Stirring the spirit one cup at a time through laughter, love and stories. This is a pick-me-up for the soul and fuel for a weary heart with the encouraging hope of Christ Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:32:01 -0500 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/being-a-living-sacrifice-not-a-cutting-sacrifice-encouragement-cafe-january-14.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/being-a-living-sacrifice-not-a-cutting-sacrifice-encouragement-cafe-january-14.html As Christians, we are called to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, but what does this truly mean in the context of modern life? By examining biblical passages such as Romans 12:1-2 and Galatians 2:20, we can discover how to transform our thinking and live a life of sacrifice to God. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/who-god-is-and-who-we-are-encouragement-cafe-january-10.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/who-god-is-and-who-we-are-encouragement-cafe-january-10.html This text appears to be a devotional or sermon based on the Bible, specifically referencing various passages from the Old and New Testaments. The author reflects on the nature of God, His character, and His relationship with humanity, emphasizing that God is unchanging, holy, and loving. They also acknowledge the contrast between God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, but ultimately express gratitude for God's forgiveness and desire to honor Him in all aspects of life. The text concludes with a prayer, asking God to forgive sins and lead individuals to paths everlasting. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/jesus-is-my-comfort-food-encouragement-cafe-january-8.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/jesus-is-my-comfort-food-encouragement-cafe-january-8.html Carolyn Dale Newell shares her personal struggle with turning to food for comfort during times of disappointment or frustration, and how she has come to realize that Jesus is the true "bread of life" who can satisfy her emotional needs. By committing to prayer and faith, rather than comfort food, readers can learn to exchange fear for faith, worry for worship, and panic for peace, as outlined in Newell's new book "Eyes of Faith". Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/the-future-in-failure-encouragement-cafe-january-7.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/the-future-in-failure-encouragement-cafe-january-7.html The article discusses the importance of embracing failure as a learning tool and not giving up on one's dreams and passions. It shares stories of eight individuals who, despite feeling weak and ready to quit, persevered and achieved great success. The author encourages readers to view their failures as an opportunity to discover what didn't work and to try again with renewed passion and purpose. The article concludes by inviting readers to visit the author's blog for more encouragement and inspiration. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/the-future-in-failure-encouragement-cafe-january-6.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/the-future-in-failure-encouragement-cafe-january-6.html Failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to success and growth. By embracing our failures and learning from them, we can discover new strengths, passions, and purposes that help us move forward in life. Fri, 02 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/emotional-balance-in-an-out-of-control-world-encouragement-cafe-january-3.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/emotional-balance-in-an-out-of-control-world-encouragement-cafe-january-3.html Emotional balance is crucial in an out of control world, where negative emotions can dominate our state of mind and steal our peace and joy. By learning to recognize the root of the problem and using God's Word as a guide, we can find harmony and balance in our lives and experience life with Him and others. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/supernatural-peace-encouragement-cafe-january-2.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/supernatural-peace-encouragement-cafe-january-2.html In a world plagued by turmoil and uncertainty, Jesus offers a gift of supernatural peace that surpasses human understanding. By embracing faith, thankfulness, and contentment, individuals can exchange fear for peace and find solace in the midst of life's challenges. Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/stop-allowing-the-anchor-of-unforgiveness-to-weigh-you-down-encouragement-cafe-january-1.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/stop-allowing-the-anchor-of-unforgiveness-to-weigh-you-down-encouragement-cafe-january-1.html Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of living a peaceful life, as it allows us to break free from the weight of bitterness and resentment that can anchor us down. By embracing forgiveness as the Lord forgave us, we can discover true peace and set ourselves free from the prison of unforgiveness, allowing God's blessings to flow over us. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/i-dont-fit-in-encouragement-cafe-december-31-2019.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/i-dont-fit-in-encouragement-cafe-december-31-2019.html The Prodigal Son parable reminds us that we are all capable of reacting like the characters in this story, and that feeling alone and out of place is a common experience for many Christians. By sharing her own struggles with feeling like she didn't fit in after giving her life to God, Luann Prater encourages readers to remember what it's like to feel that way and to reach out to others who may be struggling with similar feelings. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/-calling-out-to-the-woman-inside-of-us-encouragement-cafe-december-30-2019.html https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement-cafe/-calling-out-to-the-woman-inside-of-us-encouragement-cafe-december-30-2019.html A woman's emotional silence can be a source of strength and wisdom, but it can also lead to instability and chaos if not managed properly. By embracing self-control and discipline, women can break free from the cycle of emotional turmoil and become dignified, wise, and godly leaders in their homes and communities. Fri, 26 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:32:01-05:00