Devotional
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...In the face of sin and separation from God, grace is God's refreshing stream that restores our salvation - making it existentially real to us. In our struggles with suffering, grief, and loss, only God's grace and his Holy Spirit ministering to our spirits can help us find a sustaining and willing spirit. This ongoing joy of salvation comes only when we realize and accept the forgiveness, grace, restoration, and Spirit-inspired refreshment God has given us - in other words, we get to drink from the stream of grace as the Holy Spirit wells up within us with heaven's living water to refresh us (John 7:37-39). So we can say with confidence that God will restore to us the joy of our salvation, and he will grant us a willing spirit to sustain us!
My Prayer...Holy and Righteous Father, I long for the outbreak of joy in your salvation as I see in the book of Acts. I pray that your Spirit leads us into another era of outreach, conversion, and celebration. I pray for wisdom to know and for eyes to see those around me who are most open to the Gospel - people with a willing spirit open to your salvation. I want to be a partner with you in your ongoing work of salvation, for I know that, as I do, I will get to experience again and again the joy of your salvation. And I will experience the Holy Spirit welling up within me as a useful vessel in your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, I offer myself to you as I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to help@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy PolicyAll scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.
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Christian Today
SIMPLE COOKING IDEAS
Everything you love about enchiladas, minus the fuss! This super flavorful, cheesy vegan enchilada skillet comes together in about 30 minutes with simple methods, minimal dishes, and no need to fill or roll tortillas.
This easy, nourishing dish features tender cubed sweet potato or winter squash, fiber- & protein-rich black beans, and a rich red enchilada sauce. Everything gets simmered in 1 pan and topped with a melty cashew “cheese” that makes it SUPER satisfying and delicious!
Cheesy Vegan Enchilada Skillet (30 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →
Honey almond snack cake!? You know you want to jump in on the fun! This GORGEOUS loaf is perfectly moist with a lightly floral flavor and beautiful sponge texture. Bonus? It’s made without gluten or dairy, but no one will know.
It’s the perfect cake for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, and beyond! Just 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and simple methods (no mixer) required. Let’s bake!
1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free) from Minimalist Baker →
When we add another bolognese to the blog (Yes, we already have versions 1, 2, 3, and 4), you know it’s something special! This newest version is made with EGGPLANT, meaning it’s the perfect bolognese for late summer. It’s light yet satisfying, creamy yet bright, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor — everyone will be asking for seconds!
Even better? It’s a breeze to make — just 1 pot required!
Just when we thought summer’s most perfect veggie couldn’t get any more delicious, corn FRITTERS graced our palettes. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside, lightly spiced fritters are a must-try appetizer or side!
Not only are they incredibly delicious, but these fritters are vegan, optionally gluten-free, and SO easy to make! Grab your mixing bowl and 10 basic ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying fritters in 30 minutes or less.
RECIPES IDEAS
This pastina soup recipe is the best kind of comfort food. Filled with tiny pasta (pastina, in Italian) and tender vegetables, it’s cozy and flavorful, but nourishing too. Some of the vegetables stay whole for texture, while the rest get blended into the broth, thickening it slightly and giving it a stunning golden color. On a chilly fall or winter day, it’s a delicious way to warm up. Pastina soup is sometimes called Italian penicillin. You can think of it like chicken noodle soup’s Italian cousin, a perfect soothing meal for days when you’re under the weather. Most versions call for chicken […]
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I make this butternut squash gnocchi recipe every single fall. It’s like autumn on a baking sheet, thanks to the hearty potato gnocchi, butternut squash, earthy sage, red onion, and kale leaves that crisp up beautifully in the oven. I toss it all in a sweet and tangy apple cider vinegar dressing and finish it with creamy dollops of ricotta cheese before serving. Easy to make and packed with the best flavors of the season, it’s everything I want on a fall weeknight. I hope you love this butternut squash gnocchi too! How to Make Butternut Squash Gnocchi When I was […]
Hey friends, happy October! We’re changing up our regular cooking club programming this month because our new cookbook Pop of Flavor comes out on October 13! To celebrate, we’re making a sneak peek recipe from the book, Chunky Veggie Soup with Rosemary & Parsley. It’s filled with leeks, delicata squash, carrots, potatoes, and more, so it’s a perfect way to take advantage of all the gorgeous fall veggies in season. Find the recipe below! To enter this month’s challenge, make the recipe and email me a photo of it. If you’d also like to get exclusive bonus content, make sure to attach your Pop […]
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LIFE BALANCE
If you’ve shopped for toys lately, you already know the drill: almost everything blinks, makes loud electronic noises, requires a Wi-Fi connection, or comes attached to an app. As parents, it can feel like a losing battle to find retro gifts that hold a child’s attention without handing them another digital device. Over my 20+...
The post The “Throwback Kid” Gift Guide: 12 Classic Toys & Retro Games Modern Kids Actually Want appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
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The post Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
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The post 25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12 appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
If you’re looking for toys your kids will actually want to put down their tablets for, you’ve come to the right place. These 25 open-ended picks are the real deal: screen-free, imagination-fueling, and genuinely fun for kids ages 3 to 8. What’s Inside: You’ll find 25 toys organized into four fun categories (building, pretend play,...
The post 25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
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The post Stop After School Meltdowns: A Parenting Coach’s 4-Step Reset appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
Looking for things to do with kids at night without spending a fortune? This post covers 50 budget-friendly nighttime activities for families. From free backyard adventures to affordable outings under $20 plus honest, real-life guidance from a mom who’s actually tested these on school nights and weekends alike. What’s Inside:✔️50 affordable nighttime activities you can...
The post Free & Cheap Things to Do at Night with Kids appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength"