Encouragement Archives | Page 2 of 23

October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

Fruit of the Spirit

“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!” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) When my oldest niece was just a young girl, I worked on a craft with her one day. We cut out fruit shapes from differently colored construction paper, and we made nine pieces of fruit. On each piece I wrote the words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. On top of each piece, we made a small enough hole so that we could put a […]

October 4, 2026

October 4, 2026

Identity Crisis

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Nowadays, the concept of a new identity is emphasized in superhero movies like Ironman or Batman. Also, there is the idea that we can be more than ourselves and become a new improved “self.” We live in a world that is redefining “identity,” and the world celebrates “self-identity.” In the Bible, “the flesh” is equivalent to “self.” When we focus on what “we” want, what “we” need and who “we” want to be, we surrender to the […]

October 2, 2026

October 2, 2026

Regaining Fellowship

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) Has there been a time in your Christian walk when you have had to stop, wonder, and even question what you’re doing? Many times, I have wondered why God has put me in positions, places, and situations where I felt confused. Like writing this devotional, for example. For the most part, I have kept my devotional life to myself. I grew up watching my parents go to weekly Bible studies, workshops, and occasional training on weekends. But I thought to myself, “This relationship is between me and God, […]

September 30, 2026

September 30, 2026

The Full Armor

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) Those of us who have experienced cold Canadian winters know how important it is to dress warm. I recently bought a parka and was eager to try it out on one of the coldest days. It was minus 43 degrees C, with a 50 km/h north wind. I called a friend of mine who also enjoys going for walks on cold days. After bundling up, […]

September 27, 2026

September 27, 2026

The Right Hand of God

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) Do you ever wonder how God hears each and every one of the billions of prayer requests that are sent to Him each and every day? The God of the Bible is able to do this because He is our Creator. He is all-powerful. We cannot confine God to our physical realm. If we could do that, then He wouldn’t really be God, would He? He is supremely powerful. He created our […]

September 26, 2026

September 26, 2026

Legacy Left Behind

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) My parents, who are my heroes, have left their temporary home to live in their forever home that their hearts longed for . . . Heaven. They left behind a legacy of loving and serving others. My parents showed me how to love and give to others with a willing heart. They had a quiet […]

September 25, 2026

September 25, 2026

Why Wisdom?

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) Julie Redwing wants to attend the party after her school’s North City High Eagles team finally prevailed over their principal rival, East County Pythons. “I must say no, Julie,” says Rita, her mother, as she places their dinner plates on the table. “You know how those parties turn out—drinking, drugs, and all kinds of other things.” “Please, Mama. I’ll be the only one in our senior class stuck at home! Just because you’re a grownup doesn’t mean you know everything!” “My answer […]

September 24, 2026

September 24, 2026

Beautiful Love

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV) Even after I became a follower of Christ, there were years that I wandered aimlessly. I was useless to God. I often would tell people, “I love to talk about […]

September 22, 2026

September 22, 2026

I Knew Better!

“But God, who is rich in mercy . . . made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4a,5b (NKJV) I knew better when I bought the coat. I got stuck in it while trying it on, but my sisters convinced me it was quite stylish. Surely I’d figure out the tricky belt clasp. The trouble came the first day I wore it. I stepped out of the car and couldn’t move. The belt was caught in the closed door, and I was pinned to the car! No problem. I would just undo the belt. […]