Daily Devotional

Written by Taya Haney. Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."

“The greatest feats of love are performed by those who have had much practice in performing daily acts of kindness.” -Anonymous

When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. -G. K. Chesterton

If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it. -Henry Blackaby

Conflict between family members can happen anytime. But the holidays seem to heighten our tension levels, or at least our awareness of it. Romans 12:18 ESV says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” That’s a pretty tough assignment when the “Griswolds” are coming to visit. Do what you can to get along but remember, you are not responsible for the actions and attitudes of anyone but yourself. Smile, and be nice. Laugh, and be nice. Here’s a thought… make amends. Maybe even give forgiveness a try…

Sometimes love requires confronting people. But it must be done in the right way, and only over the right issues. If you spend your life correcting people you'll finish up with no credibility, and no friends. At what point should you confront somebody? Only when you've answered these questions.

“It’s the most [stressful] time of the year…” the Christmas carol may well say. More than just shopping and family gatherings, the Christmas season brings with it an increased risk of a number of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, abuse, and even suicide attempts.

There is a Rock that is higher than your circumstances. Climb up onto it. Plant your feet firmly there. Drink deeply from the water that flows out of it.

The more time you give to someone, the more you reveal their importance to you. It's not enough to tell them they're important, you must prove it by investing in them. The best way to spell love is T-I-M-E.

Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. -Rick Warren

Little foxes are small things that seem unimportant can spoil tender grapes, like a relationship, a career, or a life dedicated to Christ. How many marriages fail because spouses paid no attention to the little things?

Jesus talked about a place of prayer that really mattered to Him - The Secret Place. A place of solitude where He would often withdraw into privacy and spiritual intimacy with His Father. In the secret place, it's God and you.

Understand this: it's the stress we generate, not the demands of the service, that wears on us. And nothing stresses us like people-pleasing! People-pleasing must not be your motivation for serving!

Get some place alone and quiet with God. Meditate on His Word and pray. Let Him speak to your heart. Come to Him with a spirit of expectation. Let Him fill you with His grace and truth.

You will be regularly pruned for greater fruitfulness. But that's when it's even more important to abide. So don't give up, and don't collapse, for beyond this test you'll have a testimony to God's goodness.

Paul writes, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." This word "gain" doesn't mean increase, but profit. There's a difference. Profit is what you have left when the transaction is over. Paul meant that when everything is said and done, you must feel good about being yourself.

Don't get pulled into arguments. When you quit defending yourself, you open a door for the Lord to fight for you.

Slow down. No – STOP! Whatever you are doing right now, just stop. Step out into nature. Soak in His creation for a few moments. Enjoy His handiwork. Allow the precious gift of sight to add fullness to your life!

Instead of celebrating David's victory over Goliath, Saul became jealous. As a result, he opened himself to an evil spirit. There are three lessons to learn from this.