Author: Rev. David Gray

God promises to strengthen you, help you, and hold you up. Today’s Higher Praise devotional on Isaiah 41:10. You’re not alone in this. Word for Today: God Is Right Beside You Today’s Scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: Welcome to today’s Higher Praise devotional. Read that verse again. Slowly. “I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you.” Three promises. One God. And He’s…

The book of Revelation has fascinated and puzzled Christians for nearly two thousand years. It’s filled with vivid imagery, mysterious symbols, and dramatic prophecies about the end of the age. But before we even get past the first three verses, we encounter a question that has divided Bible scholars for centuries: What did John mean when he said these things would happen “soon”? Here at Higher Praise, we believe in studying Scripture honestly—even when that means wrestling with difficult questions. And Revelation 1:1-3 presents one of the most challenging interpretive puzzles in all of Bible prophecy. Let’s look at the…

Fear makes us feel small. But this morning, God is speaking louder than your fear. Be strong and courageous—because He is with you. Word for Today: Fear Is Not Your Future Today’s Scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: Fear has a way of making us feel small. It whispers that we’re not ready. That we’ll fail. That the mountain in front of us is too big to climb. But this…

You were never meant to have it all figured out. Trust God with the parts you can’t see—and watch Him make your paths straight. Word for Today: Stop Leaning on Your Own Understanding Today’s Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: We like to figure things out. We make plans. We run scenarios. We try to control outcomes. And then life throws something at us we didn’t see coming—and suddenly our…

Some things in life just don’t make sense. But God is working even when you can’t see it. He’s turning your broken pieces into something beautiful. Word for Today: God Is in Control Today’s Scripture: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: Some things in life just don’t make sense. The job you lost. The relationship that ended. The prayer that still hasn’t been answered. You look at your circumstances and think, “How could anything good come…

You might feel weak this morning. Tired. Like you don’t have what it takes. But your strength doesn’t come from you—it comes from Christ. Word for Today: Christ Is Your Strength Today’s Scripture: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: You might feel weak this morning. Tired. Like you don’t have what it takes. But I need you to hear this: you are stronger than you think—because your strength doesn’t come from you. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. People put it on gym walls…

Word for Today: You Are Not Forgotten Today’s Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) Today’s Devotional: I want you to know something this morning: God has not forgotten about you. Maybe you woke up today feeling stuck. Maybe you’re in a season that doesn’t make sense. Maybe you’ve been praying and it feels like nothing is changing. Friend, God sees exactly where you are. And He’s not done with you. When God spoke these…

Something extraordinary is happening across the Muslim world. It’s not making mainstream headlines, but missionaries, researchers, and church leaders are calling it one of the most significant spiritual movements in modern history. Millions of Muslims are converting to Christianity. From the underground house churches of Iran to the mountains of Algeria, from the refugee camps of Europe to the suburbs of London and Los Angeles, former Muslims are encountering Jesus Christ and making the most dangerous decision of their lives—to follow Him. The Numbers Are Staggering Researcher David Garrison spent years documenting this phenomenon for his groundbreaking book A Wind…

The United States and Hungary have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly protect Christians and people of faith facing persecution, particularly in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. The agreement, signed at the US State Department, marks a significant step in international cooperation to address what both governments describe as a global crisis that too often goes unaddressed. “Christians are the most persecuted religious group worldwide, yet atrocities and attacks against them too often go unaddressed,” the State Department said. “Such persecution presents a threat to American security and undermines the values upon which our nation was built.” The…

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These ancient words, spoken as ashes are pressed onto foreheads in the sign of the cross, have echoed through churches for over a thousand years. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent — the 40-day journey of preparation before Easter. But in an age of self-help and positive thinking, why would anyone want a reminder of their own mortality? Perhaps because it’s exactly what we need. What Is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, falling 46 days before Easter Sunday. The name comes from the…