If we are unfairly rejected, regardless of our unjust circumstances, He accepts us even if we feel rejected by some

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, September 28, 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:

[If we are unfairly rejected, regardless of our unjust circumstances, He accepts us even if we feel rejected by some]

Scripture reading:

Jephthah, an illegitimate son of Gilead, was chased out of the country by his half brothers. He suffered as a result of another’s decision and not for any wrong he had done. Yet in spite of his brothers’ rejection, God used him. If you are suffering from unfair rejection, don’t blame others and become discouraged. Remember how God used Jephthah despite his unjust circumstances, and realize that He is able to use you even if you feel rejected by some. (NLT)

Judges 10:17-11:8 – At that time the armies of Ammon had gathered for war and were camped in Gilead, and the people of Israel assembled and camped at Mizpah. The leaders of Gilead said to each other, “Whoever attacks the Ammonites first will become ruler over all the people of Gilead.”

Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute. Gilead’s wife also had several sons, and when these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. “You will not get any of our father’s inheritance,” they said, “for you are the son of a prostitute.” So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Soon he had a band of worthless rebels following him.

At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel. When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!”

But Jephthah said to them, “Aren’t you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now when you’re in trouble?”

“Because we need you,” the elders replied. “If you lead us in battle against the Ammonites, we will make you ruler over all the people of Gilead.”

Judges 11:29-33 – At that time the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he went throughout the land of Gilead and Manasseh, including Mizpah in Gilead, and from there he led an army against the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”

So Jephthah led his army against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave him victory. He crushed the Ammonites, devastating about twenty towns from Aroer to an area near Minnith and as far away as Abel-kermaim. In this way Israel defeated the Ammonites.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Accepted by God by: Karen Huang

He was the doctor who never turned away a patient—even if some couldn’t pay him and even though he himself had experienced rejection from society. In spite of Harold’s outstanding record in his medical studies, no hospital in London hired him because of the color of his skin. So in 1913 he opened his own practice in his home, often treating the poor for free. Dr. Harold Moody spent his life helping those discriminated against, earning him the title “Britain’s Martin Luther King.”

Dr. Moody shows that our life need not be determined by the rejection of others. Scripture also shows us this truth in the story of Jephthah. Although a mighty warrior, Jephthah was rejected by his half brothers and driven away from their town. They told him, “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family . . . because you are the son of another woman” (Judges 11:2). “So Jephthah fled from his brothers” and settled in another area (v. 3).

Although his family rejected him, God didn’t. When an enemy made war on Israel, it was Jephthah that the people turned to for help (vv. 4-6). They said, “Be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites” (v. 6). God used and helped Jephthah to subdue their enemy (vv. 29, 32-33) and to later lead Israel (Judges 12:7).

When we’re rejected by others, let’s keep trusting and obeying God. It’s how He sees us and what He wants us to do that matters.

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

~ How does rejection affect you?

~ How does God’s acceptance of you encourage you?

Thank You, Father, for Your love and acceptance.


Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your love and acceptance.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/accepted-by-god?ts=1790553600000

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.

He is concerned about all of us, He doesn’t want any of us to be destroyed

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, September 27, 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 is concerned about all of us, He doesn’t want any of us to be destroyed]

Scripture reading:

Just as a shepherd is concerned enough about one lost sheep to go search the hills for it, so God is concerned about every human being He has created (He “does not want anyone to be destroyed,”). If you come in contact with children in your neighborhood who need Christ, steer them toward Him by your example, your words, and your acts of kindness. (NLT)

Matthew 18:10-14 – [Jesus said] “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in Heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Pray for Them by: Mike Wittmer

The movie Sully depicts the heroic landing of a stalled passenger plane on New York’s Hudson River. As Captain “Sully” strode off the rescue ferry, he told an official, “I need to know who’s hurt and how badly and I need a count. One hundred fifty-five. That’s my number. That’s passengers and crew.” The man said, “Okay. How about you?” Sully replied, “I’ll answer that question when we’ve counted to one hundred fifty-five.”

Jesus is interested in a count too. He’s the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep. When He finds it, He “is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off” (Matthew 18:13). This doesn’t mean the one lost sheep counts more than the others. But there is the joy of relief when it’s found. As Sully’s passengers rejoiced to escape almost certain death, so heaven celebrates when someone receives salvation.

Do you know any lost sheep? Anyone who seems particularly unreachable? Pray for them. Seek to share the love of Jesus with them. Don’t give up until they’re in the fold.

Sully badgered anyone who would listen, “I need a count. We’ve got to have a count.” At long last, an official entered the hospital room where Sully was being examined. He smiled. “Got a count. One hundred fifty-five.”

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

~ Who are three people who need Jesus you could pray for on a regular basis?

~ How mighty you share the love of Jesus with them?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help me to see Your “sheep” like You see them.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/pray-for-them?ts=1790467200000

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.

Don’t make light of the skills we have or the everyday things we do in our life; we can’t imagine the power He gives them for His purpose

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, September 26, 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:

[Don’t make light of the skills we have or the everyday things we do in our life; we can’t imagine the power He gives them for His purpose]

Scripture reading:

A shepherd’s staff was commonly a three- to six-foot wooden rod with a curved hook at the top. The shepherd used it for walking, guiding his sheep, killing snakes, and many other tasks. Still, it was just a stick. But God used the simple shepherd’s staff Moses carried as a sign to teach him an important lesson. God sometimes takes joy in using ordinary things for extraordinary purposes. What are the ordinary things in your life—your voice, a pen, a hammer, a broom, a musical instrument? While it is easy to assume God can use only special skills, you must not hinder His use of the everyday contributions you can make. Little did Moses imagine the power his simple staff would wield when it became the staff of God. (NLT)

Exodus 4:1-5 – But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?”

Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.

“Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.

Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand.

“Perform this sign,” the Lord told him. “Then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.”

Exodus 4:10-11 – But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord?

Today’s devotional story is titled: Gifts Repurposed by God by: Tom Felten

Captain Tim Mullane diligently worked at sinking the SS United States—a massive ocean liner. In fact, he was paid to send it down to the depths. Mullane repurposes ships from sailing the seven seas to serving as instant artificial reefs on the ocean floor. Sunken vessels provide attractive destinations for scuba divers and help protect coastlines as they curb the erosion of beaches. While no longer riding ocean waves, the ships continue to provide value lying far beneath them.

Moses’ shepherd’s staff was repurposed for something that would prove to be invaluable for the Israelites. God asked him, “What is that in your hand?” Moses replied, “A shepherd’s staff” (Exodus 4:2 nlt). Moses cared for sheep for forty years (Acts 7:29-30), but his staff would now be used to shepherd his people out of Egypt. The staff was a symbol of God’s working through Moses, and as he “[performed] the signs with it” (Exodus 4:17¹), God’s power was revealed. As Moses stretched out his “staff toward the sky” God rained hail on Egypt (9:23²) and later allowed the Israelites to pass through “the sea on dry ground” (14:16³).

God repurposed Moses’ staff and role to accomplish His purposes. He’ll often use our gifts and talents in fresh ways too. How might He be using your “staff” in a new way during this season of life?

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

~ Why can it be hard to let go of roles and responsibilities?

~ How might God be using your gifts and talents in new ways?

Prayer: Loving God, please help me see how You’re using my gifts and talents in fresh ways.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/gifts-repurposed-by-god?ts=1790380800000

Scripture reference:

¹) Moses clung tightly to the shepherd’s staff as he left for Egypt to face the greatest challenge of his life. The staff was his assurance of God’s presence and power. . . (NLT)

Exodus 4:17 – “And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you.”

²) Exodus 9:23 – So Moses lifted his staff toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed toward the earth. The Lord sent a tremendous hailstorm against all the land of Egypt.

³) Exodus 14:16 – Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.

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.

He sends us messages in unexpected ways, don’t let prejudice or false assumptions blind us to His message

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, September 25, 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 sends us messages in unexpected ways, don’t let prejudice or false assumptions blind us to His message]

Scripture reading:

Josiah ignored Neco’s message because of who Neco was—king of a pagan nation. The mistaken assumption that Neco could not be part of God’s larger plan cost Josiah his life. While not everyone who claims to have a message from God really does, God’s messages may come in unexpected ways. God had spoken to pagan kings in the past. Don’t let prejudice or false assumptions blind you to God’s message. (NLT)

2 Chronicles 35:20-27 – After Josiah had finished restoring the Temple, King Neco of Egypt led his army up from Egypt to do battle at Carchemish on the Euphrates River, and Josiah and his army marched out to fight him. But King Neco sent messengers to Josiah with this message: “What do you want with me, king of Judah? I have no quarrel with you today! I am on my way to fight another nation, and God has told me to hurry! Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”

But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo. But the enemy archers hit King Josiah with their arrows and wounded him. He cried out to his men, “Take me from the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

So they lifted Josiah out of his chariot and placed him in another chariot. Then they brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried there in the royal cemetery. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. The prophet Jeremiah composed funeral songs for Josiah, and to this day choirs still sing these sad songs about his death. These songs of sorrow have become a tradition and are recorded in The Book of Laments.

The rest of the events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion (carried out according to what was written in the Law of the Lord), from beginning to end—all are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Acts of Devotion by: Tim Gustafson

Like all early departures from this life, Joe’s death shocked those who knew him. Just before he died, he’d begun making poor decisions. Now this husband, father, coach, and youth leader would no longer be there for those who’d relied on him.

It’s easy to focus on Joe’s recent bad choices. Yet when his daughter spoke at his funeral, she rightly highlighted how her dad, though flawed like all of us, had served Jesus with his life.

We find something similar in the story of Judah’s King Josiah. When Egypt’s King Necho mounted a military offensive against Babylon, Josiah foolishly “marched out to meet him in battle (2 Chronicles 35:20). Necho had no intention of attacking Judah (v. 21), and Josiah’s intervention ignored “God’s command” (v. 22). It cost him his life (vv. 23-24).

Though Josiah finished unwisely, the prophet Jeremiah “composed laments for Josiah” (v. 25). The story concludes, “The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion . . . are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah” (vv. 26-27). Acts of devotion. A timely epitaph for an untimely death.

It’s good to ponder the apostle Paul’s words: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). As we consider how our heavenly Father sees us in Christ, it’s easy to recall the acts of devotion done by His children who’ve left us.

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

~ Who have you lost to death?

~ What acts of devotion might you recall in memory of them?

Prayer: Thank You, heavenly Father, that You see Your children in Christ.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/acts-of-devotion?ts=1790294400000

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.

When someone’s grief is too deep for words, be present with loving companionship and compassionate silence

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, September 24, 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:

[When someone’s grief is too deep for words, be present with loving companionship and compassionate silence]

Scripture reading:

Why did the friends arrive and then just sit quietly? According to Jewish tradition, people who come to comfort someone in mourning should not speak until the mourner speaks. Often the best response to another person’s suffering is silence. Job’s friends realized that his pain was too deep to be healed with mere words. So they said nothing. (If only they had continued to sit quietly!) Often, we feel we must say something spiritual and insightful to a hurting friend. Perhaps what he or she needs most is just our presence, showing that we care. Pat answers and trite quotations say much less than empathetic silence and loving companionship. (NLT)

Job 2:7-13 – So Satan left the Lord’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.

Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”

But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.

When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and night. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Words from Friends by: Katara Patton

As I sat in a Bible class at the age of twenty-six, I was baffled. Some of my classmates’ comments were discouraging. They seemed to have so many problems. I responded by asking, “If we’re Christians, why are we so down? Don’t we know how this thing really ends?” I was referring to the promise of eternal life in Christ but also to the many promises in the Bible of God’s care for His people. The instructor simply smiled and moved on. But my comment has stuck with me for years.

Eventually life hit me. Job loss, bereavement, illness, and more led me to feel discouraged. Yes, God’s promises are comforting and true, but they don’t promise an easy life. Jesus said we “will have trouble” (John 16:33¹).

Quite naturally, we feel the impact of such troubles, just as a man named Job did. He was tested, and it hit him hard: He lost his children, his property, and his heath (Job 1:13-20² ; 2:7). His friends came to visit him to console him (2:11-13). In the beginning they simply supported their friend quietly, noting “how great his suffering was” (v. 13). But then they began asking unhelpful questions, not too dissimilar to the one I posed in Bible class.

As we encounter others going through trouble, the Holy Spirit can help us respond with love and compassion. And as we experience sorrow, we can remember the comfort of God’s promises.

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

~ How has a friend helped you during a rough time?

~ How can you help others by using sensitivity and discernment?

Prayer: Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom when sympathizing with others.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/words-from-friends?ts=1790208000000

Scripture reference:

¹) John 16:33 – [Jesus said] “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

²) Job 1:13-20 – One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the shepherds. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived with this news: “Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived with this news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.

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.

All believers will stand reunited in His very presence, safe and secure

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 23, 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:

[All believers will stand reunited in His very presence, safe and secure]

Scripture reading:

. . . Paul wanted the Thessalonians to understand that death is not the end of the story. The great hope for all believers is in the Resurrection. Because Jesus Christ came back to life, so will all believers . . . Therefore, we need not despair when loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn. God will turn tragedy to triumph, poverty to riches, pain to glory, and defeat to victory. All believers throughout history will stand reunited in God’s very presence, safe and secure. As Paul comforted the Thessalonians with the promise of the Resurrection, so we should comfort and reassure each other with this great hope. (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Comfort Amidst Tears by: Sheridan Voysey

The call from my mother came around 9 p.m. “It’s about your dad,” she said. “He’s gone.” While I’d been expecting this call for days and was relieved my father was no longer in pain, the news still hit hard. I sobbed deeply as grief took its course over the following days and weeks.

While losing my father was hard on us all, it was particularly hard for some of my unbelieving family members. To their understanding, Dad was gone forever. It was then that I realized how believing in Jesus helps us to grieve.

Paul explained it this way: Since Jesus rose again from death, those who believe in Him will one day rise again too (1 Thessalonians 4:14). This will happen on the day He gathers us up to spend eternity together with Him (vv. 16-17). Paul tells us this “so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (v. 13). Knowing I will see my father again brings comfort amidst the tears.

Scripture never promotes griefless loss. Even Jesus wept for a dead friend he knew would return to life (John 11:34-44¹). And sometimes we don’t know what a loved one believed before they died. Still, our grief has a safety net. Because of Him, we will see our believing loved ones again, and we can entrust all into His care.

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

~ When have you realized the power of hope in Christ?

~ How do you think that hope differs from the world’s idea?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You that my loved ones who believed in You are held safe in Your arms even in death, and one day You’ll bring us together again.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/comfort-amidst-tears?ts=1790121600000

Scripture reference:

¹) John 11:34-44 – [Jesus said] “Where have you put [Lazarus] him?” he asked them.

They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.

But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

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 important that we get together with one another to pray, study Scripture, praise Him, and to grow in our faith

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 22, 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 important that we get together with one another to pray, study Scripture, praise Him, and to grow in our faith]

Scripture reading:

About 3,000 people became new believers when Peter preached the Good News about Christ. These new Christians were united with the other believers, taught by the apostles, and included in the prayer meetings and fellowship. New believers in Christ need to be in groups, where they can learn God’s Word, pray, and mature in the faith. If you have just begun a relationship with Christ, seek out other believers for fellowship, prayer, and teaching. This is the way to grow. (NLT)

Acts 2:42-47 – All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Today’s devotional story is titled: The Warmhearted Church by: Alyson Kieda

When I was a child, I gladly accompanied my family to church every Sunday morning and evening. Our pastor exuded joy and always included the children in the service—and even encouraged my writing. My Sunday school teachers and pastor instilled in me a love for Scripture. And Sunday nights often meant a guest speaker or missionary who stirred my heart toward missions. Our church truly earned the slogan our pastor created: “The warmhearted church on Coldwater Road.” It wasn’t perfect, but we were a family. Since that day, I’ve continued attending church (even when it was hard to find the right one), and I’ve been encouraged and have grown in my faith as a result.

Just as we do today, believers in Jesus in the early church needed support and encouragement, and they understood the importance of meeting together with fellow believers (Acts 2:46). They were a family. Together they built each other up when doing life and serving God became difficult. They gathered to pray, study Scripture, praise God, enjoy fellowship, and eat meals together (v. 42). As a result, God caused their numbers to grow (v. 47).

Finding a like-minded church may take time, but it’s vital. Life is difficult to face on our own, and that’s why God gave us families and communities. A church is a great place to build community.

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

~ Why do you think it’s important to have a church community.

~ How might participating in church activities encourage you?

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving me Your church, where I can learn more about You and be encouraged.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/the-warmhearted-church?ts=1790035200000

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.

Our appearance doesn’t reveal what our true value is; only He knows what is on our hearts

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, September 21, 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:

[Our appearance doesn’t reveal what our true value is; only He knows what is on our hearts]

Scripture reading:

Saul was tall and handsome; he was an impressive-looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel’s next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance alone. When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. Appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like or what their true value is.

Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only He can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only You and God know what your heart really looks like. What steps are you taking to improve your heart’s attitude? (NLT)

1 Samuel 16:6-12 – When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.” Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.” In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”

“Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.”

Today’s devotional story is titled: The Heart of the Matter by: Bill Crowder

On a teaching trip to Moscow, I decided to take the subway to get lunch. Standing in the subway car, I started whistling simply because I felt good after an enjoyable morning teaching and the day was pleasant. The passengers stared at me like I was insane. When I got back to the school, I told one of the office workers that the people were so discouraged and downhearted they stared when I whistled. She politely informed me, “Yes, their lives are very hard, but that isn’t why they stared. They stared because it’s rude to whistle in public here.”

When we make assumptions, we base them on external factors that may not have any bearing on the moment. It’s helpful to recall the story of David’s selection as future king of Israel. As the prophet Samuel considered Jesse’s eldest son, he thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord” (1 Samuel 16:6). But God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v. 7).

Basing judgments on appearances will lead to wrong conclusions. We do well to let God do the judging. He sees the heart of the matter.

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

~ How do you feel when someone makes wrong assumptions about you?

~ Why is it so easy to make assumptions about others?

Prayer: Wise Father, please forgive me for judging people’s motives when I don’t know the truth about their hearts. Help me to entrust such judgments to You.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/the-heart-of-the-matter?ts=1789948800000

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 hearts on His love, when we feel guilty, we should remind ourselves that He knows our motives as well as our actions

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, September 20, 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 hearts on His love, when we feel guilty, we should remind ourselves that He knows our motives as well as our actions]

Scripture reading:

1 John 3:20 – If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything (NIV). According to David Guzik – (Condemning Hearts): Our human conscience or feelings of guilt can excessively accuse us, making us feel unworthy or uncertain about our standing with God. (God is Greater): God’s mercy, grace, and objective truth surpass our subjective feelings and self-doubt. (He Knows Everything): Because God knows our inner motives, true faith, and complete heart better than we do ourselves. His ultimate and compassionate verdict outweighs our self-condemnation.

Many are afraid that they don’t love others as they should. They feel guilty because they think they are not doing enough to show proper love to Christ. Their consciences bother them. John has these people in mind in this letter. How do we escape the gnawing accusations of our consciences? Not by ignoring them or rationalizing our behavior but by setting our heart on God’s love. When we feel guilty, we should remind ourselves that God knows our motives as well as our actions. His voice of assurance is stronger than the accusing voice of our conscience. If we are in Christ, He will not condemn us. So if you are living for the Lord but feeling that you are not good enough, remind yourself that God is greater than your conscience. (NLT)

1 John 3:18-24 – Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

Today’s devotional story is titled: Children of God by: Lisa M. Samra

One of my favorite books of optical illusions always astounds me as the pictures deceive my eyes—like one with two lines of the same length appearing to be different sizes, or the famous “impossible staircase” in which four flights of stars seem to link in a continuous loop. It can also be a little disconcerting to realize we don’t always see things as they truly are.

But it’s not only our eyes that deceive us. We can sometimes believe illusions about our identity as God’s children when we’re bombarded daily with the world’s deceptive claims. Author Henri Nouwen wrote, “Jesus came to announce to us that an identity based on success, popularity and power is a false identity—an illusion!”

Our true identity, possible because of God’s lavish love, is that when we receive Jesus as our Savior we become “children of God” (1 John 3:1). As the apostle John recognized sometimes “our hearts condemn us” (v. 20), and we begin to doubt God’s love or even question if we truly belong to Him. However, “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (v. 20). Instead of being deceived by damaging illusions, we can believe the truth that we are God’s beloved children.

Whatever illusions you may encounter about your identity today, hold fast to the truth that you’re God’s beloved child.

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

~ What illusions about your identity have you encountered?

~ How does the truth that you are God’s child encourage you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, even when I can’t see or feel it, please help me remember the truth of Your love for me.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/children-of-god-2026?ts=1789862400000

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.

He reveals His plan to defeat sin, our enemy, and offer salvation to us through His Son

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, September 19, 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 reveals His plan to defeat sin, our enemy, and offer salvation to us through His Son]

Scripture reading:

Satan is our enemy. He will do anything he can to get us to follow his evil, deadly path. The phrase “You will strike his heel” refers to Satan’s repeated attempts to defeat Christ during His life on earth. “He will strike your head” foreshadows Satan’s defeat when Christ rose from the dead. A stroke on the heel is not deadly, but a blow to the head is. Already God was revealing His plan to defeat Satan and offer salvation to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. (NLT)

Genesis 3:8-15 – When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”

Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?”

“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Today’s devotional story is titled: God’s Rescue Plan by: Nancy Gavilanes

When a father learned his five-year-old daughter had fallen overboard from the fourth deck of the cruise ship they were on, he plunged into the ocean forty feet below to rescue her. He held on to his daughter while treading water for more than ten minutes before the ship’s rescue team brought them safely back on board. As soon as the father heard his daughter was in trouble, he risked everything to save her.

All throughout the Bible, we read how our heavenly Father’s love compelled Him to give His all to rescue us from drowning in our sin. God first declared His divine rescue plan in the garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent and sinned, God cursed the serpent and said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This verse refers to the spiritual battle between Satan and God’s children and how at His appointed time God would send His Son, Jesus, to redeem the world through His Son’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

God has been ready to save us long before we realized we needed His help. Whenever we feel like we’re sinking in an ocean of sin, we can be encouraged that Jesus is our divine lifeline. We can cry out to Him. He will rescue and restore us.

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

~ When have you experienced God’s forgiveness?

~ How does it feel knowing He loves you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving and rescuing me.

Here is the link for Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/gods-rescue-plan?ts=1789776000000

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.