Inspirational Videos

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If I knew then what I know now, boy, things would be so different! But then again, don’t we all have that problem? Looking for more … https://www.toughquestionsforgod.org/ #toughquestionsforgod #questionsforgod

“The Middle” actor Atticus Shaffer delivered a powerful Christmas message. His moving words get to the heart of what the Christmas celebration is all about. Watch the short yet touching clip to hear his heartwarming words about Christmas and Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Without Jesus Christ, none of us would have a chance. We’d all still be lost, living in sin and shame and looking toward an eternity separated from Him, one filled with much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Because we are a fallen and sinful bunch, that is the fate that human beings rightly deserve.

However, that no longer has to be our future, our eternity. Only because of the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ can we be forgiven and experience eternal life with Him. We can have a future and a hope because Christ willingly went to the cross, where He suffered and died. But that wasn’t the end of the story. He rose again days later, forever winning the victory over sin, death and the grave.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Atticus, best known for playing Brick Heck on the beloved television series “The Middle,” reads the account of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel of Luke. Following the reading from the New Testament book, Atticus passionately talked about Christ’s birth and the forgiveness, hope and victory found in Him.

“My dear friends, this is incredible,” he says. “This is an event that has occurred in the world’s history that completely changed the course of human history. We are able now, through the finished work of the cross, through God’s grace and mercy, to no longer be divided from Him because of the chasm of sin. But instead, be grafted into the family of Christ, through the blood of Christ. And we are His and His alone eternally.”

Later in the clip, the actor addresses specifically those who do not know Christ, informing them of what they can do and how to accept His gift of forgiveness.

“And if any of you out there have not done so already, you can pray a simple prayer right now, repenting of your sins and making Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life,” he added. “And your ultimate destination would change from hell to heaven.”

1 John 1:9 “If we say openly that we have done wrong, he is upright and true to his word, giving us forgiveness of sins and making us clean from all evil.”

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Darkness is not just an abstract concept—it’s real, pervasive, and often alluring. In our daily prayer and devotional, Lynette Kittle points out that because people often choose what is hidden over what is light, believers need God-given discernment more than ever. Self-understanding, cultural noise, and even spiritual deception can make it difficult to tell what is truly of God and what is not. That’s why we must cultivate spiritual insight—not just rely on our instincts or emotions. She outlines four foundational ways to train discernment: Ask God for discernment (like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:9). Feast on God’s Word, because Scripture anchors our thinking (Hebrews 5:14; Acts 17:11). Test the spirits, discerning whether what we hear or sense aligns with Christ (1 John 4:1–3; 2 John 1:7; 1 Timothy 4:1; Galatians 1:8). Walk in God’s light—live transparently, in fellowship, guided by truth, not shadows (1 John 1:5–7). Discernment isn’t optional. In a world crowded with competing voices and moral confusion, we must actively choose to walk in the light, reject deception, and embrace truth. Today's Bible Reading “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11 Key Takeaways Darkness is real, and we must avoid complicity with its works. Discernment is a spiritual skill—learned by dependence on God, not self. The Word of God is our measuring rod—if “revelations” conflict with Scripture, they must be rejected. Walking in the light is both protective and revealing. Let’s Pray Together Father, thank You that You call us out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Grant me a discerning heart today—teach me to ask You, to read Your Word, to test what I hear, and to walk in Your light. Protect me from deception. May I see clearly in a confusing world, and may my life reflect Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What is The Weight of the Stones This devotional explores the nature of sin, the cost of denial, and the freedom found in confession and truth

What is Advent and why do Christians celebrate it? 00:00 - 00:40 – Introduction: What Is Advent? 00:41 - 01:45 – The Meaning and Origins of Advent 01:46 - 02:45 – The Key Themes of Advent 02:46 - 03:35 – Advent Traditions and Symbols 03:36 - 05:00 – Why Advent Still Matters Today 05:01 - 06:20 – Closing: The Hope of Christ’s Coming Advent is the season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ — both His birth at Christmas and His promised return. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming.” But how did this sacred season begin, and what does it mean for believers today? In this video, we explore the history, meaning, and traditions of Advent, including: When and how Advent began in the early Church The four key themes of Advent — Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love The symbolism behind the Advent wreath and candles How to celebrate Advent with faith and reflection today Advent isn’t just about counting down to Christmas — it’s about preparing your heart for Christ’s arrival. As the world rushes through the holidays, Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover hope in Jesus Christ. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2 Isaiah 9:2–6 – The promise of the Messiah Luke 1:26–38 – The angel visits Mary Luke 2:8–14 – The announcement to the shepherds John 1:9 – The true Light coming into the world Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/silent-night License code: HCRYJWYDJPVLSU3I Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/this-christmas License code: OVX2OXFWYGJGNCHT#Advent #Christianity #BibleStudy #Christmas #AdventSeason #HopePeaceJoyLove #Faith #AdventDevotional #ChristianTraditions

I need to fix myself! I know I’m sinful, but still I need to fix it, right? Looking for more … https://www.toughquestionsforgod.org/ #toughquestionsforgod #questionsforgod

While Halloween often highlights darkness, Christian families can use this season to shine God’s light. Here are meaningful and fun ways to celebrate fall with faith, joy, and purpose. (Inspired by How to Celebrate Halloween with Purpose and Peace: Christian Alternatives for Families from Crosswalk.com)

🌾 1. Attend a Harvest Festival
Celebrate God’s goodness with worship, fellowship, games, and great food. Rejoice in the bounty He provides every season.

❤️ 2. Serve Others
Shine Christ’s love through service: rake leaves for a senior, help at a shelter, or donate food to families in need.
(See more family service ideas in this Crosswalk article.)

🎲 3. Host a Family Game Night
Gather for laughter, snacks, and togetherness. Let your home overflow with joy and gratitude.

👑 4. Plan a Bible Costume Party
Dress as Esther, David, Daniel, or other heroes of faith. Teach kids that following God is the greatest adventure of all.

🍁 5. Take a Fall Nature Walk
Admire God’s creation: the colors, the crisp air, and thank Him for His artistry.

🎃 6. Carve Pumpkins with Purpose
Instead of scary faces, carve crosses or hearts to symbolize the light of Christ shining in the darkness.

🥧 7. Bake and Share Fall Treats
Make pumpkin bread, apple pie, or cookies—and share them with neighbors as a sweet act of kindness.

📖 8. Share Bible Stories and Fellowship
Gather friends and families for food, games, and Scripture that encourage faith and hope.
(For more Christian fall celebration ideas, visit Crosswalk.com.)

This fall, choose joy over fear, light over darkness, and faith over fright. Let your home shine for Christ!

CeCe Winans shared a powerful message that everyone needs to hear. The incredibly talented and popular Christian music singer posted some words of encouragement and a much-needed reminder. Watch the short but powerful clip to listen to what CeCe Winans said that will encourage and uplift you.

We live in a broken, fallen and lost world. This place is full of hurting and struggling people who are looking for something, anything, to alleviate their pain and heartache. They are searching everywhere, seeking a solution, even if it’s only temporary.

Even though there may be widespread hurt, heartache and pain in this fallen and broken world, there is a permanent solution. Jesus Christ went to the cross, where He suffered and died, who later rose again. That’s how much He loves you and me. He went through all of that for us. He became the fix, the answer that many are searching for and seeking. He can take away the hurt, the pain, the addictions and the heartache.

In a clip posted on YouTube, CeCe reminds us of Christ’s unfailing and unending love. No matter what we may be going through, while the world may be broken, chaotic and hectic, we can rest assured and place our faith in Christ’s love and faithfulness.

“I wanted to encourage you by reminding you that Jesus loves you, yeah,” she said. “There’s a lot going on, I know. But I want you to hold onto your peace, and you have to remember the word of God is true, right? Psalm 46 and 1 reminds us that God is our refuge and our strength and a very present help in times of trouble.”

Later in the video, she adds that these are words, a promise to hold onto whenever we face difficulties and challenges.

“So, whatever you’re facing today, remember that Jesus loves you, and that He’s with you and that God has all power,” she added. “He is your hiding place. He is your refuge.”

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

God is faithful? God is just? God will always forgive? You really expect me to believe all of this stuff? Hmmmm … #toughquestionsforgod #questionsforgod Looking for more … https://www.toughquestionsforgod.org/

Inner Peace

Discipleship and the Bread of Life - This devotional explores the cost of discipleship, the challenge of spiritual hunger, and the call to keep walking with Christ.

Loss has a way of changing everything. As our evening prayer and devotional remind us, when grief enters our story, it can feel like time stops for us while the rest of the world keeps moving forward. We look around and see others building families, chasing dreams, and hitting milestones while we’re still trying to catch our breath and survive another day. Sophia Bricker shares her story of losing her mother at nineteen and the lingering ache of feeling left behind. Through that pain, she discovered the truth of Psalm 34:18 — that God is not distant in our heartbreak but draws near to us, gently holding our shattered hearts. It’s easy to compare our path to others, especially in a world that constantly showcases curated perfection. But Scripture reminds us that God’s presence is not bound to our pace or circumstances. He is with us in the valleys as faithfully as He is on the mountaintops. His love remains steady even when life feels like it’s standing still. Friend, if you’re weary of waiting, grieving, or feeling unseen, remember this: You are not behind. You are deeply loved, fully known, and right where God can meet you. His timing is perfect. His healing is sure. With Him, you will never be left behind. Tonight’s Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV) “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 🙏 Your Nightly Prayer Author and Perfecter of Faith, Sometimes it feels like the world is passing me by. I see others moving ahead while I��m stuck in grief, waiting, or uncertainty. But You remind me that You are near to the brokenhearted and that I am never forgotten. Help me rest in Your presence tonight, laying down comparison and fear. Draw close to me, Jesus, and fill me with peace that surpasses understanding. Thank You for holding my story and walking with me through every chapter, even the ones that feel slow and heavy. In Your name I pray, Amen. 🧘 Three Things to Meditate Upon Close the Window of Comparison: When you feel tempted to measure your life by others’, take a break from social media or anything that fuels discontent. Turn your gaze back toward Christ, who writes your story perfectly. Biblical Encouragement: Think of someone in Scripture who felt forgotten—like Naomi, Hannah, or Joseph. How did God meet them in their waiting? Jesus, the Faithful Friend: Reflect on Jesus as your Shepherd and Friend who never leaves you behind. Read Luke 15:4 and John 10:14 to remember His care for every one of His sheep.

To “bless the Lord” is more than praise—it’s a posture of dependence, trust, and devotion. In our daily prayer and devotional, we ponder Psalm 63, where David declares he will bless God all his days. He opens his hands, lifts his voice, remembers God’s faithfulness, sings praise, and trusts wholeheartedly—even in adversity. Blessing God begins with acknowledging our need for Him: lifting open hands in surrender, bringing our weaknesses, and asking for His help. It continues by remembering and recounting His goodness—His provision, His creativity, His unchanging character. Every moment of awe, gratitude, worship, and trust is part of blessing Him. David also models commitment in difficulty. Though threatened by enemies, he remains secure in God’s justice and faithfulness. To bless the Lord is to trust Him when we don’t understand and to live as a testimony to His steadfast love—every day, in all circumstances. Today's Bible Reading: “I will bless you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.” — Psalm 63:4 Key Takeaways Blessing God is both worship and reliance—lifting hands, confessing need, and giving Him praise. Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps fuel our trust in the present. True blessing continues even amid trials, when trust must be chosen over fear. A life that blesses God acknowledges His sovereignty, expresses gratitude, and pursues obedience. Let’s Pray Together God, I desire to bless You for as long as I live. I come with open hands, acknowledging I am nothing apart from You. Help me remember You always—invite You into each moment, cling to Your promises, and trust You wholeheartedly. May my life point others to Your glory. Amen.

This devotional explores how water—above and below—reveals God’s grace, healing, and call to holiness in John chapters 4-5.

Death is no more? Wipe away every tear? Are you kidding me! What kind of “pie-in-the-sky” ideas are these? #toughquestionsforgod #questionsforgod www.toughquestionsforgod.org

Explore how the Word became flesh, why we resist exposure, and how Christ is the Light of the world and frees us from condemnation.

A devotional on Luke 23–24 exploring the spectacle of violence, the suffering of Christ, and the choice between death and life.

In the American South, people say certain phrases that sound spiritual. A good example is, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” As I studied and read the Bible for myself, I realized this doesn’t exist in Scripture. In fact, it says the opposite. As our evening prayer and devotional remind us, God hasn’t called us to live a life we could do on our own. The Bible speaks clearly about the insufficiency of our own works (Isaiah 64:8, Ephesians 2:8-9). And yet, God commissions us to follow the example of God in the flesh, living heaven on earth. Therefore, he calls us to a life and mission we’re totally unable to “handle.” Not in our own strength, at least. Which is why the Father gives us the Spirit of the Son to live like the Son. We couldn’t do it otherwise. The Bible also contains numerous accounts of God allowing people to experience situations where only he could deliver them: Israel at the Red Sea, David before Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den, and more. Scripture provides these examples to encourage us to live by faith and grace, not by our ability (Hebrews 11). It shouldn’t surprise us, then, when God allows us to face a situation where we’ll only survive if we rely upon him. In fact, James tells us to rejoice when we find ourselves in these trials, since it increases our faith (James 1:2-4). Paul promises God’s help when we’re tempted beyond our ability, saying the Lord will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). In reality, the phrase should be, “God will never give us more than HE can handle.” Living by faith in God, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37). Most of us are experiencing such trials and overwhelming burdens right now. But God hasn’t called us to carry these burdens. Instead, he calls us to let him “handle them,” empowering us to stay faithful while he works for salvation and deliverance on our behalf. In this way, we learn how to rely more upon his strength instead of our own, watching him do the impossible in our lives. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” - Psalm 68:19 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Heavenly Father, I confess my weakness and inability to handle life on my own, especially the trials I face. Thank you for calling me to a mission beyond my power, so I can learn to rely upon yours. Fill me with your Spirit to live like Jesus, trust you in difficult times, and rejoice as my faith grows. Carry my burdens, fight my battles, and work for my deliverance. Nothing is impossible for you, and I rest in our power today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.