My Morning Devotional

Have you ever felt stuck because you couldn't see the full picture of what God had planned for your life?

In today's episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Ruth 1:22 and reminds us that sometimes faith isn't about knowing exactly where we're going, but trusting God enough to take the next step. After experiencing tremendous loss and uncertainty, Naomi and Ruth made the decision to return to Bethlehem, unaware of what was waiting for them. What they didn't know was that they were arriving at the beginning of the barley harvest, a season that would become significant in...

Have you ever walked through a season so painful that you began to question whether God had forgotten about you?

In today's episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Ruth 1:20–22, where Naomi returns to Bethlehem carrying the weight of tremendous loss. Her grief is so overwhelming that she asks those around her to call her Mara, meaning bitter, because her circumstances have completely changed the way she sees herself and her relationship with God.

We'll be challenged to examine how we respond when life feels unfair, our prayers seem unanswered, or everyone around us appears to be...

Have you ever considered how your loyalty to God and the people He's placed in your life could impact someone else's story?

In today's episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Ruth 1:8–18 and reminds us of the beautiful power of loyalty, faithfulness, and choosing to stand by someone through life's most difficult seasons. Despite experiencing tremendous loss herself, Ruth chose to remain by Naomi's side, declaring that wherever Naomi went, she would follow. Her decision wasn't based on convenience or certainty about the future, but on love, commitment, and faith.

We'll be challenged to examine where we...

What do you do when life changes in ways you never expected and the future you imagined suddenly looks completely different?

In today's episode, Richelle Alessi introduces our new study through the book of Ruth, beginning with Ruth 1:1–5. We're introduced to Naomi, a woman whose life is turned upside down by devastating loss and uncertainty. After losing her husband and both of her sons, Naomi finds herself facing a future she never planned for, unsure of what comes next.

We'll be challenged to examine how we respond when everything around us changes. Whether we're experiencing lo...

Have you ever struggled to be generous because you were worried about whether you'd have enough for yourself?

In today's episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into Philippians 4:14–20 as we close out our study through the book of Philippians. Through Paul's gratitude for the generosity of the Philippian church, we're reminded that we can live generously because we serve a generous God. Our giving isn't meant to be a transaction where we expect something in return, but a reflection of God's character and our trust in His provision.

We'll be challenged to examine where we've pl...

Have you ever convinced yourself that you'll finally be happy when you reach the next milestone, accomplish a goal, or receive something you've been praying for?

In today's episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into Philippians 4:10–13 and reminds us that true contentment isn't found in having everything we want, but in recognizing that Christ is enough. Even while imprisoned and facing circumstances he never expected, Paul learned how to be content in every season, whether he had plenty or was living with very little.

We'll be challenged to examine the things we've been depending on fo...

Have you ever stopped to consider how much your thoughts influence the way you see yourself, others, and even God?

In today's episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into Philippians 4:8–9 and reminds us that what we consistently think about has the power to shape our perspective, our words, and ultimately our actions. Paul gives us a powerful filter for our thoughts, encouraging us to focus on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

We'll be challenged to pay closer attention to the conversations happening inside our minds. Whether we're replaying past mi...

Have you been carrying worries, fears, or uncertainties that feel too overwhelming to handle on your own?

In today's episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into Philippians 4:6–7 and reminds us that we don't have to carry the weight of our worries alone. Paul doesn't simply tell us to stop being anxious. He encourages us to bring everything to God through prayer, thanksgiving, and trust. No matter what we're facing, we can turn to a Father who cares about every detail of our lives.

We'll be challenged to recognize the things we've been holding onto and in...

Have you ever allowed a difficult circumstance to steal your joy and leave you feeling discouraged?

In today's episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into Philippians 4:4–5 as we begin the final chapter of our study through Philippians. Paul reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always, not just when life is going according to plan. While our circumstances may change, God's goodness, faithfulness, and presence remain the same.

We'll be challenged to examine what's been controlling our joy lately. Whether it's an unexpected setback, a difficult conversation, financial stress, or a season of uncertainty, we do...

What if the things you're stressing about today don't actually matter as much as you think they do in light of eternity?

In today's episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into Philippians 3:20 and reminds us of a powerful truth: our citizenship is in heaven. While our relationships, responsibilities, careers, and daily routines are important, they are not our ultimate destination. As followers of Jesus, we belong to something far greater than this temporary world.

We'll be challenged to shift our perspective from temporary success and earthly accomplishments to the things that carry eternal value. Instead...

Are you allowing regrets from your past to keep you from fully embracing the season God has placed you in today?

In today's episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into Philippians 3:13–14 and reminds us that we cannot move forward while constantly looking backward. Even Paul, who had a past filled with mistakes and decisions he deeply regretted, understood the importance of leaving what was behind and pressing toward the purpose God had called him to.

We'll be challenged to stop dwelling on the seasons we wish we could change and start focusing on how we ca...

Have you ever looked at someone else's life and wondered why you're not further along in your own?

In today's episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into Philippians 3:12 and reminds us that we don't have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward in our faith. Even Paul acknowledged that he hadn't reached his goal or achieved perfection, but he chose to keep pressing on toward what Christ had called him to.

We'll be challenged to stop wasting our energy comparing our lives, accomplishments, and seasons to those of others. Comparison can quickly steal...

Do you know a lot about Jesus, or are you truly taking the time to know Him personally?

In today's episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into Philippians 3:10 and reminds us that there's a difference between knowing facts about Jesus and having a genuine relationship with Him. Even with all his knowledge and experience, Paul's greatest desire was still to know Christ more deeply and become more like Him.

We'll be challenged to examine whether our faith has become more focused on what we know or what we do for God rather than our relationship...

In today's episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into Philippians 3:4–9 and challenges us to examine what we're truly pursuing in life. Paul had accomplishments, knowledge, and a reputation that many would admire, yet he considered it all a loss compared to the incredible value of knowing Jesus Christ.

We'll be challenged to reflect on where we're placing our energy, attention, and identity. There's nothing wrong with pursuing dreams, building a career, earning a degree, or wanting a family, but none of those things can replace our relationship with God. When we make our accomplishments or desires the ce...

What if the words you spoke over yourself each morning were rooted in God's truth instead of your own worries and doubts?

In today's episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña closes out Philippians 2 by reminding us that the church has always been made up of imperfect people choosing to serve, love, and pray for one another. Through the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, we're encouraged to recognize that God isn't looking for perfection. He's looking for willing hearts that respond to His calling with obedience.

We'll also be challenged to make Scripture part of our daily c...

Have you ever done the right thing but allowed a negative attitude to steal the joy out of it?

In today's episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña takes us into Philippians 2:14–18 and challenges us to do everything without grumbling or arguing. It's easy to serve with a grateful heart when things are going our way, but what happens when we're tired, inconvenienced, or feeling unappreciated? Paul reminds us that our attitudes are just as important as our actions because the way we respond can reflect Jesus to the people around us.

We'll be challenged to pay att...

Are there lies you've been believing about yourself that are keeping you from seeing who God says you are?

In today's episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña takes us into Philippians 2:12–13 and shares a personal reminder about the importance of examining the deepest parts of our hearts. Through seasons of change, exhaustion, and uncertainty, it's easy to lose sight of our identity and begin believing things about ourselves that don't align with God's Word.

We'll be challenged to look closely at the thoughts and beliefs we've allowed to take root in our hearts. Just as physical str...

Have you been so focused on discovering God's will for your future that you've overlooked what He's asking you to do today?

In today's episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña takes us into Philippians 2:6–11 and reminds us that Jesus gave us the perfect example of humility, obedience, and servanthood. Although He had all the power of heaven, He chose to humble Himself and serve others, showing us that walking in God's will often begins with faithfully serving right where we are.

We'll be challenged to stop waiting for the next season, opportunity, or answered prayer before cho...

Have you ever wondered if the little things you do to serve God are really making a difference?

In today’s episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña takes us into Philippians 2:3–4 and reminds us that serving others is about something much bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s welcoming someone at church, serving in children’s ministry, giving generously, or simply praying for someone, every act of service has the potential to make an impact far beyond what we can see.

We’ll be encouraged to remember that even the smallest acts of faithfulness can strengthen our local churc...

What could change if you stopped viewing your circumstances through the lens of your problems and started viewing them through the lens of your faith?

In today’s episode, Richelle Alessi closes out Philippians 1 by reflecting on everything we’ve learned from Paul throughout the week. His circumstances never got the final word because his focus remained on Jesus. Through imprisonment, uncertainty, and opposition, Paul continued to choose gratitude, joy, and confidence in God.

We’ll be challenged to open Philippians 1 for ourselves and allow God’s Word to shift our perspective. When Jesus becomes the cent...

Does the way you live reflect the faith you say you believe?

In today’s episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Philippians 1:27–30 and Paul’s challenge to live in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Even in the middle of his own struggles, Paul encourages believers to stand firm, remain united in their faith, and refuse to be shaken by opposition.

We’ll be challenged to consider what it looks like to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even when our faith isn’t popular or easy. As believers, our lives are walking testimonies of Jesus...

Is Jesus simply part of your life, or is He at the center of everything?

In today’s episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Philippians 1:19–26 and Paul’s powerful declaration, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Even while facing imprisonment and uncertainty, Paul remained confident because his hope wasn’t found in his circumstances. His entire life was centered on Jesus and making Him known.

We’ll be challenged to examine where Jesus fits into our own lives. When He becomes more than a Sunday routine and truly becomes our source of hope, joy, pea...

How do you respond when life doesn’t go the way you planned?

In today’s episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Philippians 1:12–18 and continues looking at Paul’s perspective while in prison. Instead of focusing on everything that had gone wrong, Paul recognized that even his difficult circumstances were creating opportunities for the gospel to be shared. His response was simple: he would continue to rejoice.

We’ll be challenged to look at the unexpected and difficult areas of our own lives differently. Whether it’s a hard day at work, a challenging family situation, o...

What if gratitude could change the way you see the season you’re in?

In today’s episode, Richelle Alessi takes us into Philippians 1:3–11 and the beginning of a new journey through the book of Philippians. Even while writing from prison, Paul chooses joy and gratitude instead of allowing his circumstances to determine his perspective.

We’ll be challenged to consider where we’ve been focusing more on what’s missing than what God has already provided. When we intentionally thank God for the people, opportunities, and blessings He has placed in our lives, our perspective...

Who in your life might need someone to notice they’ve been missing?

In today’s episode, Mary Alessi closes out James 5 with verses 19–20 and a reminder that our faith isn’t only about our own walk with God. We’re also called to care for the people around us who may be discouraged, hurt, or slowly drifting away from their faith.

We’ll be challenged to notice who’s missing and respond with truth, grace, and compassion instead of judgment or gossip. Sometimes God can use a simple phone call, a conversation over coffee, a prayer, or a...

Is prayer your first response, or has it become your last resort?

In today’s episode, Mary Alessi takes us into James 5:13–18 and reminds us that prayer has a place in every season of life. When we’re suffering, we pray. When we’re joyful, we praise. When we’re sick or struggling, we invite trusted believers to stand with us in faith. Whatever season we find ourselves in, James encourages us to turn toward God, not away from Him.

We’ll be reminded that asking others to pray for us isn’t weakness. It’s an act of fait...

Can the people in your life trust that your actions will match your words?

In today’s episode, Mary Alessi takes us into James 5:12 and the simple but powerful instruction to let our yes be yes and our no be no. Following Jesus means becoming people of integrity whose words carry weight because we consistently follow through on what we say.

We’ll be challenged to examine the commitments we’ve made and consider whether people-pleasing or saying yes too quickly has caused us to overcommit and become unreliable. Sometimes an honest no is kinder than a...

Are you getting discouraged because you haven’t seen the harvest you’ve been praying for?

In today’s episode, Mary Alessi takes us into James 5:7–11 and reminds us to look at seasons of waiting like a farmer waiting for a valuable crop. Just because you can’t see what’s happening above the surface doesn’t mean God isn’t working underneath it. Roots grow before fruit appears, and sometimes the waiting is where God does some of His deepest work in us.

We’ll be encouraged to stay rooted, keep planting good seeds, and resist becomin...

Do you own your possessions, or have your possessions started to own your heart?

In today’s episode, Mary Alessi takes us into James 5:1–6 and a powerful warning about money, possessions, and the way we treat others. Having resources isn’t the problem. The challenge comes when wealth becomes our source of security or when success causes us to become dishonest, selfish, or insensitive to the needs of those around us.

We’ll be encouraged to examine both how we steward what God has given us and how we treat the people He has placed in our l...

Are you making plans for your future while leaving God out of them?

In today’s episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into James 4:13–17 and the reminder that while planning is wise, tomorrow is never guaranteed. We can pursue goals, dream about the future, and steward our lives well while still holding every plan with open hands and saying, “If the Lord wills.”

We’ll be challenged to surrender our plans, desires, and need for control to God while also responding when He shows us our next step. If we know we need to forgive, apologize...

Could pride be showing up in your life in ways you haven’t recognized?

In today’s episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into James 4:10 and the powerful call to humble ourselves before the Lord. True humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves. It’s recognizing that God is God, trusting His wisdom over our own, and surrendering our need to control everything.

We’ll be challenged to examine the subtle ways pride can take root in our hearts and learn to say, “Lord, I don’t have to control everything. I don’t have all the answers...

Have you been feeling distant from God and wondering how to find your way back?

In today’s episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into James 4:7–8 and the powerful invitation to submit, resist, and draw near. When we surrender to God, we’re strengthened to resist what pulls us away from Him. And when we choose to draw near to Him, we’re given an incredible promise: He will draw near to us.

We’ll be reminded that God isn’t waiting for us to fix everything before coming to Him. Whether you feel distant, unworthy, or...

Are there areas of your life where you’re trying to please the world more than you’re trying to please God?

In today’s episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into James 4:4–6 and challenges us to examine where our loyalty truly lies. Following Jesus means allowing God’s truth and values to shape our lives, even when doing so feels uncomfortable or goes against what the people around us believe.

We’ll be encouraged to consider where popularity, acceptance, success, relationships, or comfort may be influencing us more than God. Whether it’s at work, at schoo...

What desire in your heart has become more important than God’s will?

In today’s episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into James 4:1–3 and challenges us to look beyond the conflicts happening around us and examine what may be happening within us. Sometimes our frustration, jealousy, or anger isn’t simply about what someone else did. It can come from a desire, expectation, or unanswered prayer that has started to take priority over trusting God.

We’ll be encouraged to examine our motives and surrender our desires back to God, remembering that even when life doesn...

What desire in your heart has become more important than God’s will?

In today’s episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud takes us into James 4:1–3 and challenges us to look beyond the conflicts happening around us and examine what may be happening within us. Sometimes our frustration, jealousy, or anger isn’t simply about what someone else did. It can come from a desire, expectation, or unanswered prayer that has started to take priority over trusting God.

We’ll be encouraged to examine our motives and surrender our desires back to God, remembering that even when life doesn...

How can you tell if the wisdom you’re receiving is truly from God?

In today’s episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos closes out James 3 with verses 17–18 and a powerful description of wisdom from above. Godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. These qualities give us a guide for discerning the voices and advice we allow to influence our lives.

We’ll be challenged to examine the fruit of the wisdom we receive and the wisdom we share. Does it produce peace or conflict? Does it align with God...

What if true wisdom has less to do with what you say and more to do with how you live?

In today’s episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into James 3:13 and reminds us that godly wisdom is revealed through a good life, humble actions, and contentment. Instead of feeling the need to boast, prove ourselves, or compare our lives to others, we can allow the fruit of our lives to speak for itself.

We’ll be challenged to consider whether insecurity or comparison is driving our words and learn what it looks like to simp...

What do the words coming out of your mouth reveal about your source?

In today’s episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into James 3:9–12 and challenges us with a simple truth: praise and cursing should not flow from the same mouth. Just as fresh and salt water cannot come from the same spring, our words should reflect the God we say is our source.

We’ll be encouraged to examine the fruit of our words, especially when jealousy, gossip, negativity, or offense begin to creep in. When we truly trust God as our provider, we can ce...

Could one small sentence be creating a much bigger fire than you realize?

In today’s episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos continues through James 3:5–8 and explores the powerful warning that our words can be like a spark that sets an entire forest on fire. Together, we’ll reflect on how quickly careless words, harsh reactions, or speaking without wisdom can create conflict and affect the direction of our lives.

We’ll be challenged to recognize that controlling our words isn’t something we can accomplish through our own strength alone. Instead, God invites us to submit our speech...

What direction are your words steering your life and the people around you?

In today’s episode, Lauren Alessi Burgos takes us into James 3:4 and the powerful image of a small rudder guiding a massive ship. In the same way, our tongues may be small, but the words we speak carry incredible power to encourage, uplift, hurt, or tear down.

We’ll be challenged to pay closer attention to what comes out of our mouths throughout the day. Are we speaking words of joy and encouragement, or are sarcasm, comparison, negativity, and frustration taking the lead...