy all wrapped into one big package. He is the ultimate gift.

But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God].-1 Timothy 6:6 (AMP)