Engagement (31-Day Devotionals for Life): Preparing for Marriage

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The problem is that no one relates to a database. No one develops a friendship with information. You can't get close to cold disconnected facts or trust them. As Brandon's relationship with the Lord grew colder it affected his relationships with people as well because he treated them the same way - as objects to study instead of people to love.

Honest and beautifully written. ... With care and compassion, Esther Liu walks the reader through a deeper understanding of the multifaceted experience of shame and points repeatedly to its glorious reversal . . . through our shame-bearing Savior.” In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coast residents found themselves taking refuge in shelters all over the United States. Three weeks later, Hurricane Rita cut a new path of destruction through the Gulf Coast, forcing those who found refuge in Houston and other areas near the coast to participate in yet another evacuation. Then on the heels of Rita came the wildfires in Southern California, the earthquake in Pakistan, and the mudslides in Guatemala, displacing even more families. Into His Presence: Praying with the Puritans (Collection of 80 prayers and meditations to help your personal and public prayers and devotions) Oftentimes, members never needed the meeting, although some did, and he was always eager to meet at that point. When I asked him why he did this, his simple answer was: “Always send your people to God first.” Facing tragedy, or life storms of any kind, can be extremely difficult. But in the midst of heartache and pain, you can find the hope and courage to go on. With God’s help, the help of caring family members and friends, and the encouragement found in the Bible and other resources, you will receive the necessary strength to overcome.

Day 7: Tapping into the Power of Prayer

As you pass through the deep waters of your circumstances, you may be wondering, Who can rescue me from this? Be encouraged! Even in the deepest of waters, God promises to be with the one who trusts in Him. He alone can truly rescue you and keep you from drowning. Just as Jesus rescued Peter when He invited him to walk on water in the midst of a storm (see Matthew 14:22-33). At first, Peter trusted Jesus and joined Him on the water, but as soon as he began to focus on the storm, and give in to the fear of it, he began to sink. Still, when he cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 12:30), Jesus stretched out His hand and rescued Peter.

This devotional gets right to the point. It [opens] Scripture passages that you might already know . . . so that you see more and are drawn right in.” One of the most difficult things we can face in life is loss, and in the aftermath of a tragedy, the pain of loss can be very difficult to cope with. At times, it may even seem unbearable. Because God made us with feelings, there are many other difficult emotions we may experience when grieving or facing tough circumstances. We can feel hopeless, helpless, confused, fearful, anxious, and even angry. Recognizing these emotions, and releasing them in healthy ways, is extremely important in the journey toward healing and wellness. Ignoring or suppressing them can be very destructive, crippling to say the least.

Liz Edrington invites students to understand their anxiety—but even more to understand the faithfulness and goodness of their Father in heaven. Through this devotional, students really will discover themselves in God’s story and will thus be grounded in the peace of God.” Counselor Michael Gembola offers daily guidance, reflection questions, and practical action steps for those who have repented of an affair and want to move closer to God and their spouses. When you consider all that you are facing, ask yourself, “Is there anything too hard for God?” (See Jeremiah 32:17). Absolutely nothing! No matter what is going on in your life, you can trust that He is in control, and is working everything out for your good (see Romans 8:28). When you wake up in the morning and wonder how you will face the day, God is working it out. When you wonder how you can get through and overcome this difficult time, God is working it out. And when you lay down at night, wondering how you will face the challenges of tomorrow, whatever they may be, God is already working it out. God knows intimately the concerns of your heart (see Psalm 139:1-3), and can provide all the peace, strength, and courage you need. So don’t give up! Confidently hope in Him. Hope … and persevere!

In Psalm 138:8, the writer, offering thanksgiving and praise to God, said confidently, “The Lord will work out His plans for my life—for Your loving-kindness, Lord, continues forever.” (TLB). Why not take a few moments to express to God your confidence in Him to work out His plans for your life? Ed Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation; Author, When People Are Big and God Is Small Writing with such honesty and warmth . . . Liz Edrington shows her anxious readers that the Jesus we meet in Scripture is not an abstract idea but a practical, reliable, and helpful Person. ” My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)Liz has written a great resource that takes our spiritual life seriously and thoughtfully. . . . Liz is a caring and gifted communicator, and I will recommend this outstanding resource over and over again. ” I love this devotional! In our day of incredibly high levels of anxiety and stress, this book is timely, wise, Christ-honoring, and powerfully life-giving. . . . We all need this, not just teenagers.”