Actions speak louder than words. We all understand that to be true. However, there are times where that may not be as accurate as we’ve been told. For example, a friend who gives you a hundred dollars might seem more valuable than the one who could only give you $20. But what if the one who gave you $20 did not have anything left to give while the one who gave you $100 had thousands but only gave you $100? You see there’s more to giving than just an amount. There’s what is in a person’s heart. Today’s devotion focuses on what’s in the heart. Not the wallet …

Preparing for the new year should be an exciting ritual. We can reflect on our past year looking at both challenges we’ve faced and overcome and areas where we can look to be better. No matter where you are today, believe that tomorrow always is a brighter day even amid darker times. Today’s devotion I hope will give you some insights how that might happen …

We all have moments of self-doubt. We believe who we are, and yet, we hear so much of who we are that we begin to question if that person that we believe we are truly exists. Today’s devotion is about fighting to be the person God wants us to be. So, if you are challenged by the person others say you are, this is for you …

Sometimes we focus too much on what is said and not enough on what it means. For example, when someone says, do not walk across the frozen pond, that does not mean you cannot walk across the bridge above it. You minimize your options when you focus on what you cannot do and can accomplish more by focusing on what you can do. Today’s devotion is an exercise on understanding how sometimes God’s words show a restriction that gives more freedom.

We are great at planning things. I remember someone saying that a failure to plan is a plan to fail, and I believe that. However, I also learned that there are some things it is better to trust what you were gifted to do. You might think there is no plan to that, but as today’s devotion notes, there was always a plan for that …

We all set goals for ourselves. Sometimes it is to acquire something. Other times like Christmas, it is to budget for shopping. It could also include building something like a patio deck or home entertainment center. It is important to set clear goals because without them, how would you know if you made progress? If you believe that being a Christian is different, I will argue that maybe you are not doing Christianity right. Here’s why …

Have you ever had someone who you could hear their voice amongst the crowd? My father was someone who I could hear no matter how he talked. A friend remarked in amazement when I heard my Dad call me from the other end of the household. It was a sign not only of keen listening but also respect for who he was. There is another voice we can hear no matter where we are. We just have to listen to Him. It’s a wonderful thing, and that’s what today’s devotion is about …