Inspirational Videos

Lord, Thank You for being present with me not only in the extraordinary moments but also in the ordinary ones. Teach me to recognize Your hand in the small details of my day and remind me often that I am never walking alone. Help me rest in the truth that You are Immanuel, God with us, and that Your nearness is enough for today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanksgiving is meant to be a day filled with gratitude, togetherness, and celebration. But as we reflect in today's prayer and devotional, for many, the holiday can stir unexpected stress — from difficult family dynamics to personal struggles that feel magnified this time of year. While we may go around the table listing things we’re thankful for, our hearts may feel far from peaceful. Sometimes it’s the words of a family member that steal our joy. Questions about your marriage, appearance, career, or finances can sting deeply, even when spoken casually. At other times, the weight comes from personal difficulty — grief, divorce, anxiety, illness, or loneliness. These hidden burdens can make Thanksgiving feel more overwhelming than uplifting. But Scripture gives us a different vision for this day: a life anchored in peace through prayer. Paul’s words in Philippians remind us that when we bring our worries to God — with thanksgiving — His peace guards our minds and hearts. This is not a peace we manufacture; it is a supernatural peace that calms what feels unsteady within us. Peace does not mean your circumstances will change overnight or that every family gathering will be easy. It means that Jesus is present in every moment of it. He is ready to steady your heart, soothe your anxieties, and restore your joy. Thanksgiving is not only about expressing gratitude; it is about receiving the peace of Christ that carries us through every season. If this Thanksgiving feels heavy, know this: you are not expected to carry that weight alone. God invites you to hand your worries to Him — not after the holiday, but right now. The peace Jesus promises is yours today and every day of the year. Bible Reading: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7 Takeaway Truths Holiday stress is real, but God’s peace is stronger. Difficult people and personal struggles don’t have the final word — Jesus does. Prayer with thanksgiving opens our hearts to receive God’s supernatural peace. We are invited to lay down anxiety and pick up the peace Christ promises. Thanksgiving can be a day of calm when we choose to trust God with the weight we carry. Let’s Pray Dear Jesus, This Thanksgiving is stirring up worries, stress, and concerns in my heart. I’m choosing right now to give all of these burdens over to You. I am tired of carrying them alone — they are stealing my peace and joy. Please cover me with Your perfect peace and calm my anxious thoughts. Your peace is better than anything this world can offer, and I trust it will not fail me. Fill my heart with thankfulness today, and remind me that I can always come to You, no matter the season or circumstance. Help me rest in Your love and walk through this day with a quiet, steady confidence in Your presence. Amen.

Grumbling is one of the easiest habits to fall into. It takes almost no effort at all. As we reflect in our evening prayer and devotional, one minor inconvenience — a slow driver, heavy traffic, a glitchy computer — and frustrations rise to the surface. From there, it’s a short step to complaining, blaming, or viewing other people as obstacles rather than neighbors. Britt Mooney reminds us that although frustration may come naturally, grumbling is still a choice. And when we let that choice linger, we open a door for the enemy. Grumbling distorts our perspective. It fuels pride, damages relationships, and shifts our hearts away from trust and gratitude. This is why Paul speaks so directly in Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” There are no exceptions, no qualifiers, no “unless they really deserve it.” The command confronts our human nature at its root. But Paul isn’t calling us to pretend frustrations don’t exist. As Britt’s mentor once said, “You can’t keep the bird from landing on your head — but you can stop it from building a nest.” We can’t stop the initial feeling, but we can choose what we let grow in our minds and hearts. The antidote to grumbling is not willpower — it’s gratitude. Gratitude shifts our attention from what is wrong to who God is. Gratitude dethrones pride and refocuses our hearts on the goodness of God. Gratitude opens us to prayer, where frustrations can be surrendered rather than rehearsed. Philippians 4:6–7 lays out the path: Bring your concerns to God with thanksgiving, and His peace will guard your heart and mind. Replacing grumbling with gratitude is not easy. It requires humility, intention, and repentance when we slip — because we will slip. But the reward is profound: God’s peace, God’s presence, and a heart that reflects His grace rather than reacting to inconvenience. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” — Philippians 2:14 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Frustration is normal, but grumbling is a choice — and a spiritually dangerous one. Paul calls believers to “do everything without grumbling,” with no exceptions. Gratitude redirects our hearts toward God’s character and past faithfulness. Prayer anchored in thanksgiving brings peace that pushes out negativity. Practicing gratitude builds spiritual resilience and guards against pride. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Philippians 2:14 Philippians 4:6–7 Psalm 34:1 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times when grumbling has taken over my thoughts and words. Help me stop frustration before it grows and takes root. By Your Spirit, teach me to choose gratitude instead of complaining and praise instead of negativity. Humble my heart so I no longer blame others or You for my circumstances. Lead me to face difficulties with prayer, trust, and thanksgiving. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and let my life reflect Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Father, thank You for the small things — the quiet gifts I often overlook. Forgive me for rushing past Your goodness while waiting for something “bigger” to celebrate. Open my eyes to notice You in the daily moments — in laughter, in silence, in the simple routines of my life. Thank You for breath in my lungs, sunlight through my window, food on my table, and the people who love me. Thank You even for the inconveniences that remind me of the blessings behind them. Teach me to live with continual gratitude — not because everything is perfect, but because You are perfect and Your plans for me are good. Help me pause, notice, and whisper thank You throughout the ordinary moments. Let my life become a continual offering of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear Jesus, Resting, waiting, and pausing do not come easily in a world full of noise and pressure. Silent hope often slips through our fingers as fear and hurry take over. But as Advent approaches, prepare our hearts the way You prepared the world for Your quiet arrival. Teach us to be still before You — to pause, listen, and obey. Quiet our minds, steady our hearts, and anchor our hope in Your perfect timing. We love, praise, and thank You, Jesus. Amen.

The Tent, the Deposit, and the “Therefore”

Humble myself, why? (1 Minute Devotion) Is this necessary? I don’t think I really need to, do you? Podcast at https://toughquestionsforgod.buzzsprout.com #toughquestionsforgod #questionsforgod #dailydevotion #devotional #humility

Bear Grylls shared some powerful words about faith and navigating doubt. The television show host, writer and Christian had a moving and heartfelt message concerning faith for anyone who may be wrestling with questions and doubt. Watch the short and heartwarming message Bear shared for anyone who may have questions, concerns or worries regarding faith.

Having faith is not easy. We live in a culture where, unless people see something for themselves, they struggle to believe and trust in it. A popular phrase that you’ll often hear people throw around is “seeing is believing,” which, of course, is how a lot of society thinks and feels.

However, faith involves trusting and believing things that are not seen, which can be understandably challenging at times. As one would expect, the Bible frequently mentions faith, emphasizing the importance of trusting and relying on God, even when we may not see it. The Bible states that we walk by faith, and not by sight. Again, that is much easier said than done.

In a clip posted on YouTube, the host of “Man vs. Wild,” Bear Grylls, shared his perspective and thoughts on faith. Like everyone else, he knows that when there is faith, there is often also doubt and questions.

“I think struggles are OK,” he said. “I think doubts are OK. You know, it’s part of faith, isn’t it? Two sides of the same coin – faith and doubt. You don’t have to have it all together. Ultimately, what is faith? It’s that sort of backbone through our life that brings light and strength, community, vision, security, confidence. It’s a journey, will go up and down, but know the value of great people in your life.”

Later in the clip, he says that if you’re struggling and have doubts when it comes to faith, you are not alone.

“But if you’re struggling, I say, join the club,” he added. “That’s OK, you know? Luckily, our faith doesn’t depend on how great we are. Our faith says we’re loved; we’re held. We’re in His arms, regardless.”

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.”

Abba Father, Thank You for dying for me. Thank You for the cross of Calvary, where Jesus paid a debt I could never repay. As I enter this season of Thanksgiving, help me fix my eyes not only on the blessings You’ve provided, but on the sacrifice that made all blessings possible. Thank You for sustaining me, keeping me, and growing me through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that because of the cross, I am forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to You. No matter what this year has held, I choose to be thankful for Your love demonstrated through Jesus’ sacrifice. Help me honor the cross with a grateful heart—this Thanksgiving and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How many days end with the sudden realization that we barely thought about God at all? In our evening prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that it's not because we don’t love God, but because the demands of life pulled us from one task to the next without pause. Work deadlines, parenting responsibilities, errands, meals, chores, and endless to-do lists often leave us so drained that God feels far from our thoughts. But Greg Grandchamp reminds us of a freeing truth: God is not absent from our routines — we simply forget to look for Him there. We often assume that God’s presence is something we encounter only during quiet devotions, Sunday services, or structured prayer times. Yet Scripture and spiritual history tell a different story. Brother Lawrence, known for his reflections in The Practice of the Presence of God, discovered deep intimacy with God while doing the most ordinary task imaginable — washing dishes. To him, scrubbing pots could be as sacred as receiving Communion. Why? Because God is near in the ordinary. He is present in the repetitive. He is attentive in the mundane. Brother Lawrence wrote, “The least little remembrance of Him is always the most pleasing to Him.” A whispered prayer while folding laundry. A moment of gratitude while waiting in traffic. A breath of surrender during a stressful meeting. These small acknowledgements become sacred moments of communion. 1 Corinthians 10:31 calls us to glorify God in whatever we do. Not just in the moments that feel spiritual — but in all of life. This means our routines, even the ones that feel tedious or insignificant, can become places of worship and connection. God is not confined to church buildings or morning quiet time. His Spirit dwells within us. He is present in every sigh, every step, every responsibility, every unnoticed act of service. Even when we don’t feel Him, Psalm 139:7-8 assures us that He is there — deeply involved in our everyday lives. Awareness of His presence does not require more time — only more intention. When we begin turning our hearts toward Him throughout the day, even briefly, we discover a peace, strength, and companionship that we’ve been missing. Your daily routines can become places of encounter. Your ordinary moments can become worship. Your busy life can become a living prayer. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 MAIN TAKEAWAYS God is present in every part of our day — even the mundane or repetitive tasks. We often miss experiencing His peace because we allow busyness to steal our awareness. Practicing God’s presence transforms ordinary moments into sacred ones. Short, simple prayers can anchor our attention back to Him. Every action, when offered to God, becomes an act of worship. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES 1 Corinthians 10:31 Psalm 139:7-8 Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 46:1 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Father, Thank You for being with me in every moment of my day. Help me become more aware of Your presence, even in the routines that feel ordinary or overwhelming. Teach me to turn to You with small prayers, simple acknowledgements, and quiet moments of gratitude. Keep my heart centered on You as I work, rest, serve, and go about my daily tasks. May everything I do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Waiting rarely feels like a blessing. In today's prayer and devotional, we reflect on how waiting often feels like life is passing us by while our prayers remain unanswered. Whether the longing is for a child, a marriage, healing, clarity, or a breakthrough, seasons of waiting can stir deep discouragement. But Scripture assures us that God is good to those who wait for Him, not only after the answer comes but in the waiting itself. Waiting is not wasted time — it is often the place where God does His most transformative work. Gratitude during waiting does not minimize the pain; instead, it shifts our focus from what we lack to the God who is present with us. The “soil seasons” are where roots grow deep, character is formed, and faith matures. The author shares her own story of longing for motherhood — a journey marked by years of delay, painful loss, and a NICU stay that tested her trust all over again. Through that journey, she discovered that the miracle was not only the child she finally held, but the heart God formed within her while she waited. The same is true for us: the waiting shapes us in ways the answer never could. If you find yourself in the difficult tension of waiting today, know this: you are not being overlooked or forgotten. You are being prepared. God is aligning details you cannot see. Gratitude becomes a doorway to peace, grounding you in His goodness even when the future feels uncertain. Today's Bible Reading: “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” – Lamentations 3:25 Main Takeaways Waiting is not punishment; it is preparation. God is actively working in the unseen details of your life. Gratitude invites God into your ache and strengthens your faith. Seasons of waiting shape you for the blessings to come. God's timing is perfect — His delays are not denials. A Prayer to Give Thanks in the Seasons of Waiting Father, thank You for being with me in the waiting. Thank You for the ways You’re working, even when I cannot see it. Forgive me for the moments I’ve doubted Your goodness or tried to move ahead of Your plan. Teach me to find peace right here — not in the next season, but in Your presence with me now. Help me choose gratitude even in uncertainty. Thank You for shaping my faith, deepening my dependence, and strengthening my trust. Thank You that Your timing is perfect, and You do not withhold good from those who walk with You. Help me to rest, to release control, and to trust that Your delays are not denials. Prepare my heart for whatever You have ahead, and help me wait well with a spirit of praise and expectation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Additional Scriptures for Meditation Psalm 27:14 Isaiah 40:31 Romans 8:25 Psalm 46:10

Most of us don’t realize how quickly small irritations grow into daily frustrations—until something shifts our perspective. In tonight's prayer and devotional, Tracie Miles writes how the shift came through a green carpet she’d grown to despise. It wasn’t until she met a family in Ecuador—living on a dirt floor, cooking over a fire pit, with no clean water, shoes, or furniture—that everything changed. Their poverty was undeniable. Yet their gratitude was overwhelming. Their lack was real. Yet their joy was radiant. Their circumstances were desperate. Yet their hearts glowed with the light of Christ. The contrast was convicting. Their thankfulness wasn’t rooted in possessions, comfort, or convenience, but in recognizing every small provision as a blessing from God. Suddenly, green carpet no longer felt like a burden—it felt like abundance. As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s easy to be consumed with the details: preparing food, hosting guests, coordinating schedules, and striving for the “perfect” holiday. But Psalm 100:4 calls us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving—not just on Thanksgiving Day but as a posture of life. Before the turkey hits the table, the Word invites us to pause and prepare our hearts. Thanksgiving is not a date on the calendar; it’s a spiritual discipline. It’s not a meal; it’s a mindset. It’s not about perfection; it’s about perspective. When we allow gratitude to lead us, everything else shifts. The food becomes secondary, the imperfections become irrelevant, and the day becomes holy. Gratitude reframes our irritations, softens our expectations, and awakens us to blessings we overlook every day. Before you step into tomorrow’s celebration, step first into thanksgiving. TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 HOW TO PREPARE A THANKFUL HEART BEFORE YOUR THANKSGIVING MEAL Acknowledge God’s Presence Invite Him into your Thanksgiving before it begins. List Five “Unseen” Blessings Clean water, shelter, a bed, literacy, freedom to worship. Release Expectations Allow the day to be what it is, not what you wish it were. Thank God for One Thing You’ve Complained About Let the shift in perspective soften your heart. Remember Someone Who Has Less Allow their reality to anchor your gratitude. Speak Gratitude Out Loud Declare God’s goodness in the presence of others. Commit to a Complaint-Free Day Replace each grumble with thanksgiving. Thank God for Who He Is His character is the foundation of all gratitude. A thankful heart transforms the holiday—and the people around your table. MAIN TAKEAWAYS Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God’s goodness. Seeing others’ struggles can reshape our own perspective on abundance. Thanksgiving begins before the meal; it begins in the quiet preparation of the heart. God cares more about our gratitude than the presentation of our celebrations. A thankful posture changes irritation into worship and frustration into joy. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Psalm 100:4 James 1:17 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Father, Forgive me for the times I’ve focused on what I lack instead of the abundance You’ve placed in my life. Open my eyes to the blessings I take for granted each day. Give me a heart like Gabriella’s family—one marked by gratitude, joy, and a recognition of Your provision even in hard circumstances. Prepare my heart for tomorrow’s celebration and fill me with thankfulness that honors You. Transform my complaints into worship and my frustrations into praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON What “green carpet” in my life has become a daily irritation? How might God be using it as a reminder to shape my heart? If someone with far less observed my life today, what would they see in my attitude toward God’s blessings? How can I intentionally “enter His gates with thanksgiving” tomorrow— before the celebration, before the meal, before the challenges?

Dear Father, We lift our voices to praise and thank You for America. We acknowledge that it was Your hand that guided the Pilgrims to a new land where they could worship Christ freely. Thank You for establishing this nation on godly principles and granting us the blessing of religious liberty. Remind us this Thanksgiving of the believers who trusted You enough to leave everything behind for the sake of Your glory. Strengthen and restore America’s spiritual foundation. Lead our nation’s leaders to return to Your Word, Your truth, and Your righteousness. Above all, thank You for the gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ—undeserved, unearned, and freely given. May our hearts remain humble and full of gratitude for all You have done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have grumbled when my expectations overshadowed my gratitude. Redirect my focus from what is lacking to the fullness of Your goodness. Help me cultivate heart-level thankfulness, not just head-level obligation. Give me eyes that see Your faithfulness, a mind that dwells on what is good, and a voice that speaks thanksgiving even before the feelings arrive. You are worthy of praise in every circumstance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Comfort that Strengthens

Lord God, You are the one from whom all blessings flow. I confess that at times I can’t see all Your goodness under the shadow of life’s heaviness, and I struggle to share from what little I feel I have. But just as You delight in blessing me, You also desire that I bless others, even in small ways. Help me to become more aware of Your blessings. Give me courage to share what You’ve given—whether much or little. Thank You for the way You multiply every offering and for the fullness You return to my heart when I obey You. Turn my little into a lot, for Your glory and for the good of others. In Your praiseworthy name, Amen.

All things will work for good, right? (1-Minute Devotion) - What is God is not my number one priority? #toughquestionsforgod #questionsforgod #faith #dailydevotions #workforgood

Gary Sinise shared how he bounced back after receiving brutal audition feedback. The longtime Hollywood actor detailed a time in his career when he was knocked down, but he refused to stay down. Watch the short but powerful clip to listen to Gary discuss a challenging moment in his acting career, and how he bounced back in a big way.

Life is not always an easy, fair or fun experience. In fact, many moments in life are downright unpleasant. It does hurt at times, more than we’d like to admit. As most people know, life will knock you down and leave you battered and bruised, with scars as reminders of those challenging, painful times.

But just because life knocks us down, that doesn’t mean we stay down. Instead, we get back up on our feet and take those hard-earned lessons with us as we try again. It doesn’t matter what we do in life; we’re going to fail and miss the mark at one time or another. However, what is important is how we follow up on that situation. How will we respond?

In a clip posted on YouTube, Gary, best known for his role as Lt. Dan in the classic film “Forrest Gump,” shared a moment from his career when he failed. He mentioned how he went to an audition, hoping to get the part, but didn’t. However, he did receive some rather harsh and brutal criticism instead.

“I did my audition,” he said. “I thought I was giving everything I got, you know? I’m really, really punching it up, and then the casting director said, ‘Have you studied acting?’  And I said, ‘Well, I did acting in high school. I have a theater company in Chicago called Steppenwolf.’”

Gary’s response to this person’s question didn’t impress them at all. They proceeded to question his acting ability.

“’Have you ever thought about getting some acting classes?’” the casting director asked him. Taking some lessons, you know, learning how to act.’”

After those words, Gary did not give up acting, as most people would have if they had received such criticism. Instead, he continued acting, and a year later, he was acting in a play in New York City with John Malkovich.

James 1:12 “There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God’s approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him.”

Lord, Thank You for drawing me close tonight. I confess that I am the one who has wandered, not You. I long to return to the place of deep fellowship with You. Forgive me for the ways I have distanced myself and for trying to live in my own strength. Thank You that You have never left me, not for a moment. Make my heart sensitive again to the still, small voice of Your Holy Spirit. Draw me near, and help me stay close. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s Pray Faithful Father, we are so thankful that You give us the gift of family and precious friendships. As a relational God, we know that You command us to cherish and deepen these relationships by nourishing them with love and cultivating peace. Oh, but we need Your help, wisdom, and guidance. Please help us foster a heart of gratitude this beautiful season that softly calls us to see the many blessings You have so graciously provided. Allow us to show and give thanks to those You have so lovingly placed in our lives with our words, actions, and deeds. Grant us the means to be peacemakers and restore hope and healing to relationships that need Your hand of mercy. When various waves of emotions arrive, temper our thoughts, calm our hearts, and soothe our souls with Your Word of Truth. We want to live intentionally, honoring You with our time, because our days here on this side of eternity matter and hold a greater purpose. I am so very thankful that one day all will be restored, and I eagerly anticipate the glory that awaits us as we spend eternity with You, in peace, love, and divine unity. Thank You for that hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.