Inspirational Videos

If you have loved ones going on a mission trip—or if you’re preparing for one yourself—this devotional is an encouragement that you are not alone. God goes before His people, watches over them wherever they go, and promises not to leave them. That truth brings peace for the traveler and comfort for those who remain at home. Today’s focus is a call to cover missionaries in prayer: for spiritual strength, humility, cultural understanding, protection, and a Christ-like love that shines brightly in every place they serve.

Most of life isn’t Advent, Lent, or Easter—it’s the in-between. The normal weeks. The repetitive days. The “nothing special” seasons. And that’s exactly where many Christians quietly drift, grow numb, or assume God is less active.

On this episode of Thinking Christian James Spencer is joined by Dr. Amy Peeler, the Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College and author of Ordinary Time. James and Amy talk about what “ordinary time” is in the church calendar, why it’s represented by the color green, and how this long season is meant to form us—not through fireworks, but through steady growth, reflection, worship, and rest.

They also explore why modern life makes reflection difficult, how the church calendar can reshape our relationship to time, and why “ordinary” might be the most spiritually important category for most of your year.

If you want to develop a calm, biblically grounded way of thinking—what I call theo-logic—go ahead and subscribe to the Thinking Christian channel. Let’s dive in.

You can get Ordinary Time at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 

Lord, You know how often I try to force events to go my way. Instead of waiting on You or seeking Your will, I rush forward and miss the path You had lovingly made. From now on, help me to be quick to welcome Your direction instead of trusting in my knowledge or feelings. God, You know the best steps forward. I don’t want to get ahead of Your timing. Grant me patience as I wait, and diligence to search Your Word to find encouragement and guidance. And help me to rest in Your plan, accepting the path You set before me. May I do Your will, and not my own. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

In this episode of Your Nightly Prayer, Angie Grant's devotional peace guides us into the new year, reminding us that God's peace is like a fresh box of crayons - full of possibilities and order. Just as a new box of crayons brings creativity without fear of needing to be perfect, God's peace tells us we don't have to be perfect, just stay with Him. We can walk into a new season or year with courage and joy, trusting His peace to guide our steps.

Genesis 24:29–25:11 tells the inspiring story of Isaac and Rebekah, showing the importance of trusting God’s guidance in relationships. Abraham’s servant models prayer, honesty, and surrender, while Rebekah demonstrates faith and courage by obeying God’s call.

Carol Burnett was left stunned when a familiar face and a co-star delivered a surprise musical performance. The tune this individual sang was also very familiar to most, and particularly meaningful to Carol. Watch the short, but tear-jerking clip to see Carol’s look of utter shock and disbelief when this person stepped out on the stage.

Carol Burnett is a Hollywood icon and a comedic legend. She has had a long, illustrious and storied career spanning decades. If they were to make a Mt. Rushmore of comedy, Carol’s face would most certainly belong on that monument. 

While she is best known for her legendary television comedy show, The Carol Burnett Show, she also appeared in a handful of recognizable and iconic films. Of course, the one that immediately comes to mind is the 1982 musical “Annie.” That’s one that everyone is familiar with, even if you are not a fan of musicals.

In the movie, Carol played the evil Miss Hannigan. Starring alongside her in the film was Bernadette Peters. A clip posted on social media captured a special moment, a reunion between the two “Annie” co-stars.

It’s clear from Carol’s reaction that she was not made aware of Bernadette’s appearance beforehand. Her mouth is literally left hanging open as she takes the stage and sings a song that everyone knows and loves. She is just as surprised as everyone in the audience, who can be heard hooting and hollering at the announcement of Bernadette Peters. Bernadette beautifully performed the song that Carol would sing at the end of every episode of The Carol Burnett Show.

Despite being in her 90s, Carol remains relatively active, popping up in television shows and movies from time to time, and why not? If she is still willing and able to do it, more power to her. There aren’t many people who will say they’ve had their fill of Carol Burnett. She remains as beloved as ever.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Dear God, Tonight we come to You with uncertainty and questions we can’t answer. We want clarity because we think it will make us feel safe. But tonight, we choose to trust You instead. Thank You for the reminder that Your Word is the light on our path when the road feels unclear. When fear creeps in, help us lean into Your Word. Give us courage to take the next step You place before us, and strength to loosen our grip on control. Remind us that You are already where we are going—You’ve already prepared the road ahead, and You will guide us one step at a time. Fill our hearts with peace as we rest tonight. We surrender what we cannot see and trust Your plans are greater than our plans. In Your name we pray, Amen.

There’s a unique ache that comes from feeling noticed but not truly known. In today’s devotional, the author shares a deeply personal experience of sitting in a separate family worship room at church with her special needs daughter—a space designed for accommodation, but one that often carried the weight of isolation. While people were kind, the deeper sense of being seen, understood, and included still felt out of reach. In that quiet separation, she wrestled with what many of us face in different forms: the longing to belong and to be genuinely known. But what she discovered in that room was this—God met her faithfully. Even when the larger community didn’t fully understand her experience, God’s presence was steady and personal. And that’s where Isaiah 49:16 becomes more than a comforting verse; it becomes a lifeline. God doesn’t merely notice His people from a distance. He has engraved them on the palms of His hands—permanently, intentionally, and intimately. That means your name, your story, your struggles, and your unique life are never out of His sight. The devotional also emphasizes the powerful truth that only God can fill the “God-sized” longing in our hearts—the need to be fully known and deeply loved. People may see the surface. They may overlook the quiet battles you fight or misunderstand your situation. But God sees the whole picture, and He never looks away. Even when your world feels chaotic, unfamiliar, or lonely, you are not invisible to Him. You are known, remembered, and held close—always. Main Takeaways Being noticed isn’t the same as being truly known—and God knows you completely. God’s love is personal and permanent; you are “engraved” on His hands. Your story, struggles, and needs are always before God—He never looks away. The longing to be deeply understood can only be fully satisfied by your Creator. Even when people don’t “get it,” God’s presence remains faithful and near. Today’s Bible Verse: Isaiah 49:16 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “When I feel unknown or misunderstood by the people around me, remind me that You see me completely and love me perfectly.”

There are seasons of suffering that can make God feel distant—even when we know in our minds that He is real and faithful. This devotional acknowledges that painful experience: moments when anxiety, grief, fear, or spiritual dryness convince us that we’ve been left alone. David voiced these same feelings in Psalm 22 as he faced enemies, isolation, and distress. Yet even in his desperation, David still cried out to God as his strength and help, showing us that feeling abandoned isn’t the same as being abandoned. One of the key truths in today’s devotional is that when God feels far away, the distance is not on His side. God does not leave His people. He remains constant, faithful, and present—yesterday, today, and forever. Often, the shift happens in us: sin, distraction, discouragement, or the slow drift away from prayer and Scripture can make us feel spiritually numb. But even then, God remains ready to forgive, restore, and draw us back close when we turn to Him. So what do we do when we recognize we’ve drifted? We return. We pray. We open His Word again. We choose faith over feelings. Like any relationship, closeness grows through communication, time, and trust. And the devotional reminds us that God’s love is proven—not only by what we feel, but by what He has already done through Jesus Christ. When you can’t sense His presence, you can still anchor yourself in His promises. God is not far away. He is near, attentive, and ready to strengthen you in the middle of deep suffering. Main Takeaways Feeling like God is far away does not mean He has abandoned you. God’s presence is constant—even when your emotions suggest otherwise. Spiritual distance often happens when we drift from prayer, confession, and Scripture. Faith is not based on feelings; it’s rooted in God’s unchanging promises. Drawing close to God through prayer and His Word restores confidence and clarity. Today’s Bible Verse: Psalm 22:19 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “I dismiss my feelings and trust with faith that you are near to me… Restore my faith, dear Lord.”

Barb addresses whether it's acceptable for Christians to experience **anger**, sharing personal moments of intense frustration. She notes that Christians often suppress such feelings, leading to **suffering in silence** due to **emotional suppression**. This video offers practical insights on **how to manage anger** and **deal with anger** in a healthy way, emphasizing the importance of addressing these emotions for overall **mental health**. Barb explores the Christian perspective on anger, addressing the common struggle many face with **anger** and how to manage it within their faith. We discuss the complexities of **dealing with anger** and the often-suppressed **emotional suffering** that can arise from it. The speaker shares personal experiences, highlighting that sometimes, silence isn't the answer for true **emotional

Genesis 24 tells the story of how Rebekah was chosen to be Isaac’s wife, highlighting the power of prayer, obedience, and seeking God’s guidance in life’s most important decisions. Abraham’s servant demonstrates bold faith, asking God for direction and trusting Him completely.

Abraham’s story points us forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and reminds us that God is our Provider in every situation. Learn to hold loosely to what you love most, trust God with your deepest joys, and experience His faithfulness in ways beyond your imagination.

Heavenly Father, I’m tired tonight. Daily responsibilities feel overwhelming, and my motivation is low. Even good things—like prayer and reading Your Word—can feel like too much if I let weariness take over. Forgive me for giving up instead of asking You for strength. Help me remember that You don’t need me to feel motivated. You ask me to take one small step, trusting Your Spirit will renew me. Tomorrow, give me strength to do the next right thing, even if it’s small. Remind me that mundane moments matter when done in love. Thank You that Your grace meets me in weariness, and the harvest will come in Your timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Promises can inspire hope—but they can also stir up skepticism when we’ve been let down by others. We’ve all experienced “promises” that didn’t mean much because the person making them wasn’t trustworthy. But this devotional reminds us of a life-giving truth: God’s promises are different. His Word is dependable, and His character guarantees what He says. Still, even with confidence in God’s faithfulness, there is one stage that can feel especially hard: waiting. There’s often excitement when God gives a promise and joy when it’s fulfilled—but the middle space, the waiting, is where hope is tested. It’s the place where we start asking questions, where we wonder if God sees us, and where discouragement can creep in. Waiting is difficult because it’s uncertain. We don’t know if the answer will come in days, months, or years. This devotional offers encouragement for those in that middle place—those who are still praying, still believing, but feeling worn down by time. Rather than pulling back, we’re invited to lean in. Pray more, not less. Worship more, not less. Hold tighter to God’s promises instead of loosening your grip. These actions won’t force God’s timing, but they will strengthen you and give you grace to endure while you wait. And even though we may not know when God will fulfill what He has promised, we can trust that He will. Waiting isn’t wasted. God uses it to shape our character, deepen our faith, and teach us what it means to rely on Him. So if you’re waiting today, don’t lose heart. God is faithful—and you will see His goodness in the land of the living. Main Takeaways A promise is only as trustworthy as the one who makes it—and God’s promises never fail. The hardest part of faith is often the “middle” between promise and fulfillment. Waiting can challenge hope, but it also strengthens trust and builds character. Instead of pulling back when hope feels thin, lean in through prayer and worship. God’s timing may not match ours, but He is always faithful to fulfill His Word. Today’s Bible Verse: Psalm 27:13–14 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Help me not to lose heart and make my faith strong… give me more grace to lean into your promises.”

Some nights, the quiet makes our thoughts louder. We replay today, worry about tomorrow, and wonder if we’re doing enough—especially in seasons where responsibility feels tender and new. As a first-time mom with a newborn, the pressure to make the “right” choices can feel constant, especially in the middle-of-the-night moments when your mind won’t slow down. But God invites us into something gentler than striving. He doesn’t demand perfection—He asks for surrender. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that committing our plans to the Lord is less about having everything figured out and more about placing our intentions in His hands. It’s trusting that even if the plan changes, God’s purpose remains steady—and His timing is perfect. Tonight, we can rest knowing that God is at work even while we sleep—ordering our steps, shaping our character, and establishing what’s ahead. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Dear God, Tonight, we come before You with open hands and an open heart. Father, forgive us for the times we say we trust You but still try to carry everything on our own. We want to commit to You whatever we do—our plans, our hopes, our questions, and the things we don’t yet understand. We release the pressure to have it all figured out, and we ask You to forgive us for relying on our desires more than on You. Teach us to trust that You are establishing Your perfect plans for our lives, even when what we see doesn’t look perfect right now. Align our hearts and intentions with Your will. As we rest tonight, help us trust that You are already at work—ordering our steps, protecting our future, and preparing what’s ahead. We surrender everything in our hearts and minds to You. We place this season, this upcoming year, and our lives in Your hands. In Your mighty name we pray, Amen.

Lies often begin as an attempt to avoid pain—whether it’s a small exaggeration meant to spare feelings or a major deception that shakes a relationship to its core. But this devotional reminds us that while lies promise comfort, they ultimately deliver harm. Deceit doesn’t just damage the relationship between two people; it also erodes the integrity of the one who lies and creates a ripple effect of distrust that can last far beyond the original betrayal.

Be encouraged in Christ by these Scriptures about healing

Genesis 21 celebrates the miraculous birth of Isaac, a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God remains true to His word.

Candace Cameron Bure opened up about her biggest fears and how she overcomes them. The actress, writer and podcast host shared what makes her question herself and her abilities. Watch the short but powerful clip to listen to the “Fuller House” actress discuss what causes her trepidation and fear, and how she battles back against them.

Everyone has something that results in them feeling anxiety. Likely, if people were being completely honest, multiple things cause individuals to feel this way. Some may have a fear of tight, enclosed spaces, needles, heights (me) or even flying. Those are all common things.

Sadly, the list of fears does not stop there. Additionally, many other things can induce fearful, apprehensive feelings, which are likely to make people break out in a cold sweat. For instance, people may believe that, for whatever reason, they are inadequate and unworthy of love or of the position or job that they are in. They might question their ability to do this or that and have an incredible fear that others will discover how they are lacking in one way or another.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Candace mentioned that she has a big fear that she will be found “not good enough” or “smart enough.” Candace added that a “fear of failure is always, always running in my mind.”

However, despite her fears, she manages to push through every one of those things that cause her great anxiety and adds how she can do that every day. She puts her faith and trust in God, understanding that through Him she is able to do all things.

“I know I’m not the smartest person in the room,” she said. “I’m not trying to convince myself that I am; it’s not that. It’s just to say that, that God is more powerful than that, and if God has opened this door and has me here, then He can use me, no matter how intelligent or how many degrees I do or don’t have.”

Philippians 4:13 “I am able to do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

As a new year begins, it can feel like we’re celebrating less because we’re excited—and more because we’re relieved to leave the old year behind. Time isn’t always kind, and life doesn’t always feel fair. But the turning of the calendar doesn’t remove hardship.