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I'm not going to promise this book will bring you Hope.
I could get sales if I called this "31 days to unshakeable Hope", but that may not be the end result; it wasn't for me. When God confronted me on my rejection of hope and invited me to spend a month exploring it, I somehow knew utter hopefulness wasn't the goal; it was about the pursuit. God wanted me to reject Hope no longer, even if my journey to choosing hope remained ongoing.
Perhaps this devotional will lead you to deep hope; while I can't promise that, I do believe that committing a month to exploring hope won't be fruitless. For me, it was about owning the ways I reject it; for you, it could be about rejoicing louder. I believe hope is being offered to you today, and I want to help you explore your response to that invitation using scripture and introspection.
This 31 day devotional is designed to be authentic and accessible. Each day you will encounter my honest processing rather than a teaching on hope; you'll witness my questions, my vulnerability, and my realizations as they happen. It is written so that anyone can participate, whether a theologian or skeptic, busy or flexible, optimistic or struggling.
This may not change your life, but I believe it will impact your understanding of and engagement with hope. My hope is that by committing 31 days to exploring this oft-misunderstood word, you -- like me -- might come to reject hope no longer.
Do you struggle to honor the Sabbath?
The fourth commandment tells us to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,” (Exodus 20:8–11) yet it can be hard to know what that means and why it’s important.
Sabbath: Beyond Rest is a 5-day devotional exploring how the Sabbath is not an inconvenient restriction, but invitation to “immeasurably more.” Each day we engage several passages exploring Sabbath rest and God’s wisdom in inviting us to something that:
...is bigger than you
...is longer than your timeline
...is beyond practical restoration
...is more eternal than you realize
...is an invitation for you, today
How can a family process hardship when there are so many unknowns?
When our beloved cat of 16 years disappeared, we spent weeks not knowing if she was alive or dead, safe or in danger, near or far. How do you move forward when there are no answers? How do you heal when you each mourn differently?
This book is one way we processed together as a family. Using the gift of creativity that God placed in all of us, we imagined what Chloe might be doing or thinking as a way to stand against the fear brought by the unknowns. For some it was a chance to say “goodbye”, for others, “see you soon,” and for all of us an opportunity to navigate the hardship together. Creating brought healing.
When our beloved cat of 16 years disappeared, we spent weeks not knowing if she was alive or dead, safe or in danger, near or far. How do you move forward when there are no answers? How do you heal when you each mourn differently?
This book is one way we processed together as a family. Using the gift of creativity that God placed in all of us, we imagined what Chloe might be doing or thinking as a way to stand against the fear brought by the unknowns. For some it was a chance to say “goodbye”, for others, “see you soon,” and for all of us an opportunity to navigate the hardship together. Creating brought healing.
No matter your struggles, allow our creative process to inspire your own journey toward healing.
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”
Psalm 13:1
David knew God was real and powerful. He had experienced God’s all-knowing wisdom through Samuel’s prophecy of kingship, and God’s incarnational strength with the defeat of Goliath. There was no question in David’s mind about what God knew and could do; his question was why God seemed absent and unmoving.
If you’ve ever felt abandoned by God amidst long-suffering, this week-long devotional exploring Psalm 13 is for you. By spending time with David’s raw questions, ruminating thoughts, desperate requests, and crippling assumptions, you can confront your own and find a pathway to trust, joy, and rest.
This devotional includes:
Psalm 13:1
David knew God was real and powerful. He had experienced God’s all-knowing wisdom through Samuel’s prophecy of kingship, and God’s incarnational strength with the defeat of Goliath. There was no question in David’s mind about what God knew and could do; his question was why God seemed absent and unmoving.
If you’ve ever felt abandoned by God amidst long-suffering, this week-long devotional exploring Psalm 13 is for you. By spending time with David’s raw questions, ruminating thoughts, desperate requests, and crippling assumptions, you can confront your own and find a pathway to trust, joy, and rest.
This devotional includes:
- A 7 day devotional that takes Psalm 13 one verse at at time, and includes a reflection and guided response
- Lined space to journal your reflections
- Additional resources
Families are a gift, prayers are powerful, and games are fun!
Games You Can Pray will inspire and equip families, youth groups, and even adults to grow in unity by engaging in fun, creative prayer times together. With 75 Games and activities, you and your spiritual family can learn to hear God’s voice through fun-filled creative prayer, wherever you are! There is something for everyone, whether their group is small or large, creative or active, spiritually mature or just starting. Each game and activity includes:
Games You Can Pray will inspire and equip families, youth groups, and even adults to grow in unity by engaging in fun, creative prayer times together. With 75 Games and activities, you and your spiritual family can learn to hear God’s voice through fun-filled creative prayer, wherever you are! There is something for everyone, whether their group is small or large, creative or active, spiritually mature or just starting. Each game and activity includes:
- A picture from a YWAM River City youth
- Prep time and materials
- Game instructions
- Teaching opportunities
- A relevant verse
Zoe did not know she was dead.
As a young zombie, Zoe had learned that the purpose of life was to eat, die, and be eaten; deep down she knew there must be something more. When a stranger reveals that she is actually dead, she is thrust into a life-and-death journey amidst her family, the ravagers, and her understanding of reality itself.
Lifeblood is an exploration of life and death, value and purpose, and isolation and community through the lens of zombies; whether a teen or an adult, more than a “zombie story” awaits you.
As a young zombie, Zoe had learned that the purpose of life was to eat, die, and be eaten; deep down she knew there must be something more. When a stranger reveals that she is actually dead, she is thrust into a life-and-death journey amidst her family, the ravagers, and her understanding of reality itself.
Lifeblood is an exploration of life and death, value and purpose, and isolation and community through the lens of zombies; whether a teen or an adult, more than a “zombie story” awaits you.
So you’re going on a mission trip… are you ready?
Every year millions engage in short-term missions, and many end up saying “I wish I had known ____ before my mission trip!”
We’ve been there. At YWAM River City, each of us has served in anywhere from two to over fifty countries, and we still have moments when we feel like missions rookies!
A “Rookie’s” Guide to Missions is our gift to you. A collection of wisdom and stories from our decades of missionary work, our hope is to equip and encourage you BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER your trip… and in your day-to-day life!
Inside you will find reflections, guided spiritual engagement, stories from "the mission field", and practical resources. This Guide is for the "missions rookie" and the seasoned missionary, the trip leader and the first-time participant; it's for anyone who wants to answer Christ's call to GO!
Every year millions engage in short-term missions, and many end up saying “I wish I had known ____ before my mission trip!”
We’ve been there. At YWAM River City, each of us has served in anywhere from two to over fifty countries, and we still have moments when we feel like missions rookies!
A “Rookie’s” Guide to Missions is our gift to you. A collection of wisdom and stories from our decades of missionary work, our hope is to equip and encourage you BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER your trip… and in your day-to-day life!
Inside you will find reflections, guided spiritual engagement, stories from "the mission field", and practical resources. This Guide is for the "missions rookie" and the seasoned missionary, the trip leader and the first-time participant; it's for anyone who wants to answer Christ's call to GO!
Do you feel like a foolish Christian?
If you have ever believed you were hearing and responding to God, only to find that the path becomes confusing, the hardships increase, and those watching deem you a fool, you may very well be more aligned with God than you think:
"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 2:14
"Encouragement for Foolish Christians" explores the unexpected paths of those striving to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" through fictionalized stories of God-followers throughout Scripture. Step into the mind of "heroes of the faith" who also felt foolish as they responded to God, discovering you are not alone in your similar struggles. Spend time processing through reflections that invite us to consider how "foolish Christians" can keep standing today, "and when they've done all else, to stand."
If you have ever believed you were hearing and responding to God, only to find that the path becomes confusing, the hardships increase, and those watching deem you a fool, you may very well be more aligned with God than you think:
"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 2:14
"Encouragement for Foolish Christians" explores the unexpected paths of those striving to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" through fictionalized stories of God-followers throughout Scripture. Step into the mind of "heroes of the faith" who also felt foolish as they responded to God, discovering you are not alone in your similar struggles. Spend time processing through reflections that invite us to consider how "foolish Christians" can keep standing today, "and when they've done all else, to stand."
Discover the simple story that became a proposal, in both it's original form and a rhyming coloring book!
This book includes:
This book includes:
- the original story and illustrations,
- a simplified poem version and coloring book illustrations,
- A "Draw your own" version
- A "Write your own" version
- Extra coloring pages!
In “The Goat Princess and the Goat Whisperer”, their love exists because they wanted to serve and honor each other, and because her father, the King, empowered them to love each other as He loved them. This story has served as a continual reminder to us that our love exists not for ourselves, but for the other, and not through ourselves, but through God, our King.
FIND IT HERE.
Can our joy be complete without unity? According to the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:1-4, perhaps not.
While verse 1 uses the singular “you”, verse 2 uses the 2nd-person plural “you all.” Perhaps Paul had experienced joy in watching their individual spiritual growth, but it was incomplete and unfulfilled. The fullness of joy would come when they sought God as One.
While verse 1 uses the singular “you”, verse 2 uses the 2nd-person plural “you all.” Perhaps Paul had experienced joy in watching their individual spiritual growth, but it was incomplete and unfulfilled. The fullness of joy would come when they sought God as One.
This 7-part devotional was designed to affirm how God is growing you, and provoke and encourage you to make it y'all. Each part affirms your individual journey, explores how you can continue it in unity with others, and offers questions to take each element deeper so that y'all's joy can be made complete.
Whether you read this in 7 days or 7 weeks, I believe this invitation for unity is for you -- and y'all -- today.
FIND IT HERE.
What if the best way to be successful in podcasting is to be unsuccessful?
Through the course of this book we explore how things that look "unsuccessful" may actually yield far more than traditional metrics. In fact, the lessons within are relevant even if you don't podcast!
Each chapter includes processing questions and supplemental content to show "unsuccessfulness" in action. Hosts and guests alike will find relevancy, and even listeners will enjoy looking "behind the mic."
Unlike other books that promise you will be successful if you do certain things, this book gets to the heart of who you are and why you podcast, equipping you to find a sustainable path toward true success.
FIND IT HERE.
Through the course of this book we explore how things that look "unsuccessful" may actually yield far more than traditional metrics. In fact, the lessons within are relevant even if you don't podcast!
Each chapter includes processing questions and supplemental content to show "unsuccessfulness" in action. Hosts and guests alike will find relevancy, and even listeners will enjoy looking "behind the mic."
Unlike other books that promise you will be successful if you do certain things, this book gets to the heart of who you are and why you podcast, equipping you to find a sustainable path toward true success.
FIND IT HERE.
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:13-14
The woman at the well was confused when Jesus offered her miraculous living water; we would be too. What Jesus -- and God throughout scripture -- wants us to understand is that there is a life being offered to us that is immeasurably more than anything we could ask for or imagine; all we have to do is jump in the water!
Through this simple 5-day devotional we believe you will discover Jesus's invitation to the woman is for you as well, and this water of life is closer than you think.
FIND IT HERE.
John 4:13-14
The woman at the well was confused when Jesus offered her miraculous living water; we would be too. What Jesus -- and God throughout scripture -- wants us to understand is that there is a life being offered to us that is immeasurably more than anything we could ask for or imagine; all we have to do is jump in the water!
Through this simple 5-day devotional we believe you will discover Jesus's invitation to the woman is for you as well, and this water of life is closer than you think.
FIND IT HERE.
I'm not going to promise this book will bring you joy.
When God confronted me on my rejection of joy and invited me to spend a month exploring it, I somehow knew erupting into song and dance wasn't the goal; the pursuit was. God wanted me to reject joy no longer, even if my journey to experiencing joy was ongoing.
In this 30 day devotional you will encounter my own processing rather than a teaching on joy; you'll witness my questions, my vulnerability, and my realizations as they happen. It is written so that anyone can participate, whether a theologian or skeptic, busy or flexible, optimistic or struggling.
This may not change your life, but I believe it will impact your understanding of and engagement with joy. My hope is that by committing 30 days to exploring this oft-misunderstood word, you -- like me -- might come to reject joy no longer.
FIND IT HERE.
When God confronted me on my rejection of joy and invited me to spend a month exploring it, I somehow knew erupting into song and dance wasn't the goal; the pursuit was. God wanted me to reject joy no longer, even if my journey to experiencing joy was ongoing.
In this 30 day devotional you will encounter my own processing rather than a teaching on joy; you'll witness my questions, my vulnerability, and my realizations as they happen. It is written so that anyone can participate, whether a theologian or skeptic, busy or flexible, optimistic or struggling.
This may not change your life, but I believe it will impact your understanding of and engagement with joy. My hope is that by committing 30 days to exploring this oft-misunderstood word, you -- like me -- might come to reject joy no longer.
FIND IT HERE.
This book is my step of obedience to the God who brings hope amidst affliction, and I believe it could bring you hope as well. While the 52 reflections -- written over the course of 2024 -- were not written to be connected, you will quickly notice the threads and themes woven by a creative, powerful, loving God as I tried to make it through the year. This same God is weaving in your life as well.
Whether you read this straight through, sit with one reflection a week, or jump around to different themes, my hope is that you will discover the God of hope just as I did... and continue to do.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
FIND IT HERE.
Whether you read this straight through, sit with one reflection a week, or jump around to different themes, my hope is that you will discover the God of hope just as I did... and continue to do.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
FIND IT HERE.
Tori was a tornado, full of energy and excitement. She loved to rush around and play, but sometimes it caused issues. When she accidently topples her friend's tower, she discovers that simply saying "sorry" doesn't always make things better.
How will Tori make things right with her friend?
In this simple social story created by a 9 year oldand her dad, kids will learn that when we hurt someone, there are ways we can bring restoration beyond simply saying "sorry." Kids will explore these concepts through the engaging story of Tori the Tornado, and then can use the "Questions for Kids" section to explore how the concepts apply to their life. Adults can then go deeper with the "Concepts for Adults" section.
FIND IT HERE.
How will Tori make things right with her friend?
In this simple social story created by a 9 year oldand her dad, kids will learn that when we hurt someone, there are ways we can bring restoration beyond simply saying "sorry." Kids will explore these concepts through the engaging story of Tori the Tornado, and then can use the "Questions for Kids" section to explore how the concepts apply to their life. Adults can then go deeper with the "Concepts for Adults" section.
FIND IT HERE.
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Habakkuk 2:14
Christians talk about the spread of the Gospel, but we may be underestimating how powerfully God intends to make Himself known; the knowledge of Him will fill the earth like a flood!
Did you catch what word Habakkuk used? Will. It is not a question of if God will be made known; it will happen. However, we tend to wonder when and how it will happen, and more to the point, what our role is in its spread!
In this 5-day devotional, we will explore God's plans for making Himself known, and the invitation He is giving for us to be a part of it. Even more, we will discover that He wants to work through us, even if we feel ill-equipped and unworthy, because it is not a matter of our capacity, but His!
This devotional was created to shepherd Summer Mission Teams for YWAM Virginia.
FIND IT HERE.
Habakkuk 2:14
Christians talk about the spread of the Gospel, but we may be underestimating how powerfully God intends to make Himself known; the knowledge of Him will fill the earth like a flood!
Did you catch what word Habakkuk used? Will. It is not a question of if God will be made known; it will happen. However, we tend to wonder when and how it will happen, and more to the point, what our role is in its spread!
In this 5-day devotional, we will explore God's plans for making Himself known, and the invitation He is giving for us to be a part of it. Even more, we will discover that He wants to work through us, even if we feel ill-equipped and unworthy, because it is not a matter of our capacity, but His!
This devotional was created to shepherd Summer Mission Teams for YWAM Virginia.
FIND IT HERE.
How do we love beyond our senses?
Have you ever struggled to show love because of the way someone looked? Grown impatient with someone who was loud? Pulled away when someone had an odor? Avoided touching or eating with someone because of their circumstances?
Consciously or not, we frequently withhold love from others when our senses are offended.
Meanwhile, Jesus had all five senses and poured out love to all he encountered. He saw the filthy, naked man living amidst graves, heard Bartimaeus's disruptive cries, smelled the death stench of Lazarus's tomb, felt the open wounds of the man with leprosy, and sat at the tables of those others rejected; in each moment, he loved deeply, despite the barriers.
He did not do this to be nice, but because he was created and called to embody love... and so are we. After washing the stinky feet of the disciples, he said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
FIND IT HERE.
Have you ever struggled to show love because of the way someone looked? Grown impatient with someone who was loud? Pulled away when someone had an odor? Avoided touching or eating with someone because of their circumstances?
Consciously or not, we frequently withhold love from others when our senses are offended.
Meanwhile, Jesus had all five senses and poured out love to all he encountered. He saw the filthy, naked man living amidst graves, heard Bartimaeus's disruptive cries, smelled the death stench of Lazarus's tomb, felt the open wounds of the man with leprosy, and sat at the tables of those others rejected; in each moment, he loved deeply, despite the barriers.
He did not do this to be nice, but because he was created and called to embody love... and so are we. After washing the stinky feet of the disciples, he said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
FIND IT HERE.
Let’s be honest: while we may say "God is Provider" on Sunday, we tend to live the rest of the week like He isn’t.
We don’t want to admit it, but too often we believe the lie that “God won’t provide.” Instead of faith, we are guided by financial fear, take matters into our own hands, or develop an unhealthy pursuit of wealth. Yet if Scripture is true, we have to acknowledge this foundational reality:
We don’t need money; we need God.
In this book we wrestle with what it means for “God to be Provider”, why we struggle to accept a reality that is actually good news, and what we can do to begin to trust Him. This will not be a step-by-step guide, but instead will challenge your perspectives and equip you to discern simple steps forward towards “seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” even when you don’t know how the bills will get paid.
FIND IT HERE.
We don’t want to admit it, but too often we believe the lie that “God won’t provide.” Instead of faith, we are guided by financial fear, take matters into our own hands, or develop an unhealthy pursuit of wealth. Yet if Scripture is true, we have to acknowledge this foundational reality:
We don’t need money; we need God.
In this book we wrestle with what it means for “God to be Provider”, why we struggle to accept a reality that is actually good news, and what we can do to begin to trust Him. This will not be a step-by-step guide, but instead will challenge your perspectives and equip you to discern simple steps forward towards “seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” even when you don’t know how the bills will get paid.
FIND IT HERE.
“I have had enough, LORD. Take my life.”
1 Kings 19:4
These are not the words of a weak man, but of the great prophet Elijah, who after faithfully serving God and seeing Him work, found himself utterly depleted and hopeless.
This short book takes us through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17-19, where the ups and downs of his difficult invitations from God can help us discern how we can keep going when we have nothing left to give.
FIND IT HERE.
1 Kings 19:4
These are not the words of a weak man, but of the great prophet Elijah, who after faithfully serving God and seeing Him work, found himself utterly depleted and hopeless.
This short book takes us through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17-19, where the ups and downs of his difficult invitations from God can help us discern how we can keep going when we have nothing left to give.
FIND IT HERE.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:43-45
If Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies, why do so few prayer books include prayers for our enemies? This book provides 5 simple (albeit not easy) prayers you can pray for your enemy, as a simple first step towards Jesus's hard call to "love your enemies"; what you will find is not a set of prayers to master, but an opportunity to follow Christ's lead and partner with the Spirit in something that seems impossible to us, but is actually "exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine.
FIND IT HERE.
Matthew 5:43-45
If Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies, why do so few prayer books include prayers for our enemies? This book provides 5 simple (albeit not easy) prayers you can pray for your enemy, as a simple first step towards Jesus's hard call to "love your enemies"; what you will find is not a set of prayers to master, but an opportunity to follow Christ's lead and partner with the Spirit in something that seems impossible to us, but is actually "exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine.
FIND IT HERE.
This will not be your normal Revelation study: this will not dive into the historical representations of the imagery, or expertly decipher the prophecies. The goal of this is not to tell you what Revelation means; it is to explore what it could mean for you.
This is designed to be a safe and accessible way to journey through the intimidating book of Revelation in 30 days.
FIND IT HERE.
This is designed to be a safe and accessible way to journey through the intimidating book of Revelation in 30 days.
FIND IT HERE.
"A Journey through Spiritual Gifts" is a 5-day devotional exploring “spiritual gifts.”
You know the feeling: you see someone with an impressive gift (trick shots, an inspiring speech, musical skills), and think, “I wish I had a gift like that.” What if you discovered God has given you a gift even more impressive? If you’re willing to look and listen for God, we believe you’ll find He’s placed something incredible within you. As Jesus put it in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
FIND IT HERE.
You know the feeling: you see someone with an impressive gift (trick shots, an inspiring speech, musical skills), and think, “I wish I had a gift like that.” What if you discovered God has given you a gift even more impressive? If you’re willing to look and listen for God, we believe you’ll find He’s placed something incredible within you. As Jesus put it in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
FIND IT HERE.
"A Journey through 1 John" is a 5-day devotional exploring the Love and the Spirit.
As one of the shorter books of the Bible, in a short time you'll uncover amazing truths; if you’re willing to look and listen for God, we believe you’ll find Him in some way this week. As Jesus put it in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
FIND IT HERE.
As one of the shorter books of the Bible, in a short time you'll uncover amazing truths; if you’re willing to look and listen for God, we believe you’ll find Him in some way this week. As Jesus put it in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
FIND IT HERE.
"A Journey through 1 Peter 2" is a 5-day exploration through just the first 12 verses of 1 Peter 2.
If that seems too short for a 5 day study, you’ll be surprised how much God can do with very little. If you’re willing to look and listen for God, we believe you’ll find Him in some way this week. As Jesus put it in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
FIND IT HERE.
If that seems too short for a 5 day study, you’ll be surprised how much God can do with very little. If you’re willing to look and listen for God, we believe you’ll find Him in some way this week. As Jesus put it in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
FIND IT HERE.
Grangers serving Richmond
