Page 354 – Guideposts Articles

Her Son’s Inspiring First Steps

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Sabra Ciancanelli

The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place…—Psalm 18:18–19 (NIV)

It seemed to be taking a while for my son to take his first steps. A fast crawler, Solomon had turned into a leaner, walking in endless circles around the coffee table, holding my hand and keeping a pinky on the table. It was obvious that he could carry his own weight; the only thing holding him back was uncertainty about his footing. He still needed someone to lean on.

We were at my mom’s for brunch one cold January morning when Solomon leaned on a chair and picked up his boots. A small snow boot in each hand, he stood up, and in a moment took his first solo step toward me. “One, two, three,” a roomful of my relatives whispered along with me as Solomon made it across the living room rug. In eight steps, he reached me and put his boot in my lap, unaware that he had let go of the chair. For the next few days, Solomon walked—but only with his hands full and outstretched, as if the things he held gave him grounding.

Solomon had found his balance, but I know he still had Someone to lean on, holding those boots, leading him step by step.

Lord, thank You for being there to lean on when I launch out into the unknown.

Grandmother’s Wisdom

Posted on March 10, 2026April 23, 2026 by Mary Lou Carney

The priests made repairs [to the wall], each in front of his own house. —Nehemiah 3:28 (NIV)

One of Grandma’s evening rituals was sweeping. She’d begin in the kitchen, careful to capture every crumb, and end on the front porch, sweeping our welcome mat with vigor. Once I asked her why she swept the porch every day, even when it didn’t need it. She leaned on the handle of her broom and winked at me, as though she were sharing a secret. “If everyone would sweep in front of his own door, the whole world would be clean.”

I was much older when I realized Grandma wasn’t just talking about stray leaves and tracked-in sand. And now I remember her simple adage when I’m tempted to repeat what I heard about that single lady on the next block. Or when I complain about the neighbor’s dandelions. I recall it when I begin a rampage on “other people’s” kids. Or when I want to blame my mistakes on someone else. That’s when I check for crumbs at my front door. And taking my broom, I get back to the full-time job of keeping my own porch clean.

Forgive me, Father, for the times I’ve meddled in other people’s lives. With Your help, I’ll tend to my own affairs.

Focus on Memorial Day

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Dianne Neal Matthews

He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19 (ESV)

My focus on Memorial Day used to be planning family gatherings. But once my husband and I moved too far away to host the day for loved ones, I looked for ways for us to spend the day together.

As I flipped through sales flyers, I stumbled upon an article that made me rethink the way we typically spend the day. The essay argued that Memorial Day has morphed from a somber reflection on those who died to gain our freedom to a day for parades, parties, and cookouts. It called for an end to such “frivolous celebrations” and the return to a day of mourning and prayer.

While the piece reminded me of the holiday’s real meaning, I also thought about the need for balance. In the Old Testament, God instituted observances to remind the Israelites of major events in their history. These included days of fasting and feasting, times for mourning and merrymaking. Even Jesus, at His last Passover meal, introduced a new observance—communion taken “in remembrance” of Him—to memorialize His upcoming death and what it would accomplish for the world.

Memorial Day now reminds me of Jesus at His last Passover meal because it is also celebrated “in remembrance” of those who died to gain our freedom. As I reflect on the meaning of this day and maybe even take in the parade, I bow my head in thanks, not only for the men and women who’ve given their lives for this country but also for Jesus, Who gave His life for us all.

FAITH STEP: Take time to meditate on the costs of our national and spiritual freedoms. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and for the sacrifices of brave men and women who died for us. Then celebrate this day!

Feel the Magnitude of God’s Love

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Heidi Gaul

When this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12 (NIV)

I love crafts and recently stenciled a plaque for my office. This white board with black lettering speaks to my soul. The wording is simple and the message clear: “All Your Sins Are Forgiven—Even That One.” The sign doesn’t match my historic home’s decor. Yet it’s necessary. This reminder keeps me grounded in Jesus’s limitless love. Just as important—maybe more—I need to trust that I am forgiven. For everything, even my sins that seem unforgivable.

When Jesus came into the world, He walked with tax collectors, prostitutes, the demon-possessed, and lepers. He selected a man named Saul as His disciple, a Roman who’d spent his life persecuting believers. Jesus found the good in each of these people and taught them to see it in themselves.

In His supreme wisdom, as He hung on the cross, He forgave everyone. His purity covers us for eternity because He paid for every sin—past, present and future. Not just the tiny misdoings but even the worst, shameful, most vile thing we’ve ever done, been, or thought. Yes, even that.

I live in the joyful knowledge of Jesus’s boundless devotion, but when I forget, I can look at the sign in my office and be reassured. Every person is forgiven, even me. Every sin is forgiven, even my worst one. Yours too.

Faith Step: Make or purchase a sign that helps you accept the magnitude of His love and forgiveness. Hang it in a prominent spot to help you remember.

Experiencing the Chaos of Christmas?

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Susanna Foth Aughtmon

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Isaiah 42:6–7 (NIV)

I used to think Christmas was all about joy, hope, and peace on earth. I stayed away from reading news stories filled with pain and despair. But the older I get, the more I realize that Christmas may have more to do with chaos than anything else. Because the people of this earth, in a million different ways, are sitting in the dark, afraid. Hoping beyond hope that someone will protect them, hold them, keep them safe, and lift them out of their fear. We have been in desperate need of a Savior. You and I and our families and the billions of others dotting the globe.

Jesus hears our cries. He sees us all. And He is working out His plan. At great detriment to Himself, Jesus came into the darkness of this world. He saw us down in our fears, our pain, our sin, and our despair. And cracked the sky with His light and great love and said, “I am here with you in the middle of this mess. And even better, if you just hold on to me, I will save you.”

FAITH STEP: Light a candle and pray for those in the world that need Jesus in the midst of their darkness to bring them hope and joy this holiday season.

READ MORE: WE LOVE BECAUSE…

Enjoy God’s Gifts

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Dianne Neal Matthews

Instead, they need to hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 (CEB)

Confession time: I just now used a rubber spatula to scrape ice cream off the sides of its paper carton and eat it. Even though it’s late afternoon. Even though I had a bowl of the black walnut ice cream this morning.

I can explain.

My freezer drawer is overcrowded right now; this morning the upper drawer fell off the roller track when I pulled it out. This afternoon I saw that the ice-cream carton was in the way. So I scooped out the ice cream into a small glass container. When I saw how much was stuck on the sides, I did the logical thing. I ate it!

Instead of feeling guilty, I have a smile on my face. My earliest memory is of me sitting on my knees on a kitchen chair in front of an ice cream carton that someone had flattened out. I’m scraping the sides with a spoon while my dad, an ice cream lover himself, watched and laughed. I still remember how his eyes twinkled as he said, “You like that stuff, don’t you?” Like many fathers, my dad didn’t talk much about feelings. That’s why sixty-five years later, I treasure that image of him smiling as he watched me eat ice cream out of the carton.

Sometimes it’s easy to get fixated on the aspects of following Jesus that have to do with taking up our cross and dying to self. We may forget that the Christian life also means embracing the blessings He’s given us. If we could see how much pleasure He receives from watching us enjoy the gifts He sends our way, we would gain a clearer image of how much He loves us.

Faith Step: As you go through your day, thank Jesus each time you find yourself enjoying something He created or has sent into your life.

Devotion for a Tired Mom

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Tricia Goyer

“She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, ‘You’re the God who sees me! Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!’ That’s how that desert spring got named ‘God-Alive-Sees-Me Spring.’ That spring is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Hagar gave Abram a son.” Genesis 16:13–16 (MSG)

As a mom of two preschoolers and a baby, I felt invisible. No, I wasn’t the Disappearing Woman. It’s just that the creative, witty, fun-to-hang-out-with woman was hidden under my baby-food-stained T-shirt and baggy sweats. I still had a reflection in the mirror, but the woman who picked up scattered toys and washed peanut-butter fingers was unrecognizable. Unlike Hagar, I wasn’t in a desert, but there were times my sense of worth felt parched. Just like God showed up in Hagar’s time of need, He showed up in my life too. In a time when I felt unseen, God reminded me I was in His sights.

The angel of God found Hagar beside a spring in a desert, and God also led me to a spring of life: Jesus Christ. And through another story about a second woman at a spring—also unseen and unloved—God reaffirmed the only thing that could water my parched soul.

John 4:13–14 reads: “Jesus said, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.’”

There are seasons in life when it seems no one understands or cares. Is the person in the mirror unrecognizable? Do you feel like no one is paying attention to you? That no one sees your needs or cares about the worries on your heart? It’s during those times Jesus sees us and He gives us what we need most: Himself.

Faith Step: Look in the mirror and write down what you see. When your list is complete, offer up your paper to Jesus and ask Him to fill you with Himself. Consider your reflection through Jesus’ eyes.

Devotionals for the First Year of Motherhood

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by dwade

Watch video of the authors talking about how their faith inspired them during their first year of motherhood.

Download your FREE ebook, Daily Devotionals: 7 Days of Bible Devotions to Strengthen Your Faith

Declutter Your Spiritual Life

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Heidi Gaul

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

In the kitchen, my utensil drawer was stuck shut again. I jiggled and yanked the handle, finally releasing whatever had blocked it. Staring at the jumbled contents, I sighed. All I needed was the ice cream scoop. Shuffling through various wooden spoons, silicone spatulas, and stainless-steel knives—each created for only one purpose—my fingertips found the familiar rubberized handle. Now to work it free from the tangled mass.

That drawer, with all its useful and helpful items, sometimes reminds me of the way life can get cluttered with busywork. Like the garlic press I recently purchased, I always find ways to cram one more volunteer opportunity or social engagement into my week. Sometimes I lose track of the point. Why am I doing it and who am I doing it for? With my focus split in a hundred directions, none of these things bring me—or others—closer to Jesus. I’ve emptied the drawer, carefully selecting the utensils I’ll keep and which to donate. Now I’ll be able to find what I need with ease.

I’m doing the same with my free time. Things that distract me from Jesus or from serving Him better will be removed. Psalm 27:8 reminds me, “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD, do I seek’ (ESV). I want to declutter my soul, to seek Him with all my heart and find Him, and to reach for Him and recognize His touch deep inside.

FAITH STEP: Pick a cluttered drawer in your home and clear the unnecessary items from it. Now apply the same principle to your life. Remove the distractions and seek Jesus.

Daily Devotion: Planning the Perfect Wedding

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Ashley Kappel

“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” John 2:4 (NIV)

Mom and I were hard at work planning the finer details of my upcoming wedding. As we hurried around town orchestrating transportation for guests, finalizing the reception menu and making sure someone was at the church early to turn on the air-conditioning (the wedding was in May in Alabama, after all), I began to feel overwhelmed.

“Are we doing the right thing?” I asked Mom, waving my hand over the to-do list, which seemed to grow each day.

Mom simply smiled. “The things that you’re working on are important: your vows to Brian, taking care of your family and dearest friends, and celebrating the start of a new life together.”

“But still,” I protested, “I’m starting to feel a little silly.”

“Remember the story of Jesus at the wedding ceremony in Cana?” Mom said, her wise smile bringing to mind the ancient story. “I love that story.”

At the wedding ceremony, Jesus’ mother, who, like mine, understood the importance of showing guests a good time at a celebration, went to Jesus distraught that the wine was running out, asking Him to do something. And though, as Jesus said, “it’s not yet my time,” do something He did.

Jesus found the wedding celebration a worthy place for His very first miracle. If He chose to use His awesome power to bless a wedding, why shouldn’t I try to do the very best by my dearest friends and closest family?

Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to honor the love of family and friends, and to do so while having a wonderful time with my own mom.

Download your FREE ebook, Daily Devotionals: 7 Days of Bible Devotions to Strengthen Your Faith.

5 Heartwarming Valentine’s Day Devotionals

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Mary Lou Carney

How can we feel closer to God on Valentine’s Day? Here are five Valentine’s Day devotionals to remind you of God’s love for you, on February 14 and beyond:

Love on Valentine’s Day

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Last night I helped my grandsons get valentines ready for their preschool party. The cards, which featured a variety of bright characters, had to be pulled apart at perforated seams. Small heart stickers were included to hold the folded cards together.

We were pushing the bedtime limit, sitting at the kitchen table in a circle of overhead light. Drake, five, laboriously printed his name over and over. His brother, three, attached heart stickers, while his daddy wrote BROCK on all of his cards. My job was licking all 68 envelopes.

Brock finished his stack first, and as he was leaving to go up to bed, he came over to Drake and stuck a red heart sticker on his brother’s shirt. Drake stopped his printing and looked at the small bright spot of color on his sleeve. “Look, Nina,” he said, “Brock gave me this. He must love me.”

Sometimes we grown-ups make love way more complicated than it needs to be. A simple gesture, a kind touch, an unexpected card can all say, “I care about you.” And, of course, so can a bright red heart sticker.

Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me pass that love along today to someone who needs it.

Read even more Valentine’s Day devotionals below:

The Best Valentine’s Day Gift

Ginger wasn’t looking forward to Valentine’s Day. After fourteen years of marriage, she was going through a divorce and didn’t want any reminders of how happy other people were with their sweethearts. Until an unexpected gift arrived at her front door. Read how a kind gesture helped Ginger feel God’s love.

A Devotion to Help Strengthen Your Marriage

Staring back at Ashley from the bathroom floor is a pile of dirty clothes. Specifically, size-large gym shorts, one sweaty workout shirt, an undershirt, well-worn briefs and haphazardly balled-up socks. As usual, the mass of neglected garments sits not inside but beside the hamper, clear evidence that her husband has been on the scene. See the message that helped Ashley overlook her husband’s flaws and find gratitude.

The Perfect Wedding: A Valentine’s Day Devotional

Ashley and her mom were hard at work planning the finer details of her upcoming wedding. As they hurried around town orchestrating transportation for guests, finalizing the reception menu and making sure someone was at the church early to turn on the air-conditioning (the wedding was in May in Alabama), Ashley began to feel overwhelmed. “Are we doing the right thing?” she asked her mom, waving her hand over the to-do list, which seemed to grow each day. Learn how a Bible story helped an overwhelmed bride-to-be remember everything was worth it.

The Amazing Depth of Jesus’ Love

Sunrise at the beach is Katie’s favorite place to worship and fully experience Jesus; she is overwhelmed by His presence there. His majesty is displayed in the splendor of the sunrise as the rays paint the sky with beautiful shades of color. The roar of the waves proclaims His might. The smell of the salt in the air, the feel of the soft sand beneath her feet, and the cool mist all refresh her. Perhaps Jesus loved the beach also? This devotional about Jesus’ love can remind us of His love on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Read how the beach is the perfect place to remember Jesus’ love for us.

READ MORE ABOUT VALENTINES DAY AND FAITH:

Daily Devotion: Circles of Grace

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Evelyn Bence

The four had the same form, their construction being something like a wheel within a wheel. Ezekiel 1:16 (NRSV)

Years back, a TV ad touted Life Savers as “a part of living.” In my childhood, the wheel-shaped candies seemed a part of loving. My mother carried a green-on-silver roll of Wint-O-Greens in her pocketbook. She kept the white mints for one purpose: to pull out during church and pass down the pew. Each of us children would peel back the wrap from one candy and hand along the ever-shortening coil. Mom would take one herself before slipping the remainder back in her purse. Even when I visited as a grown-up, if Mom forgot our ritual, during the sermon I would playfully tap her bag and silently tease, Please. And at her funeral, I distributed Wint-O-Greens—in memoriam—along the family rows.

Like mother, like daughter. This morning, as I settled in to listen to the sermon, I reached into my purse to retrieve a partial roll of Life Savers. When I didn’t find it in its usual compartment, I rummaged feverishly. I didn’t relax until my fingers grasped the misplaced mints. I slipped the familiarly shaped candy into my mouth. Of course I tasted the wintergreen flavoring. But today I also savored a suggestion of appreciation: for my mother and little kindnesses she afforded her children; for the family circle that remains unbroken, even though she has passed through this life to the next.

Lord, thank You for my mother’s many small gifts, which I choose to remember as circles of grace.

OUTREACH & PARNTERSHIPS

Shop

NEW!

Living God's Call

Articles

Featured Article

‘The Star Thrower’ and the Difference You Can Make

Abide

The Abide App

Find Peace and Rest in God's Presence