How do we persevere when times are hard? When optimistic platitudes fail us and a positive attitude feels impossible, God gives us true hope through the promises of his Word. Christian hope isn't flimsy and self-made. It is a sustaining certainty because it is not based on our state of mind but on the security of the character of God consistently and reliably expressed through his promises. In this 31-day devotional, John Crotts brings hope to the hearts of troubled Christians, using Scripture to lift us toward Jesus Christ, the anchor of our souls and the friend of sinners. See how God's powe... View More...
It begins with a choice . . . but soon that choice overpowers and traps you. You both love and hate your habit, as it begins to define you. Modern approaches to addiction treat it as either a choice we make or a disease we cannot control. But God's Word makes clear that addiction is an inseparable blend of both, teaching us we are sinners both by birth and by choice. The good news? God has a solution for sin and addiction Here a pastor and counselor with years of ministering to addiction provides day-by-day reminders of truth that motivate you to fight, then helps you to apply that truth to y... View More...
Satisfying, loving relationships are a gift from God. But what seems intoxicating becomes toxic if we grow dependent on someone else's affection, opinions, and presence in our lives. If you're caught in a relationship--whether romantic, platonic, parental, professional, or something else--that is consuming your life and thoughts and ruling your emotions, get help It is becoming a prison, but Christ offers us true shelter. Through thirty-one daily readings with reflection questions and practical action steps, Ellen Mary Dykas helps you to renew your thinking: growing in your trust of the Lord ... View More...
Whether you're new to the walk of faith or have been a Christian for decades, you probably find yourself wondering: Is it all really true? If so, why isn't my life what I hoped it would be? And, most of all, why am I still struggling to believe? Our trouble with doubt is discouraging--but it doesn't mean we're alone in our Christian walk We are naturally prone to unbelief; all Christians are Doubting Thomases. The Bible itself is full of people who doubted--sometimes while talking directly with God Elyse Fitzpatrick reminds us of famous Bible characters who doubted, offers evidences to bolst... View More...
If you are holding this book, you are probably going through one of the roughest experiences of your life. You have fallen--have been unfaithful--and you want help . . . but knowing where to turn is complicated and confusing. You feel both guilty and frustrated--your family and friends are distant, and God alone is left (and you're not sure how happy he is with you either). Yet God is a gracious, loving healer who makes upside-down things rightside-up again . . . even this. Professional counselor Michael Gembola provides daily guidance and encouragement to direct what feels like a long walk th... View More...
"If I could just have a little more . . . if my situation were just a little different My plan for my life would be perfect--if it would just come true " It is often obvious how little we are in control of our lives, and discontent seems like a natural response to not getting what we want. But it's a dangerous attitude that drives us away from God--and, ironically, getting what we want wouldn't fix it So what will? Megan Hill takes us on a month-long journey to lift our eyes from our own expectations for our lives and fix them on the God who is more reliable than our changing circumstances--... View More...
How we communicate with one another matters--especially in a marriage. Even if we aren't actively trying to cut down our spouses with our words, we can create friction and misunderstandings that hinder our unity and mutual growth. The Bible gives us countless principles to help us to communicate in ways that give life, not pain, to our spouses. In thirty-one daily devotional readings, biblical counselor Steve Hoppe paints a picture of whole new way of communicating, starting with the heart before moving into the practical dos and don'ts. Whether your home is a verbal war zone or you'd simply l... View More...
"Thirty-five-plus years of counseling leads me to this statistical conclusion: approximately one out of one people struggle with anger." Anger is arguably the most common problematic emotion people feel. It is prevalent in every culture and experienced by every generation. No one is isolated from its presence or immune from its poison. The good news is that God has given us the Bible--a book that has much to say about anger and how to deal with it. In this thirty-one-day devotional, biblical counselor Robert Jones guides you through Scripture's teaching on anger: what it is, how to overcome it... View More...
Grief comes in all shapes and sizes, from the devastating grief accompanying death to the daily losses of betrayal and misfortune. And while the gospel speaks about grace for sin, does it say anything about grace for grief? Are those who have faith in God's goodness supposed to grieve? Bob Kellemen reminds us that the Bible is both painfully honest, but also eternally encouraging, about our hurts--assuring us it is normal to hurt, but possible to hope. This devotional guides you day by day through your grieving process, offering suggested resources and reflection questions to help you apply go... View More...
As you prepare for marriage, much of your attention is fixed on your future spouse--and that's a good thing But have you prepared yourself for the ways that marriage will help you to know and image God? God created marriage to demonstrate his love and character in a special way--both to you and to those around you. In light of this, it's a great idea to reflect on how God's gospel love will be displayed in your relationship after the wedding. Have you explored the story you are telling? Using daily devotional readings, reflection questions, and practical action points, Mike McKinley guides yo... View More...
Do you have money trouble? Financial problems all too often come from spiritual problems, and unbiblical views of money tend to lead to financial distress, idolatry of wealth or possessions, and confusion about the role of work in our lives. In this month-long devotional, biblical counselor Jim Newheiser turns to Scripture to reorient your heart to find biblical understanding and true contentment even when money is tight. When you worship God rather than becoming preoccupied with wealth's promise of security, possessions, and pleasure, you lay a strong foundation for true financial success. Re... View More...
It's a daily struggle--a war--you know all too well. You have tried to untangle yourself from pornography addiction, turning to books and monitoring software for help. But nothing seems to work or last . . . and now you feel trapped in a "voluntary slavery." Is there any hope? Deepak Reju points out that pornography is a worship problem--a life of purity is part of the overall race of faith, and the sin of lust can be fought only with a greater love for Christ. This month-long devotional gives you the encouragement and preparation you need, every day, for the war being waged for your soul ever... View More...
Do you ever see a story of forgiveness in the news and wonder how it's possible? Are you struggling to forgive someone--or multiple people--who have deeply hurt you? Or do you wrestle with a low-grade bitterness that you'd like to chase out of your life? When the sin of the people around us looms large on our minds, we need to look to God. Not only is his great love an encouragement amid our pain, but it is the foundation upon which we build true forgiveness for others. In this 31-day devotional, biblical counselor Hayley Satrom turns us to Scripture to see the grace and mercy that God daily p... View More...
Fishing for compliments, overcommitting, never committing, keeping people at a distance, being defensive, impatient, insecure, or envious... these are symptoms of the same disease. When we fear other people more than we fear God, we become anxious slaves to their opinions and approval. But we don't have to compete to be loved. We have great cause to live in peace, joy, and confidence--we just need to understand the depth of our people-pleasing problem and embrace its biblical solution. In this 31-day devotional, Pastor Zach Schlegel uses meditations on God's Word, reflection questions, and pra... View More...
Chronic illness disrupts lives and leads to innumerable losses. Physical symptoms and limitation change all aspects of life, leading to unique challenges that are difficult to navigate. Thankfully, God provides his presence, counsel, and eternal perspective to help people in times of physical and emotional suffering. This 31-day devotional by biblical counselor Esther Smith focuses heavily on practical application, showing people with illness how to release guilt and shame, ask for help, balance work and rest, and get through days of difficult symptoms. Throughout the devotional, she reminds r... View More...
Does God truly love you? Are you really saved? Lack of assurance in the Christian walk comes from fearing that sin and suffering have a stronger hold on you than God does. Yet ultimately these are fleeting problems. Your doubts can't be resolved simply with new or better information, such as clever arguments or evidences for your faith. Instead, you must look to God to grow in confidence of his heart for you. As your Maker, Redeemer, and Sustainer, he is not threatened by your fears and questions but graciously answers them. A pastor experienced in counseling those who struggle with assurance ... View More...
