Devotional
The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Where does true deliverance come from? Only from God. Deliverance is found in God through deep reverential respect for his holiness and strength, through living faithfully in covenant relationship with him, and through maintaining our focus and dependence upon him. Any other roads to deliverance are false shortcuts that ultimately prove themselves to be a snare. Like the tightrope walker whose eyes are not on the ground or the surroundings, but on the rope in front of him where he will walk, so too our eyes must be on the LORD. Only by looking to him will he lead us to safety and from the snares of the one who longs to have us and destroy us. Our eyes must be ever on the LORD because we trust that he will lead us away from "temptation" and "deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13).
My Prayer...Precious Father, you have done so much to save me. You, who are so holy and righteous, have reached down to take my hand when I was a sinner and in rebellion against your love (Romans 5:8-11). You saved me by your grace. Now, please teach me your ways. Please correct the wrongs in my life. Please guide me into the ways of your truth. I want to be saved not only from my past sins, but also from days of uselessness, vanity, and frustration. So I offer myself to you as a vessel to be used to honor you. In Jesus' name, 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.
The ELIJAH LIST
Christian Headlines
Children sometimes demonstrate a remarkable willingness to notice, welcome, and help people adults might overlook. Scripture calls Christians to that same posture of humility and practical love. From becoming like [...]
The Trump administration abruptly reversed its controversial plan to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, igniting a fierce debate. [...]
A devastating on-field injury has led to the tragic death of a beloved Southern Nazarene University football player, leaving the campus community in profound grief. [...]
Kid Rock's forthcoming album, "Halfway 2 Jesus," promises a unique blend of faith and a powerful message of unity, highlighted by an unexpected collaboration with longtime friend Eminem. [...]
Pastor Robert Jeffress offers a defense of capital punishment, labeling it the "highest expression" of a pro-life stance and asserting that public executions are not unbiblical. [...]
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.
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.
Wondering how to get kids to do chores without yelling, bribing, or repeating yourself five times? If every day feels like a negotiation meeting, you’re not alone. Most parents describe the exact same loop when explaining the struggles they face when it comes to chores: the request, the ignore, the repeat, the snap. What’s Inside:The...
The post Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.
You’re loading the dishwasher one Tuesday evening when it hits you: your 6-year-old is halfway to twelve. And suddenly, it feels like time is slipping through your hands. It’s not panic, exactly. More like a quiet nudge. A reminder that this season (the one with messy craft projects and requests for “one more story” and...
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.
After school meltdowns happen because children spend all day holding it together at school, then release that emotional tension at home. The technical term for this is “after school restraint collapse.” Below, I’ll show you how a simple 4-step reset routine that includes a transition, snack, movement, and connection can significantly reduce after school meltdowns...
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"


