Cheer Up! A Weekly Devotional

As Christians we absolutely need reminders of what we must keep doing if we are to stay healthy and strong in our walk with God. One clear reminder we're given is to continue loving one another. Let's reflect on this important command in Hebrews 13:1.

In Psalm 119:126, we read of the Psalmist being overcome with emotion to the point of tears. What caused him to cry? Let's look at this passage, reflecting on what breaks God's heart, and on what should break our hearts too.

Thankfully God's Word answers that question and others that get to the heart of where that question comes from.

There is so much power in, "A word spoken at the right time..." It's very important that we be reminded regularly that God chooses to work through us to share a good word with another! Let's reflect on this truth from Proverbs 25:11.

Every one of us needs to listen to others and especially to "rub shoulders" with godly brothers and sisters in Christ so we can hear from them and they can hear from us. Proverbs 12:15 speaks of the critical wisdom from God on listening to and learning from others.

Reminders are vital! That's why a variety of reminders are in our lives. In 2 John 1:5, the Lord led John to remind all Christians for all time what is so key, that we love one another! Let's reflect on this in this week's devotional.

If you are in a season where you feel lacking in faith, look back to what God has done for you! Remembering the good God has done for you and is still doing can be a wonderful time of encouragement for yourself and others and can rejuvenate your faith!

Jesus made the bold statement that, "Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will never disappear" (Luke 21:33). The implication of this truth is to never be taken lightly. Let's take some time in this devotional to consider what we should do with such powerful truth from Christ.

God is much greater than we can fully fathom. He knows far more than we know. We can learn so much from the prophet, Jeremiah, and how he humbly prayed, acknowledging God's might. Let's take some time to reflect on Jeremiah 10:23-24.

All we have to do is scroll through the news for five minutes and very quickly we see reality -- there is so much brokenness, so many needs, copious problems...Is there anything we can do that will actually make a difference? According to Jesus, yes! Let's reflect on what He said in Luke 10:2.

We all face hardships. It makes sense that Jesus clearly stated that such trials and sorrows will occur in this life (John 16:33). Even so, we are given this word from God at the end of Colossians 3:15: "And always be thankful." Why does this word matter? How is this instruction helpful?

The truth matters. God is The Author of truth! Since He created all things and knows infinitely more than we do about all things, He is the One we should look to for truth. 3 John 4 reminds us of how important walking in the truth is!

One thing the disciples often witnessed in their time around Jesus was that He prayed a lot. Jesus clearly displayed in His own life just how significant prayer is. In Luke 18:1, we read about Jesus' call to us to pray and never give up.

Truth be told, we all need help moment by moment. How vital then to remember, "Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."-Psalm 124:8

In life, we will often need help with direction, with guidance. For each of us, all kinds of questions will arise in which we need wisdom to know what to do. In 2 Samuel, David gives us a good example to follow on calling out to God for his guidance, listening for the answer, and following His instructions.

When things get hard in your life, who do you turn to for help? In 1 Samuel 30, we read of a very troubling time for David and how He found strength in the Lord. His example is an inspiring reminder to us to turn to The Creator of all things to find true help and strength.

The book of Revelation is filled with intriguing insights about what is to come. Not only does Revelation give us vision as to the future, but it tells us that we will be blessed if we read it (Revelation 1:3). Without a doubt, one thing that is extremely clear as we read Revelation is that there will be much praising God in Heaven!

One of the most potent ways we can represent Jesus well is by being thankful people. Gratitude is to be a distinguishing mark of every Christian! Colossians 3:17 reminds us of this calling and privilege.

In Matthew 17:1-8, we read about an incredible experience Peter, James, and John had with Jesus up on a mountain. God audibly speaks from the clouds about Jesus. What do we learn from this amazing, true story?

When we look at Matthew 14:22-33, we read about a very unique, miraculous occasion in which Jesus walked on water. Let's reflect on what Jesus did and a few things we learn from it.

As Christians, we have clear instructions, for our good, to always work toward peace with all people. Romans 12:18 is a powerful exhortation to take to heart! This devotional explores our call and some practical ways to live in peace with our neighbor.

Ponder this for a moment: God never has to seek advice from anyone. Nothing stumps Him. He's God! He knows everything! Thus, it is always wise for us to go straight to Him for understanding. For the truth is, we all need help, and we need it OFTEN.

Through Christ, He has given us freedom from our sin instead of the fury of His righteous wrath that we actually deserve. Because of His love, Jesus took the cross on our behalf to save us. This is called Good News! Because of this truth of who God is and what He did for us through Christ, we must build others up!

In the book of Judges, one thing that really stands out is how the Israelites were very forgetful. Judges 3:7 reminds us of their forgetfulness. Truth be told, we have the same tendency to forget about God. Thus, it's key that we remember God and continue to follow Him! May this devotional be an encouragement to not forget about the Lord and our need for Him daily.

We know the Holy Spirit has a very special role in our lives because Jesus told us so in John 16:5-15. We are instructed to follow the Spirit's guidance in every area of our lives. Let's reflect together on Galatians 5:25.