Quiet Corner

[the only way]

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Comfort of God

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Today's Devotional

I couldn’t wait. My husband and I had just returned from the grocery store; and as we unloaded the groceries, I frantically searched—but couldn’t find the donut bag. Then I checked the receipt. No donuts. Frustrated, I cried out, “All I wanted from the store was a donut!”

Fifteen minutes later, my husband handed me a bag of donuts. He’d braved the snow again and snuck out to buy them. After squeezing him tightly, I sheepishly said, “I’m glad you didn’t get into an accident just to appease my craving!”

I don’t usually get that worked up about a donut! But it had been an emotionally draining week, and so I sought solace in a donut—and I experienced a much deeper joy through the love and compassion of my husband.

The kind of comfort we may get from satisfying our cravings is always short-lived. As the apostle Paul shared with the Corinthians, true—and lasting—comfort comes from the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

Paul understood his readers’ deep struggles and needs. Like them he faced daily trials, including persecution for his faith. And because God had comforted him, he was able to comfort them (v. 4).

When we’re hurting, we can turn to Jesus, who abounds in compassion and comfort (v. 5). There we find solace. And when we’ve experienced His comfort, we can extend it to others.

Reflect & Pray

When and how have you been comforted by God? How might you comfort others experiencing a shared trial?

God of all comfort, thank You for giving me solace, and please help me to share it with others.

Learn more about how God is the God of all comfort by reading All Means All.

Today's Insights
Second Corinthians 1:3-7 includes a cluster of “comfort” words. The word translated “comfort” (vv. 3, 4, 5, 6 [2x]) is paraklēsis, a compound word meaning “to call alongside to assist.” Before His departure, Jesus used the related word paraklētos, translated “advocate” to speak of the Holy Spirit: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16; see also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). Other English versions render it “helper,” “comforter,” “counselor.” Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, believers in Christ experience God’s comfort and in turn can extend it to others.

https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/comfort-of-god

 

[KakiMeow]

Meeting With God​

God wants to speak directly to you, so open His Word and listen.
January 14, 2026

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Jeremiah 24:7

Many of us have been blessed with close friends. Imagine if we never spent time with them but instead just thought and talked about how wonderful these special people are. Wouldn’t it be strange? Yet some Christians do just that.

Though they accumulate knowledge about God, they miss out on rich fellowship with their heavenly Father, the best friend anyone could ever have.

It is possible to fill our life with spiritual information and activities—all of which are good—but fail to develop a close relationship with God. Scripture tells of many people whose personal encounter with Him was energizing and life-changing. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, the Samaritan woman, and Paul are a few who spoke with Him one-on-one (Genesis 7:4; Genesis 12:2; Exodus 3:2; Judges 6:12; John 4:1-42; Acts 9:3-6).

We don’t expect dramatic “burning bush” experiences today, yet all believers should still have precious, intimate times with God. Whenever we open His Word and invite the Holy Spirit to teach us, we can hear directly from our Maker.

James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Walking closely with the Lord takes commitment and time, but it is essential if we want to grow in Christlikeness.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 46-48

https://www.intouchglobal.org/read/daily-devotions

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

An Enlarged Heart​

Psalm 119:30-41

Today's Devotional​

In his Confessions, Augustine wrestled with how it was possible for God to be in relationship with him. How could the one who created the universe come into something as small and sinful as his heart? But he pleaded with God to make it possible, praying, “The house of my soul is narrow. Enlarge it, so that you may enter it. It’s in ruins! Repair it! It has things in it that would offend your eyes. I confess and know it. But who will cleanse it, or to whom will I cry, but to you?”

Today we know Augustine as Saint Augustine, a revered philosopher and theologian. But he saw himself simply as someone transformed by the wonder of a God who wanted to know him.

In Psalm 119, the psalmist is also in awe of God’s revelation of Himself, particularly through Scripture (v. 18). “You shall enlarge my heart” (v. 32 nkjv), the psalmist celebrated. It’s only because God is graciously willing to enlarge our hearts that we can joyfully walk the path He shows us (v. 45). He turns our hearts away from what is corrupt (vv. 36-37) to the “path of [His] commands,” where we find His infinite “delight” (v. 35).

We are small, and our hearts are fickle. But when we turn our longing hearts to God (vv. 34, 36), He guides us down the paths of joy and true freedom.

Reflect & Pray​

How has God “enlarged” Your heart? Where might you need to ask Him to bring growth?

Dear God, thank You for opening my heart to Your greatness. Please enlarge my heart today and every day.

Despite being the creator of the whole universe, God also desires to be in relationship with us. Learn more by watching this video.

Today's Insights​

The image of “walking” is one of Scripture’s most common metaphors for describing someone’s lifestyle—whether in close fellowship with God (see Genesis 5:24; 6:9; Psalm 1:1; 15:1-2) or in opposition to Him (Proverbs 4:14; 1 John 1:6). Psalm 119 begins with this metaphor, emphasizing that “those . . . who walk according to the law of the Lord” are blessed (v. 1). The psalm paints a vivid picture of what it looks like to walk closely with God through immersion in and obedience to Scripture. In verse 32, this imagery intensifies as the psalmist shifts from describing walking to running—suggesting not just steady obedience but an eager pursuit of God’s ways. Unlike those whose feet “rush into evil” (see Proverbs 1:16; 6:18), the psalmist in Psalm 119:32 runs in joyful freedom down the path of God’s commands, liberated by His grace and captivated by His beauty.

By Monica La Rose

https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/an-enlarged-heart

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Walking in Newness of Life​

​

Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
— Romans 6:4

One of the most powerful truths of the Christian faith is that we don’t have to stay the same. Through Jesus, we’ve been given the gift of new life—right here, right now. We aren’t just slightly improved versions of our old selves. We have been made new from the inside out.

Paul’s words in Romans 6 remind us that just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too are invited into resurrection living. That means the habits, thought patterns, and shame that once held us back no longer have to define us. The past no longer has the final word. Grace does.

Of course, walking in newness doesn’t always feel instant. Often it means taking one small step of faith at a time. But every step forward in obedience is a declaration that you belong to the risen Christ and that your life is a living testimony to his transforming power.

You are not who you used to be. And, by God’s grace, you’re becoming more of the person he has called you to be.
Lord, thank you for the new life I have in you. Help me to walk each day with purpose, knowing that I have been raised to live differently. Amen.

About the author — Darrell Delaney​

https://todaydevotional.com/

 

[KakiMeow]

Testing Builds Endurance​

Since God promises to bring good from our trials, we can face them with His peace and joy.

James 1:2-4

Have you ever wondered, Why would a loving heavenly Father allow His children to go through trials and sorrow? It can be baffling when the all-powerful God of love seems to stand by silently while painful things happen.

The Word of God is the place we can find an answer. Even so, today’s reading can be hard to understand or accept. One might read James’s exhortation to be joyful in the face of trials and think, Count me out! Difficulties and joy just don’t seem to go together—that is, unless we understand God’s perspective of what life is about.

In speaking about joy, James isn’t referring to a cheery, temporary feeling. Rather, he is talking about an inner sense of calmness, peace, and confidence in the Lord. He’s not telling us to feel happy about our trials but to know, as we go through them, that God is up to something good in our life. Our attitude during the struggle will determine what shape we’re in once we come out on the other side.

When our faith is tested, the end result is endurance; being aware of this gives us hope and strength. What’s more, the Bible promises God will use trials for our good (Romans 5:3-5), so there’s no need to be afraid or anxious.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 1-3


https://www.intouchglobal.org/read/daily-devotions

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Quiet Your Mind

Joyce Meyer – Jan 17, 2026
4 min read

Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones).

Ephesians 1:16-18 (AMPC)

This section in Ephesians is difficult for many of us to understand. What does Paul mean by the eyes of your heart flooded with light (Ephesians 1:18 AMPC)? I believe he is referring to the mind, because that’s what needs enlightenment. It is with the mind that we grasp God’s truths and hold to them.

Too many of us have difficulty being “flooded with light” because we are distracted with too many other things. The apostle prays for us to have what I call a normal mind—a mind that’s open to the Holy Spirit’s work—so that we may follow God’s plan and live enriched lives.

One way to think about the idea of a normal mind is to look at two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha. Most people know the story of the sisters and the visit Jesus made to their home in Bethany. Martha scurried around, making certain that everything in their home was exactly right, while Mary sat down to listen to Jesus. Luke says Martha was distracted with much serving (Luke 10:40 AMPC), and she complained to Jesus that she needed her sister’s help.

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things (Luke 10:41 AMPC), Jesus told her, and then He commended Mary for having chosen the “good portion.”

As I thought about that incident, I realized it was more than Martha being distracted. I’m sure her mind jumped around, making certain that everything was exactly right. The implication is that even if there had been nothing more to do, Martha wouldn’t have stopped to sit at Jesus’ feet. She was so caught up in busyness that her mind would have searched for something else to do.

The Marthas seem to be in control of our world, don’t they? They are the ones who get things done. When they’re not accomplishing their own goals, they seem to be telling others what they should do. In today’s world of “multitasking,” the Marthas seem to get the awards and the accolades. Some people are busy all the time. They wear their busyness like a badge, as if that makes them more important.

Their busyness can easily distract them from developing a solid relationship with God. They’re the ones who often lack depth of peace and rarely know spiritual contentment. That is, they don’t have what God considers a normal mind. It is not in the condition He would like it to be in.

People who are excessively busy cannot even sleep when they lie down at night. They are either mentally going over the day’s activities or making mental lists of the tasks for the next day.

This isn’t the lifestyle Jesus calls us to. As believers, we are spiritual beings, but we’re also natural. The natural doesn’t understand the spiritual and constantly fights that part of our nature. The Bible makes it clear that the mind and the spirit work together. That’s the principle I call “the mind aiding the spirit.”

For the mind to aid the spirit, we must learn to pull back from all the distractions around us. There will always be demands on our time and energy, and we can always find plenty to do. But if we want to live with the mind of Christ—the one that should be normal for Christians—it means we must learn to imitate Mary.

Despite all the clamor and activities going on around her, she was able to sit, relax, and listen to the voice of the Master. That’s how the mind is supposed to work: it should be quiet and under the control of the Spirit.

However, we often find that our minds are so set in a wrong direction that they actually hinder the Spirit from helping us, as they should be free to do.
If you realize from this devotion that your mind has been behaving abnormally, ask God to forgive you and teach you what a normal mind is in His kingdom.

Prayer of the Day:

Father God, distractions constantly come at me. When I try to pause and focus on You, my mind seems to be filled with dozens of things I need to do. I realize that I truly need only one thing—to focus on You. Please help me push away every distraction and noise so I can hear only Your voice that says, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest,” Amen.

https://joycemeyer.org/DailyDevo?srsltid=AfmBOooFoSkxMHqN1O7DpLVcr2HOuEseF1ifj6nOWQd56xHRN1_JhBe_

 

[KakiMeow]

Faith and False Accusation​

Bible in a Year:
Genesis 43-45; Matthew 12:24-50

I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”​

Nehemiah 6:9

Today’s Scripture & Insight:​

Nehemiah 6:1-9

Driven by powerful winds, the fire raged for days. The historian Tacitus describes a chaotic scene filled with screams and citizens running for their lives. In the end, nearly two-thirds of Rome had been destroyed.

The Roman emperor Nero falsely accused believers in Jesus of starting the fire. He hated Christians and selected them to be the scapegoat for the disaster—one that was rumored to have been ordered by Nero himself!

Nehemiah also faced the blistering heat of false accusation. He’d been a servant to the king of Persia but had been allowed to return to Jerusalem with other Israelites to repair its walls (Nehemiah 2:1-10).

When the wall was repaired, however, enemies accused the Jews of “planning to rebel” and making Nehemiah “their king” (6:6 nlt). How did they respond to false accusations? By declaring and living out their innocence (v. 8), courageously standing in God’s power (v. 11), and praying fervently to Him (v. 14).

Their enemies were ultimately “frightened and humiliated” as they “realized [the wall reconstruction] had been done with the help of . . . God” (v. 16 nlt).

At times, we’ll be falsely accused by others. But as God provides the strength we need, we can forgive our accusers and “live such good lives” that, though “they accuse [us] of doing wrong, they may see [our] good deeds and glorify God”

By: Tom Felten

Reflect & Pray ​

Why are believers in Jesus sometimes falsely accused? How can you live out a courageous faith?

Loving God, thank You for helping me when I’m falsely accused.

https://odb.sg/devo/dailybread/2026-01-18-faith-and-false-accusation/?ref=homepage-banner

 

[KakiMeow]

Daily Devotion

Seeking God’s Will​

With perfect timing, God will reveal His direction to those who are committed to following Him.

Maui Volcano, Hawaii. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

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1 John 5:14-15

As Christians, we are blessed to have an omniscient and mighty heavenly Father who makes many things known to us. In every situation, the best course of action is clear to Him, and He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

Let’s explore how to discern God’s will whenever we reach a crossroads in life. The first step is to make sure that we have repented of all known sin. After confessing and repenting, we can ask for direction. Next, we should read Scripture regularly with an open heart, one that is eager to learn from God. The last step involves the Holy Spirit—the wonderful gift our Father has given each of His children (Luke 11:13).

The Spirit provides truth and guidance as we read the Word and pray. We should listen patiently for His leading, which is often communicated quietly to our spirit as we spend time with the Father.
When asking the Lord to reveal His will, we shouldn’t expect instant answers. The discipline of waiting builds character, and besides, rushing the process may lead to a path that misses God’s best. Take the time to seek the Lord’s plan for your life, remembering He’ll provide all you need in order to follow Him.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 7-9

https://www.intouchglobal.org/read/daily-devotions

 

[KakiMeow]

Deuteronomy 4:9

'Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. '

https://www.bible.com/bible/11...

Devotional:

Sharing our struggles and victories with our families, especially our children, helps them understand the reality of faith and contentment. By being open about our journeys, we teach them to rely on God and appreciate the blessings in their own lives. This practice not only strengthens our own faith but also passes it on to the next generation. As we share our experiences, we create a legacy of faith and gratitude that can inspire and guide our loved ones. By choosing to live with joy, contentment, and gratitude, we set an example for others to follow and encourage them to cultivate these qualities in their own lives.

Reflection:

How can you share a recent experience of God's faithfulness with your family or friends this week? What impact do you hope it will have on them?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to share my struggles and victories with my family and friends. Help me to show them that faith is not just about the good times but also about how we navigate the hard times together. Amen

https://door-of-hope.org/library/joyandhope24_3

 

[KakiMeow]

The Library of Celsus, Ephesus. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

Waiting On God’s Guidance​

Determine to wait for God's leading—don't allow yourself to be pressured into a quick decision.

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Psalms 25:4-5

Have you ever prayed for God to lead you, but then didn’t listen for His answer? At one point or another, most of us have done that—making our own decision and trusting He would bless it. But expecting God to approve of our plan often leads to missing out on His best. To avoid disappointment, let’s be aware of three impulses that interfere with hearing His direction accurately.

1. Be mindful of human desires. Wants are not wrong, but longings become unhealthy when they consume our thoughts.
2. Watch out for faulty advice. We should carefully seek counsel from those who walk closely with Jesus and are grounded in His Word (Proverbs 1:5).
3. Be careful when feeling impatient, doubtful, or pressured. These emotions can lead us to make rash decisions that do far more harm than good. Patience is hard, but God’s perfect will is always worth the wait.

When you trusted in Christ, the Holy Spirit came into your heart and sealed you as a child of God. If you ask and believe, the Spirit will teach you how to live a godly life. Determine to follow Him by cleansing your heart, asking for guidance, waiting, and listening.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 10-12

https://www.intouchglobal.org/read/daily-devotions

 

[KakiMeow]

New Strength for New Challenges
Isaiah 40:28-31

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
— Isaiah 40:31

The challenges of life can feel overwhelming at times. I remember when I was faced with a difficult decision that required more energy and wisdom than I felt I had within me. I tried to rely on my own strength and resources, but it quickly became apparent that I was running on empty.

This is where God’s promise of renewal comes in. It’s not about having strength to do it all on our own; it’s about trusting in God, whose strength is limitless. In the same way that an eagle soars with ease, we have the strength to rise above our struggles when we hope in God. We don’t have to fight through our challenges on our own power. God equips us with what we need for the journey ahead.

As we step into the newness of each day, let’s remember that we don’t need to face life’s challenges alone. The Lord’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and he promises that when we place our trust in him, he will renew our strength and empower us to face whatever comes our way.

Lord, thank you for renewing my strength when I feel weak. Help me to trust in your provision and power as I face the challenges ahead each day. Amen.

https://todaydevotional.com/

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Daily Devotion

How to Keep Your Heart on Fire for God​

Joyce Meyer

Adapted from Hearing from God Each Morning

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 (AMPC)

It is important for you to know that you are instructed in God’s Word to “ever be filled” with the Spirit—that is, to be filled at all times.

To “ever be filled” with the Holy Spirit, it is necessary to give Him first place in our lives. Often this requires discipline, because many other things demand our time and attention. There are many things we want and need, but nothing is more important than God.

Seeking God daily through His Word and spending time with Him is the key to staying filled with His presence. An attitude of gratitude is also very helpful, as is guarding our thoughts carefully.

The Holy Spirit never goes away; He always comes to remain and stay with us. He does not change addresses—once He takes up occupancy, He settles in and refuses to leave. But it is important that we keep ourselves stirred up in spiritual things. Anything that is hot can grow cold if the fire goes out.

I went through a six-month period of time when God forbade me to ask for anything except more of Him. It was a great discipline in drawing near to Him on a deeper level of intimacy than I had known before. I would start to say, “God, I need _____,” then I would stop myself as I remembered His instruction to me. I would finish my sentence with, “more of You.”

God gives us everything we need, and He knows what we need before we ask for it. If we delight ourselves in Him and hunger for Him, He will also give us our hearts’ desires.

I encourage you, today and every day, to keep yourself filled with the Holy Spirit and to want more of God than anything else in this world. He’ll take care of the rest.

Prayer of the Day:
Holy Spirit, fill me again today. Teach me to seek You first, stay stirred up in faith, and hunger for Your presence more than anything else in this world, Amen.

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Building a New Foundation​

Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:24-27​

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
— Matthew 7:24-25

When I reflect on times in my life when things seemed uncertain or challenging, I realize that what truly made the difference was the foundation I had. Often I had tried to stand on shaky ground—things like my own abilities, opinions of others, or fleeting circumstances. But none of those things provided a solid foundation. I always fell.

Building on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ is essential. Jesus didn’t promise that storms wouldn’t come, but he did assure us that when we build on him—the Rock—we will stand firm. Just as a house built on rock will stand against winds and floods, when we place our trust in God’s Word and live according to his teachings, we gain the strength to withstand life's difficulties.

The newness God offers is not just about external changes; it’s about laying a fresh foundation within ourselves—one that is grounded in his truth, grace, and love. As we build this foundation, we can trust that he will see us through any storm.

Lord, help me to build my life on the solid foundation of your Word. May I always stand firm, trusting in your strength to carry me through the storms. Amen.


https://todaydevotional.com/authors/darrell-delaney

About the author — Darrell Delaney​