He does not want our faith shaken or destroyed; we have His Spirit, the Advocate, to comfort us, teach us truth, and help us

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Thursday, October 8, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[He does not want our faith shaken or destroyed; we have His Spirit, the Advocate, to comfort us, teach us truth, and help us]

Scripture reading:

In His last moments with His disciples, Jesus (1) warned them about further persecution, (2) told them where, when, and why He was going and (3) assured them that they would not be left alone, but that the Spirit would come. Jesus knew what lay ahead, and He did not want the disciples’ faith shaken or destroyed. God wants you to know you are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you. (NLT)

John 16:5-15 – [Jesus said] “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

Today’s devotional story is titled: The Holy Spirit’s Work by: Amy Boucher Pye

When Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, ran a small Bible college, he learned that a couple who worked there was stealing supplies. Although at times it’s right to address wrongdoing, Oswald decided in this instance not to confront them, instead asking God to bring the matter to their hearts and minds. After several weeks, they came clean, expressing regret. “I’ve known about it all along,” Oswald said, “but we wanted to wait until God’s Spirit spoke to you.” Moved and astonished, the couple surrendered their lives to Jesus.

God’s Spirit at work is what Jesus promised His friends before He died: “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). The disciples grieve at the thought of Jesus going away, but He reassured them that this was for their good. Then “the Advocate,” God’s Holy Spirit, would come to them (v. 7). Through the Spirit, God convicts people of their sin: “He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (v. 8). He also guides people “into all the truth” (v. 13).

The Spirit continues His work today so we too might not “fall away” (v. 1¹) but rather enjoy life eternal. God gives us the Advocate to convict us when we’re wrong, comfort us when we’re sad, and lead us to worship God.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ How have you experienced the prompting of the Holy Spirit?

~ How do you see the Spirit at work in your life?

Prayer: Faithful God, please help me to have a tender heart, that I might respond to Your Spirit’s nudges of grace.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/the-holy-spirits-work?ts=1791417600000

Scripture reference:

¹) John 16:1 – [Jesus said] “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.”

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

Set our goals to know Him, to be like Him, and to be all He has in mind for us

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Wednesday, October 7, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[Set our goals to know Him, to be like Him, and to be all He has in mind for us]

Scripture reading:

Citizens of a Roman colony were expected to promote the interests of Rome and maintain the dignity of the city. In the same way, citizens of heaven ought to promote heaven’s interests on earth and lead lives worthy of heavenly citizenship. Too many Christians have failed to transfer their citizenship too heaven. They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Colossians to remember that they are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Have you transferred your citizenship? How are you promoting heaven’s interests? (NLT)

Philippians 3:17-21 – Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Long for Jesus’ Return by: Lisa M. Samra

When I was young, I loved going to Chick-fil-A, a US-based fast-food restaurant, for waffle fries and sweet tea. When, as an adult, I moved to another state, I was shocked to discover there weren’t any locations for hundreds of miles! On family road trips, we’d even plan our routes to allow for stops at Chick-fil-A, all the while hoping someday one would open closer to home.

Longing. We all experience it. Sometimes we don’t actually need what we long for, such as a favorite restaurant. Other times, our longings reflect deeper, more desperate yearnings.

Writing to the Philippian believers, Paul reminded them to live their lives in light of their deepest longing—Christ’s return and the full coming of His kingdom (Philippians 3:20). Jesus’ coming would make everything whole and transform believers to be like Him (v. 21).

Rather than merely longing for what can’t bring lasting satisfaction, Paul says it’s this coming reality that believers “eagerly await” (v. 20)—the day when there will be no more suffering, when we’ll see Jesus face-to-face.

Knowing our longings will one day be satisfied gives us the hope we need to live for Christ each day (vv. 12-14¹).

A Chick-fil-A recently opened a few miles from my house, a small reminder that a much more important longing will one day be fulfilled. Until then, we wait.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ What do you long to see Jesus make right?

~ What do you most anticipate about your future with Jesus?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please fill us with hope as we wait for Your return.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/longing-for-jesus-return?ts=1791331200000

Scripture reference:

¹) Paul said that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul’s energies. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal—knowing Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is hold you back? (NLT)

Philippians 3:12-14 – I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

We pray to Him, He listens and answers us; He frees us from our fears and saves us from our troubles

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Tuesday, October 6, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[We pray to Him, He listens and answers us; He frees us from our fears and saves us from our troubles]

Scripture reading:

Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities. Why did the Philistines allow their archenemy, David, into their camp? The Philistines may have been initially happy to accept a defector who was a high military leader. Any enemy of Saul would have been a friend of theirs. They could not have known that David had been anointed Israel’s next king. Soon, however, the Philistines became nervous about David’s presence. After all, he had slain thousands of their people. David then protected himself by acting insane because it was the custom not to harm mentally unstable people. (NLT)

1 Samuel 21:10-15 – So David escaped from Saul and went to King Achish of Gath. But the officers of Achish were unhappy about his being there. “Isn’t this David, the king of the land?” they asked. “Isn’t he the one the people honor with dances, singing, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands?’”

David heard these comments and was very afraid of what King Achish of Gath might do to him. So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.

Finally, King Achish said to his men, “Must you bring me a madman? We already have enough of them around here! Why should I let someone like this be my guest?”

Today’s devotional story is titled: David’s Deliverance by: Tim Gustafson

In the semifinals of his high school wrestling tournament, Dave cracked a rib on his right side. He won the match but wondered how he’d survive the championship with a damaged ribcage. In the finals, Dave limped out to the mat on his left, uninjured leg. So his opponent targeted Dave’s left leg throughout the match. Dave protected his right side and won.

Another “Dave” used deception to extract himself from a tough situation. David had been fleeing a murderous King Saul. He found refuge among Israel’s enemies, but word soon got to the enemy king that David was a Hebrew war hero (1 Samuel 21:11). Fearing for his life, David “pretended to be insane . . . making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard” (v. 13). The ploy worked (vv. 14-15).

Good people can debate such tactics and arrive at different conclusions. But Psalm 34¹ sheds light on David’s experience. There, David credited not his deception but God for his deliverance. He sang, “I sought the Lord, and he . . . delivered me from all my fears” (v. 4). And again, “This poor man called and the Lord . . . saved him out of all his troubles” (v. 6). David had sought safety with the Philistines, but he found his only reliable refuge when he turned to God (vv. 8, 22).

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ When have circumstances caused you to take desperate measures you regretted?

~ How does turning to God first change your response?

Prayer: Dear Father, when I rely on my own cleverness, I get into trouble. Please help me see my challenges as an opportunity to turn to You.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/davids-deliverance?ts=1791244800000

Scripture reference:

¹) God promises great blessings to His people, but many of these blessings require active participation. He will set us free from our fears, guard and defend us, show us goodness, supply our needs, listen when we call to Him, and redeem us, but we must do our part. We can appropriate His blessings when we trust Him; cry out to Him; take refuge in Him; fear [respect] Him; refrain from lying; turn from evil, do good, and search for peace; are brokenhearted; and serve Him. (NLT)

Psalm 34:4 – I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:6 – In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.

Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Psalm 34:22 – But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

Giving to those in need, stores our treasure in heaven; wherever our treasure is, there the desires of our heart will also be

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Monday, October 5, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[Giving to those in need, stores our treasure in heaven; wherever our treasure is, there the desires of our heart will also be]

Scripture reading:

The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure hidden in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. Although the transaction cost the man everything, he paid nothing for the priceless treasure itself. It came free, with the field. Nothing is more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven; yet God gives it to us as a gift.

In this parable, the Kingdom of Heaven is not the precious pearl, but the merchant. In contrast to the previous picture, Jesus is now displaying another aspect of the Kingdom. The contrast becomes vivid in the transaction—the Kingdom pays the ultimate price to possess the pearl, the price God was willing to pay to redeem us. (NLT)

Matthew 13:44-46 – [Jesus said] “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Today’s devotional story is titled: True Treasure by: Nancy Gavilanes

James threw a long rope with a powerful magnet tied to it into the waters of a New York lake. The “magnet fisher” was stunned when he pulled out a grimy safe filled with stacks of muddy one-hundred-dollar bills. Police said James could keep the money since it wasn’t linked to a crime. Some of the bills were in such poor condition they couldn’t be authenticated, though he hoped to salvage as much of the money as possible to perhaps buy a home.

Finding hidden treasure is exciting, and Jesus told a parable about a man who did just that: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). The man recognized the value of the treasure he’d found and was willing to sell all his possessions to purchase the field.

As we consider that parable, no amount of wealth or possessions could pay the debt we owe for our sins. Only Jesus could pay the incredible price to redeem us and to reconcile us with His Father, through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

Earthly treasures may be nice, but they can be lost, stolen, or destroyed¹. We can gratefully accept Jesus’ supreme sacrifice for us and His free gift of eternal life, knowing that living in heaven with Him is our great reward.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ Why is Jesus so precious to you?

~ Why are you willing to let go of your old life to spend eternity with Him?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me the true treasure of heaven when I placed my faith and trust in You.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/true-treasure?ts=1791158400000

Scripture reference:

¹) Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Does God’s love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into line with His purposes. (NLT)

Luke 12:33-34 – [Jesus said] “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses, of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

In quiet moments or wakeful nights, make it a point to count examples of His faithfulness to us

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Sunday, October 4, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[In quiet moments or wakeful nights, make it a point to count examples of His faithfulness to us]

Scripture reading:

During sleepless, uncomfortable nights, David thought about God. Instead of counting sheep, he meditated on his Shepherd. He reviewed all the ways God had already helped him, and he greeted the next day with songs of praise. In quiet moments or wakeful nights, make it a point to count examples of God’s faithfulness to you. Doing so is far more likely to give you rest than any other items you might count! (NLT)

Psalm 63:1-8 – O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.

I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.

Today’s devotional story is titled: In the Stillness by: Cindy Hess Kasper

When I was a kid and got up in the middle of the night, I often found Mom sitting in her chair in the living room. The glow of the table lamp revealed a book on her lap—her Bible. My mom had trouble sleeping because of her insomnia and chronic pain, but she made good use of her time. We rarely spoke those nights. I was too sleepy to do anything but nod and shuffle down the hall. But I know Mom connected with God in those quiet early morning hours, and God spoke to her.

How can we find moments to know God more fully? We don’t have to wait for a sleepless night, of course. Jesus left His companions to spend time talking alone with His Father (Mark 1:35¹).

The Scriptures say, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). And David’s poetry often reveals how he sought out an intimate relationship with God to praise Him for who He is (63:1-8).

The world is loud, and we’re often distracted by the noise. It claims our attention and demands our participation. That’s why we need to actively seek out the quiet moments rarely found in the chaos of family life or the busyness of work. We find God in the stillness.

He’s awake. He’s listening. And He’s always ready to spend time with those who seek Him.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ What distractions keep you from finding time for conversation with God?

~ What’s a good way to prepare your heart to “be still” before Him?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please teach me to seek You out and rest in Your presence. Help me to put aside the distractions and to praise You for who You are.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/in-the-stillness?ts=1791072000000

Scripture reference:

¹) Mark 1:35 – Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

Having a heart of compassion like Him, shows His love to those who need Him

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Saturday, October 3, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[Having a heart of compassion like Him, shows His love to those who need Him]

Scripture reading:

Jesus is like us because He experienced a full range of temptations throughout His life as a human being. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced temptation—He can sympathize with us. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to sin. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived. (NLT)

Hebrews 4:14-16 – So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Compassionate Understanding by: Bill Crowder

My father-in-law was a gunner in a bomber over Europe during World War II. His plane was shot down and he was captured, spending several months as a prisoner of war. Jim rarely spoke of the experience, but those who knew him before the war said that he’d been a happy-go-lucky young man with a beaming smile. His war experiences turned him into a moody, withdrawn person.

Trying to understand his experience, I read Masters of the Air, Donald Miller’s description of the air war over Europe. Miller helped me grasp the physical and psychological price paid by these airmen. His book increased my compassion for my father-in-law.

The writer of Hebrews wrote of our “great high priest” (4:14)—Jesus Himself—who did much more than merely gain understanding of our struggles. He lived among us, learning how we feel in every situation. Hebrews tells us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (v. 15). Think of it! Jesus knows what we endure. He’s been tempted just as we are.

Learning to have a heart of compassion like Jesus is a great way to show His love to those who need Him. May God give us, by His Holy Spirit, an understanding heart that reaches out to others in love and mercy.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ Who do you struggle to have compassion for?

~ How can you develop a more understanding heart?

Prayer: Dear Father, please forgive me for being harsh with others. Teach me the grace of compassion so they might see Your love in me.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/compassionate-understanding?ts=1790985600000

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

We want to know Him and experience His mighty power

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Friday, October 2, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[We want to know Him and experience His mighty power]

Scripture reading:

When we become one with Christ by trusting in Him, we experience the power that raised Him from the dead. That same mighty power will help us live morally renewed and regenerated lives. But before we can walk in newness of life, we must die to sin. Just as the Resurrection gives us Christ’s power to live for Him, His crucifixion marks the death of our old sinful nature. We can’t know the victory of the Resurrection without personally applying the Crucifixion. (NLT)

Philippians 3:10-16 – I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Goals Aligned with God by: Patricia Raybon

After getting fired from his job without prior notice, Wil became so depressed that he admitted himself into an inpatient mental health facility. Then one day, after weeks with no progress, he was taking his daily walk when his therapist, seeing him, smiled and called out, “I bet I’ll beat you to the community room.” Wil recalls, “That small act triggered something inside for me.” Suddenly he felt he had a purpose. Walking fast, he raced his therapist to the room and won. To his surprise, having one inspiring goal and meeting it gave him hope—a key to his recovery.

The apostle Paul understood the power of a clear goal. “I want to know Christ,” he told church members (Philippians 3:10). He wanted to know the power of the resurrected Jesus, for that power would help the apostle become more like Him. To achieve that aim, Paul followed one strategy: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (vv. 13, 14). Feel like you’re falling short? God helps us refocus our goals as we “live up to what we have already attained” in Christ (v. 16).

Paul’s goal, therefore, wasn’t focused on earthly things. He knew that “our citizenship is in heaven” (v. 20¹). With this eternal perspective in view, we find new hope to thrive in Christ.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ What goals do you have?

~ How might you need to change them to align with Christ’s purpose?

Prayer: Please shape my goals, dear Father, so they inspire me to know Jesus.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/goals-aligned-with-god?ts=1790899200000

Scripture reference:

¹) Citizens of a Roman colony were expected to promote the interests of Rome and maintain the dignity of the city. In the same way, citizens of heaven ought to promote heaven’s interests on earth and lead lives worthy of heavenly citizenship. Too many Christians have failed to transfer their citizenship to heaven. They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Colossians to remember that they are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Have you transferred your citizenship? How are you promoting heaven’s interests? (NLT)

Philippians 3:20 – But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

A gentle answer redirects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Thursday, October 1, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[A gentle answer redirects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare]

Scripture reading:

Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words. (NLT)

Proverbs 15:1-6 – A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Gentle Answers with God’s Help by: James Banks

“Close it up. I’ve seen enough.” Those were the words of an older, experienced beekeeper to me one afternoon when I was learning how to tend a hive. My movements had been quick and forceful, causing vibrations that alarmed the bees and resulted in a growing swarm around my head. Even though I was trying to care for them, I was only make them angry. My friend proceeded to show me the importance of moving “softly,” using gentle motions that were less likely to disturb the bees. Today (years later), when I go into a hive, my motions are so much smoother that my wife tells me it almost looks like I’m dancing.

Sometimes difficult conversations are like dancing with bees. When others are upset and emotions are tense, reacting angrily only makes matters worse. As King Solomon observed, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Responding kindly and peacefully to those who are irritated or unreasonable may take time to learn. But because gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit at work within us (see Galatians 5:22-23¹), with God’s help we can make progress in it.

These days I’m learning to pray for wisdom and gentleness whenever I go into a hive or a difficult conversation. When we walk with God into tense moments, our “help in trouble” is never far away (Psalm 46:1²),

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ How can God help you react gently to someone who’s angry?

~ What will you say to someone who needs a gentle response from you today?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help me to gently share Your love in the ways I respond to others today.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/gentle-answers-with-gods-help?ts=1790812800000

Scripture reference:

¹) The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control—we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His. We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law—to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you? (NLT)

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

²) Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

Because we trust His mighty power, He frees us from captivity and fills us with hope

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[Because we trust His mighty power, He frees us from captivity and fills us with hope]

Scripture reading:

Paul writes against any philosophy of the life based only on human ideas and experiences. Paul himself was a gifted philosopher, so he is not condemning philosophy. He is condemning teaching that credits humanity, not Christ, with being the answer to life’s problems. That approach becomes a false religion. There are many man-made approaches to life’s problems that totally disregard God. To resist heresy you must use your mind, keep your eyes on Christ, and study God’s Word. (NLT)

Colossians 2:6-15 – And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-surrounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Not Ritual but Christ by: Marvin Williams

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, thousands gather each year to burn Zozobra—a fifty-foot towering effigy stuffed with their worries, bills, and regrets. They shout, “Burn him!” as they hope the flames will devour their anxieties and troubles and reset their lives. The ritual reflects a deep human longing to be cleansed of fear, shame, and failure. It’s dramatic. But it’s also powerless. Fire can destroy paper but not guilt. It can consume ashes but not shame.

The apostle Paul wrote, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). He reminded his readers that they shouldn’t trade Jesus for empty substitutes, and he explains why: “Christ is the visible “image of the invisible God” (1:15¹), is supreme over creation (1:16¹), fully God in human flesh (2:9), and victorious over “every power and authority” (v. 10). Because of His death and resurrection, we’re “rooted and built up in him” (v. 7), and fully alive and forgiven by Him (v. 13). Human rituals and cultural ceremonies can mesmerize a crowd, but only Jesus can cancel sin’s debt and break its grip forever.

Instead of yielding our burdens to rituals and traditions, let’s surrender them to Christ. He alone frees us from captivity and fills us with hope.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ How can human rituals be dangerous substitutes for Christ?

~ In what ways does He offer us freedom from them?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, only You can truly set me free.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/not-ritual-but-christ?ts=1790726400000

Scripture reference:

¹) Colossians 1:15-16 – Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.

It is wise to open our ears and close our mouth, be open and ready to listen to Him

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just. He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Author unknown)

Heavenly Father, bless my day with miracles and blessings. Help me walk into tomorrow with a better approach, mind, and attitude! I pray today you do the impossible in my life and others. Heal bodies, change lives, and turn situations around. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Author unknown)

Click on the following link for helpful topics and previous posts: https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Tuesday, September 29, 2026

For more Helpful Inspirational Material:

May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[It is wise to open our ears and close our mouth, be open and ready to listen to Him]

Scripture reading:

When we enter the house of God, we should have the attitude of being open and ready to listen to God, not to dictate to Him what we think He should do. (NLT)

Ecclesiastes 5:1-5 – As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.

Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool.

When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Listening to God by: Kenneth Petersen

In a TED Talk, Celeste Headlee outlines “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” One of those might appear to be counterintuitive: In order to have good conversation, we need to listen. Often when the other person is talking, we aren’t really listening to them but forming in our minds what we next want to say. Headlee quotes author Stephen Covey: “Most of us don’t listen with the intent to understand. We listen with the intent to reply.”

Scripture has much to say about listening, especially when it comes to God. Ecclesiastes is rather blunt: “Keep your ears open and your mouth shut” (Ecclesiastes 5:1 nlt). It reminds us that God knows a whole lot more than we do—”God is in heaven” (v. 2)—so it’s wise for us to listen to Him. A verse in Proverbs seems to resonate with the quotes from Headlee and Covey: “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions” (18:2¹).

What does this mean for us? As we come before God in prayer, we would do well to make time to actually listen to Him, not just rattle on with our lists of concerns and worries. And as we find ourselves in conversations with others today, we might be surprised at how our relationships deepen when we’re really listening to them, not just figuring out what we want to tell them.

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

~ When it comes to listening, how might you think differently about your prayer time with God?

~ How can you take more time to listen to Him?

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to truly listen to others. I want to make time in my prayers to really listen to You.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/listening-to-god-2026?ts=1790640000000

Scripture reference:

¹) Proverbs 18:2 – Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional.  My information does not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I share educational and informational resources that are intended for inspiration and help.