Rather than striving for the perfect quiet time, God calls us to remain faithful in the little things. One verse, one prayer, or one quiet moment in His presence can become the beginning of renewed strength. Even when you can't see it, God is working beneath the surface, producing spiritual growth that will bear fruit in His perfect timing.

Highlights:

• Discover why spiritual weariness is a normal part of the Christian journey—not a sign of failed faith.
• Learn what Galatians 6:9 teaches about perseverance when you feel spiritually exhausted.
• Be encouraged that faithfulness matters more than feelings or motivation.
• Find practical ways to reconnect with God through small, consistent daily habits.
• Understand how seasons of dryness often become places where God develops deeper spiritual maturity.
• Rest in the promise that God is producing a harvest, even when you can't yet see the fruit.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever gone through a spiritually dry season? What simple habit or Scripture has helped you reconnect with God when your motivation was low? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

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Full Transcript Below:

What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Unmotivated
By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

I didn’t want to read my Bible. That is something that is hard to admit, especially since I’ve been a Christian for over twenty-five years. Of course, it hasn’t always been this way. Many mornings, I wake up ready to open up God’s Word and dive in. On other days, I’ve woken up late, or weary, or both. The Bible sits on the table next to my favorite chair unopened for the day. The guilt washes over me, and I wonder if tomorrow will be better. 

Only tomorrow isn’t better, and my life spirals into a pattern of being spiritually unmotivated. How do we keep going, keep having faith, and keep trusting God when our spiritual life feels empty? After a while, I’ve missed more than just a day, but a routine. After neglecting my time with God, I’ve seen a shift in my heart. Something is just… off. 

Many spiritual leaders, teachers, and authors talk about these seasons. They often call this time in our lives the “wilderness” season. This metaphor comes from the stories in the Bible when God would lead people into a physical wilderness, with little water, food, or shelter. It is a spot where maybe God’s blessings seem nonexistent. 

Our wilderness season isn’t something we rush through, muster through, or a time to abandon our faith. The hardest thing for me in a season of deep hardship, whether that is physically, spiritually, or emotionally, is that my motivation for the spiritual disciplines comes and goes. Our faith doesn’t feel vibrant, but dry. 

Let me offer some encouragement right here: a lack of enthusiasm doesn’t mean a lack of faith; it just means you are human. Paul writes in Galatians 6:9 to the believers: “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” Paul acknowledged the possibility and likelihood of being weary. In fact, Paul also included himself in that category. He said, “Let us…” It was even possible and probably that Paul would grow tired. 

Even faithful believers get exhausted! The answer Paul offers is not, “try harder…” but “don’t give up.” I’ll admit that in the middle of feeling fatigued, I always imagined God telling me to try harder, do better, and just move forward. In the middle of my messes and mistakes, God instead invites me to explore maybe why I’m so tired. 

Some simple self-reflection with the help of God's Spirit can help us pinpoint a reason for our wilderness season. Maybe it is because of physical exhaustion. Life is full, and many times we enter a period of time where we can get very little sleep, and our bodies are just tired. Emotional heaviness can also cause stress and discouragement. Carrying the weight of emotional hurt and heartache, whether that is our own or others’, leaves us fatigued. 

The dry seasons of life, especially our spiritual life, can sometimes be because of the repetitive nature of our lives. Getting up, doing the same thing, and repeating our days week after week, month after month, can wear us out. When we find ourselves in this type of routine, we might also place unrealistic expectations on what a quiet time with God “should” look like. 

What do we do when we wake up each morning unable to motivate ourselves spiritually? First, we keep it simple and small. Read one verse. Write a verse on a card and keep it by your bed or in your bathroom. Take one moment of your morning and turn towards God. As you do this, remove the pressure to have the “perfect” quiet time. Or, better yet, don’t try to copy or emulate what your time with God used to be like. 

Our faith is a growing faith, which means it changes. Paul’s answer to weariness was not to work harder, but not to give up. Showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all. Faithfulness goes much deeper than simple motivation. Paul says we will feel weary, but the harvest is coming. He says we will “reap,” which means there will be growth and fruit! 

If you feel unmotivated today, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to have it all together to keep going. God simply invites you not to give up. To take one small step. To trust that even in this season, He is growing something you cannot yet see.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When you feel spiritually unmotivated, what is one small, simple way you can turn your attention back to God today? Try simply to read a verse, or say one prayer on your way to work this morning. Put your Bible in a place where you drink your coffee or get ready. The audio version of the Bible is also a great way to connect with God on the go. 

Further Reading:
2 Thessalonians 3:13
Psalm 73:26
Philippians 1:6
Psalm 126:5

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Difficult seasons can leave us questioning God's goodness, but Scripture reminds us that He is never the author of evil. He is the Redeemer who works through every circumstance for our good and His glory. No matter how rocky your heart may feel today, God's grace can soften it again, allowing hope, faith, and new spiritual growth to take root.

Highlights:

• Discover what Jesus teaches about rocky soil and a heart that struggles to trust during hardship.
• Learn how disappointment can quietly harden our hearts if we don't bring our pain to God.
• Be reminded that God is never the source of evil but the Redeemer who brings good from brokenness.
• Find encouragement that trust is restored by remembering God's unchanging character and faithfulness.
• Understand why bringing your doubts honestly before God is the first step toward renewed faith.
• Rest in the hope that your story isn't finished—God is still writing it.

Join the Conversation

Has a difficult season ever challenged your trust in God? What has helped you rediscover His goodness and faithfulness when life didn't go as planned? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

How to Restore Trust When You've Lost It
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
“As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes and accepts it with joy; Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.” –  Matt. 13:20-21 AMPC

Have you ever tried to dig a shovel into rocky soil? It’s torture.

Bam! Bam! It’s nearly impossible. To hit rock is to be blocked.

One can’t easily plant beautiful flowers when rocky soil blocks the ability to plant new life. The same goes for us when we are on rocky soil.

Jesus said, “As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes and accepts it with joy; Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.” (Matt. 13:20-21 AMPC)

We become rocky soil when what is hard and tough in life turns us hard and tough in heart. To be hardened to God because of trials and troubles means the soil of our hearts is rocky. Beautiful things can’t be as easily planted within us. 

This is a problem – for me, I considered, as I read this verse. You see, after reading these words of Jesus, I could now see that the trials and tribulations in my life were causing me to stumble. Because I was beginning to “distrust and desert Him Whom (I) ought to trust and obey.” 

Wow.

God surely knows, I don’t want to fall away. But, after all that I had gone through… all I endured… all I had to endure in relationships… quietly, distrust was stealing my trust – and I knew it.

Maybe I’m not alone in this. Maybe you, too, have had shockers in life… shock and awe when you got a medical diagnosis you didn’t expect. Shock when a friend turned to a foe. Shock when a dream suddenly ended. Shock when a child turns away from you.

It is easy to lose trust after experiencing the shock of a carpet pulled out from under us. However, we are wise to remember: God is not the orchestrator of evil; He is the one who is for us. God is the one working all things together for good. Both Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us. 

I once heard a pastor say, “Devil, bad. God, good.”

He’s right. God is good. God is just. God works all things together for good as we love Him and are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28). God is Redeemer. God is hope. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). 

God uses even what is hard and bad for good.

I can’t give up on God. And, neither can you. I can’t afford to spend even a day away from Him.

Trust returns when we remember that God is good. When we believe there is hope. When we repent of unbelief and decide to break up with it. When we remember, He can do the miraculous. When we ponder how God used Jesus and where Jesus sits now, after hardship.

God is not what happened to us; God is good. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What, in life, has happened to you that has made you lose trust? How have you subtly moved away from God? Can you let your pain go into His hands? Your need – to know? Your desire to have everything perfect today?  God is the Author and the Perfector; your story is not done yet. 

This devotional is an invitation for you – to come back to Him.

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While it's natural to long for life's mountaintop moments, our deepest dependence on God is often formed during difficult seasons. When our hearts are emptied of self-reliance and worldly security, they become open to being filled with Christ. The valleys may not be easy, but they often become the places where our faith grows stronger and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper.

Highlights:

• Discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed in Matthew 5:3.
• Learn how seasons of difficulty can deepen your faith more than seasons of comfort.
• See how Peter's failures revealed his need for God's grace rather than his own strength.
• Understand why childlike dependence on Christ is central to the Christian life.
• Be encouraged that God often uses life's valleys to draw us closer to Him.
• Find hope knowing that when we feel empty, God is ready to fill us with His presence and strength.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a season where God met you most powerfully in the middle of hardship? How has a difficult valley strengthened your faith and dependence on Him? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

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Full Transcript Below:

The Blessing of Being Empty

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 ESV).

Have you ever considered that perhaps the blessing isn’t in the mountaintops but found in the valley?

So many of us live our lives longing for the proverbial “mountaintops,” for the moments when everything is perfect. Or, at least, seems to be.

It’s not wrong to pray and hope for good things. For good jobs, loving families, great friends. Besides, we know God loves to give good gifts to His children.

But what if instead of living our lives longing for the mountaintops and enduring the valleys because we think we have to, what if we saw the valleys as a gift?

Now, don’t get me wrong.

The valley isn’t a gift because it feels good. If anything, it probably doesn’t feel very good at all. Instead, it’s a gift because the hard times are usually when we grow in our faith the most.

Think about it.

The disciples walked with Jesus for 3 years. Surely, their time walking physically with Jesus was the “mountaintops” of their faith. Everything was going swimmingly. They saw miracles, witnessed healings, and watched Jesus raise people from the dead. In their minds, Jesus had no doubt come to conquer the Roman Empire (Acts 1:6).

But then Jesus died.

Those 3 days before He rose again were the darkest days in history, and no doubt, the hardest times in the lives of His disciples at that point (Luke 23:44-45, John 20:19, Mark 16:10).

But you know what?

They grew more during those 3 days than they had in 3 years. Peter is just one example of this. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, he wrestled with pride and reliance upon his own strength, telling Jesus that “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33 ESV). But in fear, he denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:75). 

We’ve all made promises on the mountaintops that we realize in the valleys we aren’t strong enough on our own to keep. Peter’s story is a reminder to us that our faith is sustained by God’s strength and grace alone, not anything we could do on our own.

For the 3 years of Jesus’s ministry, they walked by sight. They had Jesus physically with them. But after His crucifixion in those 3 days where they didn’t understand what was happening and then later when He ascended to heaven, they had to believe what they couldn’t see.

Consider this.

When we’re walking with the Lord, and everything seems to be going great, perhaps we landed our dream job, or we were given a relationship that we’ve been praying for, in those moments, we are on the “mountaintops.”

While I’m grateful for the “mountaintops” in life, I’ve realized that it’s in the “valleys” where I truly grow. Often on the mountaintops, we find ourselves filled with good things that we struggle to find room in our hearts for God. But in the valleys, when everything might be taken away from us, or we’re struggling, and our hearts are being emptied of the things of the world, that’s when our hearts may be more receptive to the Lord’s presence filling the empty spaces in our lives.

It’s like the rich man and the poor man. In Luke 18, a rich man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 18). When Jesus tells him to keep His commandments, the rich man responds that “all these I have kept from my youth” (v. 21 ESV).

Jesus then tells him that there is one thing he lacks: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).

The Bible tells us that when the rich man heard this, he became sad because he was extremely wealthy. On the outside, he appeared to have everything he could ever want. He was “full.” Full of worldly possessions, perhaps power, of following his own path.

Luke 18:24-25 continues: “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’”

What is Jesus saying here? That if you happen to be wealthy, you won’t go to heaven? No, of course not. When we’re standing on the mountaintops and our lives are filled with such good things, sometimes, we may find it difficult to open our hearts to Jesus when our hearts are filled with things of the world.

Earlier in Luke 18:16, 17, it says: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’”

Jesus commends childlike faith. In most cases, children are simple, carefree, and completely dependent on their parents to provide and care for them. When we have faith like a child, we recognize the true essence of our faith, which is full dependence on Jesus to accomplish what we cannot. Sometimes, we have an innate tendency to feel independent and empowered, but that way of thinking can be false when it leads us to place an emphasis on our strength above Jesus in us.

Yes, God loves to give us good things. To bless us with moments on the mountaintops.

But I’ve found that the greatest blessing is found in the valleys, when we realize God’s grace is the only thing sustaining us and we find ourselves empty enough to be filled by Him.

If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the tragedy we may be walking through may be easy or a gift in and of itself, but the result (which can often be a deeper closeness with God) is the true gift. Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God?

Pray with me:

Father, thank You for the valleys that make me like a child again. Thank You for the seasons that strip away my false independence and remind me that I am sustained by Your grace alone. Help me to stop longing for the next mountain and instead look for Your presence right here, even in the empty spaces. Fill me with Yourself today. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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Life's hardships can leave us feeling vulnerable, alone, or forgotten. Yet Scripture reminds us that God's presence never leaves us. He surrounds His children with His love, strengthens us through every trial, and faithfully walks with us until deliverance comes. No matter what you're facing today, you can find peace by taking refuge in the One who never fails.

Highlights:

• Discover what Psalm 32:7 teaches about God as our hiding place and protector.
• Learn how Corrie ten Boom's faith demonstrates trusting God through unimaginable suffering.
• Be encouraged that God's presence remains constant, even when your circumstances feel uncertain.
• Understand why God's truth is more reliable than our changing emotions.
• Find hope in remembering God's faithfulness through past trials as you face today's challenges.
• Rest in the assurance that God surrounds His children with His protection, peace, and unfailing love.

Join the Conversation

When have you experienced God as your hiding place during a difficult season? How has remembering His past faithfulness strengthened your trust today? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

You Are My Hiding Place, God
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). 

Corrie Ten Boom was a strong follower of Jesus who lost everything to the Nazis. Her family protected Jews from being taken to Nazi concentration camps by hiding them. However, one day, they were discovered. Corrie, along with her family, was taken to various jails and concentration camps. Corrie’s father died in prison ten days after arriving, while she and her sister, Betsie, were taken to Ravensbrück concentration camp. 

Betsie died while in Ravensbrück, which severely affected Corrie. The two sisters were extremely close and relied on one another. Corrie was later released from Ravensbrück by happenstance, which was later discovered to be a clerical error. However, we know this was God working in the situation; He was setting Corrie free from the concentration camp that had taken so much from her. 

Upon returning home, Corrie noted that home didn’t feel like home anymore. She was waiting for Betsie or her father to show up, but they never did. For many of us who have lost loved ones, we know what this feels like. They have passed on, and we won’t see them again until Heaven. 

Throughout Corrie’s time living under the Nazi regime, she never lost faith in Jesus. She knew Christ was with her. Even today, He is still right beside us as we face our own battles.

Corrie’s book detailing her time under Nazi rule is called “The Hiding Place.” This was connected to how they would hide Jews in a special room in their house, which doubled as their watch shop. While this room kept the Jews safe, it was also God who was protecting them. God is our figurative and literal hiding place. We might not see it at present; however, when the time comes, we will see His safety, protection, and comfort. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

The Bible speaks of God as our hiding place: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). David wrote this psalm, knowing that God would protect him from trouble and surround him with deliverance. Just as God did this for David, He will do the same for us. 

Even when you might think God is far, He is near (Acts 17:27). During dark times, it can feel as though He is nowhere to be seen. These feelings are valid, but we must understand that God is greater than our feelings. We don’t need to base our knowledge of God on what we feel. Our feelings may be inaccurate or misleading. 

Our feelings might tell us that God will not protect us from harm, trouble, or struggle, but we need to remember that He is our hiding place. He will protect us and surround us with His grace. Think about what you need today and present it to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Do not feel afraid to share your real feelings and the thoughts that are pulling you away from Him.

God knows life can get hard, and our faith can waver from time to time. However, He doesn’t want us straying away from Him. He is our hiding place where we can go and find safety, security, and hope. Even if you may feel weak and tired right now, go to Him. 

God walked Corrie out of Ravensbrück, and He will walk you out of this struggle ahead. I have seen it in my own life, and you probably have already seen it in yours, too. Rely on God’s past faithfulness when it seems like a prayer has not been answered in a long time. He will answer your prayers in time and surround you with songs of deliverance (Zephaniah 3:17).  

Is God currently your hiding place? Why or why not? How can you build your trust in God today?

Further Reading:

Psalm 28:1-9

Psalm 36:5-9

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

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Suffering has a way of exposing our weakness, but it also reminds us where our true strength comes from. Instead of relying on ourselves or becoming consumed by our circumstances, God invites us to come to Him with humble hearts, trusting that His grace is sufficient for every challenge. As we lean on Christ, He strengthens us, deepens our faith, and draws us closer to Him—even in life's hardest seasons.

Highlights:

• Discover what James 4:6 teaches about God's abundant grace for the humble.
• Learn why humility positions us to receive God's strength during suffering.
• Be encouraged that God's grace is greater than any trial, hardship, or uncertainty.
• Understand how suffering can deepen your faith and draw you closer to Jesus.
• Find hope in knowing God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
• Remember that you never have to carry life's burdens alone—God's sustaining grace is always available.

Join the Conversation

Where do you need God's grace the most right now? How have you experienced His strength carrying you through a difficult season? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Grace in Abundance Is Available 

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6, ESV).

One of my closest friends has been walking through a very heavy time regarding her husband’s diagnosis of MS. There are times when she opens up to me about her struggles with how it has impacted her marriage, and all I want to do is encourage her and help her carry the burden. The other day, I listened as she sobbed, and I tried my best to acknowledge the difficulty and pain, even if I couldn’t fully relate to this particular situation. To encourage her, I told her that in her repentance of complaining and repentance of discontentment in the midst of her suffering, I see so much beautiful humility and a greater trust is being formed in her. Because of that humility, we can rejoice in knowing that God has promised to give grace to the humble.

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6, ESV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Some of us have been called to a greater measure of suffering than others, and instead of allowing the trial to embitter us or cause us to be anxious, we can be thankful that we will be recipients of God’s great sustaining grace in a greater measure than others. Yet, to receive that sustaining grace, we must remember to come to God humbly as we learn to lean upon Him for strength and trust that He is using suffering for a purpose.

Pain and suffering are not something any of us look forward to, but while we live here in this fallen and broken world, it is inevitable. It is so easy to get caught up in the storms of our lives and lose sight of the hope that is available to us through Jesus Christ, and allow them to overtake us. Our trials are what the Lord is using to bring us closer to Him and conform us into His image. The Apostle Paul calls this “the fellowship of His suffering” (Philippians 3:10). Not only do our trials bring us closer to Christ, but they remind us that heaven is our true home and one day, our suffering will cease. 

The suffering may not disappear in this life, but the good news is that Jesus is right there with us to walk through it together, and He has promised to empower us with His grace. In the midst of the pain, the temptation is to give all of our focus to the battle we may be facing and figure out ways on either how to escape it or fix it, but the Lord is calling us to run to Him in our weakness as we realize we cannot walk through any of it on our own. Let us run to Him and fall at His feet in humility, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 

God’s grace is sufficient, and He is our ever-present help in times of need, but sometimes our actions do not reflect these truths. It’s much easier for us to either complain about our stressful, painful, and difficult circumstances or try to take matters into our own hands to try to fix or change what seems to be causing us to feel so overwhelmed. What are you walking through right now that seems to be overwhelming or stressful? Grace in abundance is available to those who ask! We must learn how to ask for grace when we have reached our limit, or when we feel like we are being crushed under the weight of our suffering. God is so faithful to provide all things that we need because He is a gracious Father who cares deeply for His children. Come to Him as His child today, boldly and humbly asking for His sustaining and powerful grace to carry you through each challenging moment. Even if this season of suffering doesn’t have an expiration date on this side of eternity, we can run to our Father and ask for His sustaining grace that is more than enough.

Further Reading:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Hebrews 4:16

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How do we become more like Jesus in our everyday lives? Today we explore Colossians 3:12 and discover what it means to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Rather than trying to change through willpower alone, God invites us to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts so our character reflects Christ.

Growing in Christlike character is a daily choice. As we intentionally practice compassion, humility, patience, kindness, and gentleness, these virtues become more than actions—they become part of who we are. This devotional reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about perfection, but about consistently choosing to respond as Jesus would and trusting God to transform us from the inside out.

Highlights:

• Discover what Colossians 3:12 teaches about living with Christlike character.
• Learn how compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience reflect the heart of Jesus.
• Understand why spiritual growth requires intentional daily choices empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• See how practicing Christlike virtues transforms both your heart and your relationships.
• Be encouraged to rely on God's strength instead of your own as you grow in faith.
• Find practical ways to demonstrate Christ's love through your everyday interactions.

Join the Conversation

Which Christlike virtue—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience—is God inviting you to grow in today? How have you seen the Holy Spirit transform your character over time? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Clothe Yourself with Christlike Traits
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” - Colossians 3:12

One Sunday, I got dressed to go to church. I pulled out top after top, trying everything on, but nothing fit. With a pile of clothes and empty hangers on my bed, I became frustrated. Finally, I pulled out a top that was one size too large, a size I had worn when I was several pounds heavier. I put it on—it was a perfect fit! 

For months, I had breezed by that larger top as I shopped in my closet for the perfect outfit. I didn't want to admit that perhaps I needed a bigger size. However, once I was able to accept that maybe my body wasn't what it once was years ago, and put on the larger top, my frustration subsided. 

After that day, I made peace with the fact that I needed a larger size in clothes. I got rid of all my clothes that were a size smaller and purchased larger tops. Once I accepted my reality, wearing the larger top wasn't a big deal. In fact, I felt comfortable in it.

With clothes, it's not always about the look that's the most important. It is most important about how I feel when I’m in those clothes. While I may have needed a larger top to fit my slightly heavier frame, I became so comfortable wearing a larger top that it wasn't even a problem after a few weeks.

The above verse tells us that we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are all the attributes of Christ and a manifestation of the Spirit in our lives. Just like regular clothes that we put on each day, it's not always about how they look, but rather how I feel when I'm in them. 

Even in situations where it’s difficult to demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience, the more that I choose to exude those things in my life, the more comfortable I'll become with them. The more I act in accordance with those virtues, the more they will become like a part of me. Soon, I won't have to force myself to act within these virtues; it will become a natural part of me.

Jesus didn't have to force himself to act out these virtues. It was an embodiment of who he truly was. His character exuded traits of humility, compassion, and kindness, among other things. Jesus desires for us to exude the same virtues in our lives as he did with his. 

But this takes intention and action. I must act with intention when it comes to putting on these virtues. If I want to clothe myself with these things, I must make them feel as if they are a natural part of me. I must exude them and allow them to become part of my nature. When I'm able to do this, they will become such a part of me that I won't even think twice about using these character traits in my life.

Out of the virtues listed above, which one do you find most difficult to demonstrate? If the most difficult virtue for us is humility, find ways in which to humble ourselves. It may be as simple as allowing someone else to go ahead of us, even when they have many more items to check out at the supermarket. 

It may mean controlling ourselves when someone cuts us off in traffic. It may mean being kind to someone who doesn't deserve our kindness. Whatever action it may be, ask the Holy Spirit to show us what action and to whom we must demonstrate it. 

The more we act out of our comfort zones, the more these virtues will become a natural part of our lives. Soon, they will become such a part of us that we won't think twice about exuding these character traits in life. Not only is this the true demonstration of Christ's likeness in our lives, but it may also draw others to Christ because of our actions and attitudes.

Father, let us clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and gentleness. Allow them to become a natural part of our daily lives. Let our first instinct to be one of these traits, rather than our own selfish desires. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Which of the above virtues do you have the most difficulty demonstrating in your life? Pray and ask God to show you someone whom you can demonstrate that difficult trait to today. 

Further Reading:
Philippians 2:6-7

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When we experience delays, closed doors, or the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit, we can trust that God is not withholding good from us. Instead, He is protecting us and inviting us to remain close to Him, where we discover security, purpose, and the fullness of His presence.

Highlights:

• God's guidance is an expression of His love and protection, not punishment.
• Psalm 16 reminds us that true joy and fulfillment are found in God's presence.
• God often redirects us when we begin wandering toward temptation or unhealthy desires.
• Delays, closed doors, and conviction can be evidence of God's loving care.
• Staying close to God allows us to experience His peace, wisdom, and lasting joy.
• We can trust that God's boundaries are always for our eternal good, even when we don't understand them.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever looked back and realized God was protecting you through a closed door, delay, or unexpected change in direction? How has staying close to Him brought greater peace and joy in your life?

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Full Transcript Below:

When You’re Prone to Wander

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“You make known to me the path of life;
 in your presence there is fullness of joy;
 at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV). 

I recently learned something about myself—and my Savior—from watching my black cat, Mowgli.  

Each morning, I take Mowgli out on the patio with me so we can enjoy the cool of the morning. Mowgli has to be on a leash every time he’s outside, even if I’m right next to him, because he is afraid of other people and sounds he can’t identify. When he becomes frightened or when he starts to wander and his leash wraps around something and he suddenly feels restrained, he will panic, struggle out of his harness, and try to run away. 

For the most part, Mowgli and I enjoy peaceful mornings outside together as I work on my laptop and he sits contentedly on the patio, leash securely attached. When he tries to get a little further away from me to explore, I will say, “Not too far, Mowgli” and tug on his leash. 

But now and then, when a hummingbird swoops in low to tease him, or when a critter is rustling in the leaves nearby, he will lunge forward, panic at his sense of restraint, and wiggle quickly out of his harness and make a run for his potential kill.

After I catch him, he’s very angry to be restrained. I bring him back inside and tell him firmly, “No going outside again if you can’t stay in your harness.” 

Today I found myself saying to him, after he was back inside and whining that he couldn’t go out again, “Why can’t you stay in your harness? Don’t you know I want to keep you close so I can keep you safe?”

Oh, how God must want to tether my heart to Him to keep me safe as well.

In Psalm 16, David—who knew what it was like to be hunted like a wild animal, to run for his life from King Saul, who wanted him dead—said this about the security of being tethered closely to his God: “You make known to me the path of life” (in other words, “You know how to keep me safe and alive). And David sang, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” David was saying,” I am not only safe and secure in Your presence, but I am full of joy when I’m close to You, and I’m able to experience eternal pleasures.” 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

How often have I tried to wander too far from God’s instruction, too close to temptation, and too close to something I might start loving more than Him, and He gently pulls me back to His side? How often has my Lord seen me try to escape the harness of His love and pursue something that will never satisfy? Certainly, He wants to keep me close to His side so I will be content and can enjoy life with Him.

When have you sensed God restraining you as you started to wander from Him? What might God be protecting you from in the disappointments and delays you are experiencing? 

Can you, too, see how God’s restraints on us—what He keeps us from, what He won’t allow us to have or go near—are not restraints to punish us or make our lives miserable? He knows what’s best for you and me, and He wants to keep us close so we are not only safe, but filled with joy at being near His presence. When you sense that gentle nudge backward, that might feel frustrating because you can’t get ahead to what you want, will you trust that God knows exactly what He’s allowing—and not allowing—for your eternal best and for your pleasures forevermore, not just temporarily. 

Lord, Your Word says in Your presence is abundant joy. Why would I ever want to wander? Keep me close to Your side, ever bound to You so that I can experience Your very best for me and enjoy Your company like no other. 

Further Study:
Psalm 71:15

For daily encouragement to stay close to your Savior, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. 

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When anxiety tempts us to rely on our own understanding, we can rest knowing we are never navigating life alone. God's hand remains upon us, leading us with wisdom, protecting us from danger, and giving us the freedom to follow Him with confidence. We don't have to live in fear or constantly anticipate every possible threat because our Good Shepherd has already gone before us.

Highlights:

• God surrounds His children with His loving presence, protection, and guidance.
• Psalm 139 reminds us that God is always before us, behind us, and actively involved in our lives.
• David's experience as a shepherd illustrates God's protective care like a hedge surrounding His sheep.
• God's presence guards us against fear, anxiety, and the enemy's deception.
• We can trust God's gentle guidance instead of relying solely on our own understanding.
• Because God walks with us, we are free to follow Him without living in constant fear.

Join the Conversation

When have you experienced God's protection or guidance during a season of uncertainty? How does remembering that God surrounds you with His presence give you peace today?

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Full Transcript Below:

Encased by the Father’s Love 

By Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me. - Psalm 139:5 NIV

This has been an unsettling and confusing season where I’ve questioned my perspective and the path forward in a highly consequential area. I know God is leading, watching over, and blessing me, but my emotions don’t always align with what I know is true. Sometimes, at night, when I’m trying to sleep, the stress and unknowns of this situation pull me into an anxious spiral. In that space, there’s a part of me that fears getting pulled into the devil’s deception, in part because I recognize how easy it is to convince myself that following my preference is God’s leading. 

That’s a dangerous place to be. It leaves me vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. Yet, today’s verse reminds me that I’m well-protected by the One who knows me, remains with me, and shields me from what Scripture calls the devil's “flaming arrows.” Lies he aims at my soul to draw me away from Christ and His life-giving truth. 

David, ancient Israel’s second king who wrote the passage from which today’s verse comes, understood how it feels to find yourself under attack—by the devil, and those he uses to carry out his will. For over a decade, he lived as a fugitive, hiding in caves and even in Philistine territory, for fear of death. During that season, numerous people betrayed him, and he often felt alone and as if no one cared about him.

Those were the statements his emotions made when life felt hard, exhausting, and his situation uncertain. 

But even when his heart cried out for relief, he recalled the truth. He knew how to preach to his soul, a practice we see in many of the poetic prayers preserved in Scripture. 

Scholars believe he wrote Psalm 139 after he’d assumed the throne and his life became more stable—with a few bumps along the way. Standing on the other side of intense suffering, he was able to look back and reflect upon how God had remained present and faithful each moment of his life—from before he took his first breath. 

The Lord didn’t guide him from a distance. He came close and surrounded David with His strong, loving, and protective presence. 

God “hemmed” David in. In the original Hebrew, one could state today’s verse as: Behind and before you have hedged me and laid upon me Your hand.” You may have heard the phrase, “a hedge of protection.” That analogy likely came from today’s verse. And I wonder if David’s statement came from his experience as a shepherd, where, at night, he would’ve created a literal hedge of thorns and branches that formed a makeshift pen for the sheep under his care. For added protection, the shepherd often slept on the ground, forming a gate with his body. 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

This rich historic imagery, when applied to today’s text, reminds us that the Lord surrounds us like those thorny branches that surrounded sheep. He is our shield, strong tower, fortress, and defense who hides us in the shadow of His wings—another picturesque symbol of His protective stance over His children. 

But notice, He also places His hand upon us. Whenever I read this, I’m reminded of how I guided and protected my daughter when she was learning to walk. She’d gone from strangle-gripping my finger to releasing my hand and toddling off in exploration. I wanted to give her as much freedom as developmentally appropriate while also keeping her from falling into sharp corners or getting too close to the stairs. 

My solution? To place a gentle hand on her head, remaining alert to when I needed to direct her from danger and back to safe exploration. 

Speaking of sheep, shepherds, gates, and exploration reminds me of Jesus’ analogy in John 10, when He said His sheep would go in—to the pen—and out to find pasture. His words speak of freedom and the rhythm of coming into the “sheepfold” for the spiritual nourishment and rest we need, then leaving to explore the wide-open spaces He’s provided. 

But even when we exit the pen, we remain well-protected, whether the threat comes from the devil and his minions or some other frightening or dangerous encounter. God hems us in—by His power and love. 

By His very self. 

This gives me the peace to follow, knowing I don’t have to remain hyper vigilant, scanning the horizon for every possible threat. I simply need to remain in step with the One who matches His steps with mine.  

Further Reading:
Psalm 139:1-24
Psalm 125:2

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Just as a gardener trims away unnecessary branches to help a plant thrive, God sometimes removes distractions, unhealthy patterns, or even good things that keep us from experiencing His best. He knows where our energy is being spent and what needs to change so we can grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

Although God’s pruning can be painful, we can trust the One doing the work. Our Heavenly Father sees the bigger picture and lovingly clears space for spiritual growth, renewed purpose, and the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in our lives. When we surrender what He asks us to release, we make room for greater dependence on Him.

Highlights:

• God prunes our lives because He desires for us to grow and produce lasting spiritual fruit.
• A crowded life can spread our energy too thin and distract us from what matters most.
• God may remove both unhealthy things and even good things that keep us from His best.
• Pruning requires trust because God sees the growth and purpose that we cannot yet see.
• Letting go of what God removes creates room for deeper faith and transformation.
• The fruit of the Spirit grows when we remain connected to God and allow Him to shape our lives.

Join the Conversation

What is one area of your life where God may be inviting you to let go, create space, or trust His pruning process? How can you surrender that area to Him today?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Let God Prune Your Life
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” – John 15:1-2, NIV 

Walking through a botanical garden, I noticed a pile of green stems, branches, and buds that had been cut off various plants and scattered on the ground. It seemed at first like someone had vandalized the garden. Just as I started to get angry about what I thought was a crime, I noticed a gardener at work farther down the garden path. He was cutting off parts of plants on purpose! That reminded me that pruning is actually healthy for plants, no matter how hard it may look for them to be cut. Gardeners prune plants to give them the energy and space they need to bloom fully. Pruning helps plants reach their full potential. 

Jesus reveals in John 15:1-2 that God prunes people. God cuts off what isn’t healthy and productive in our lives and gives us the help we need to be as fruitful as possible in our lives. 

In the plant world, a vine only has a certain amount of sap to give to its branches. If that sap is sent to 50 different tiny branches, none of them will produce big, juicy grapes. They will all be small and struggling. But if the gardener cuts those 50 branches down to five, all the energy from the sap will go into those five branches. The result will be fruit that’s healthy and sweet. 

The same is true for your soul. You only have so much energy. If your schedule is cluttered with too many activities, your limited energy will be spread so thin that you’ll become exhausted. You’ll be busy but not fruitful in the way God intended. Even though you’ll be doing a lot, you won’t be accomplishing what matters most from God’s perspective. That can all make your spiritual life feel like a wilted plant. You’ll feel burned out and unable to connect with God in the ways that will help your soul bloom fully. 

Sometimes, God asks you to step away from things that are clearly unhealthy. It’s easier to do that than to step away from good things God sometimes leads you away from, like a job that pays well but pulls you away from your primary calling, or a friendship that you’ve outgrown. When God prunes parts of your life, he does so because he wants to give you more blessings – but first, you need more space in your life to receive those blessings. 

Pruning can hurt. It can feel like you’ve lost an important part of your life, or even an important part of who you are as a person. But remember who the Gardener is. It’s your loving Heavenly Father, who has good purposes and plans for you. God doesn’t just hack away randomly; he prunes precisely what’s best for you to grow to reach your full potential. 

When God prunes your life, he’s clearing the way for a season of growth that you can’t even imagine yet. He wants your life to be like a beautiful garden that fulfills you and pleases him as he sees his good design for your life become a reality. You need to cooperate with God for that to happen, however. It’s vital to be willing to let go of whatever God wants to prune out of your life. 

So, take an honest look at your life right now. What’s taking the energy away from your relationship with God? Let the Master Gardener do his work to prune it away so you can grow and thrive! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how pruning is important for you to grow to reach your full potential, reflect on these questions: 

• If you looked at your schedule as a garden, which areas feel the most overgrown or crowded right now? 
• What’s one unhealthy activity you can prune out of your schedule this week to make more room for something that will help you grow closer to God? 
• What’s one activity in your life that’s good but still might be keeping you from experiencing God’s best? How can you let go of it to make room for something better? 
• When you feel God pruning something away from your life, how can you resist the urge to grab onto it and instead trust God to take it away? 
• What kind of fruit of the Spirit (like patience, kindness, or peace) do you want to see more of in your life this season? 

Further Reading:
Hebrews 12:11
Proverbs 3:5-6
Galatians 5:22-23
Isaiah 58:11
Philippians 1:6

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God is not asking us to accomplish more to earn His love. He is inviting us into relationship with Him. Whether it is thirty minutes or just a few quiet moments throughout the day, sitting in God’s presence, reading His Word, and praying allows us to step away from the rush and experience His peace.

Jesus Himself was never hurried or driven by the need to prove His worth through productivity. Through Him, we are reminded that we do not have to carry burdens God never intended for us to hold. When we return to Him, we find the rest and strength we need for each day.

Highlights:

• God does not measure our faithfulness by how busy we are, but by how closely we walk with Him.
• Isaiah reminds us that true strength comes through returning to God, resting, and trusting Him.
• Productivity can become a burden when we believe our worth depends on what we accomplish.
• Spending quiet time with God restores our hearts and helps us recognize His presence.
• Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him and receive rest.
• Slowing down creates space to hear God’s voice and trust His direction.

Join the Conversation

Where do you feel the most rushed in your life right now? What would it look like to intentionally slow down and invite God into that space?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

God Is Not Rushing You
By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” - Isaiah 30:15, 18

My daughter does not like to be rushed. In so many ways I am the same way. When planning things I always give myself extra time. American culture is one that is governed by time. Events start on time and we complain if we are made to wait. It is easy to fall into the mindset of rushing when being dictated by the clock. 

Rarely do people have time to rest, be quiet, and wait. Me included. My days are often packed with endless activities and to-do lists. For so long if I didn’t do anything on a particular day - that day felt unproductive. My to-do list can be like a taskmaster, running my day-to-day life. Somewhere along the way, I started to believe that a full schedule meant a faithful life—and that slowing down meant I was falling behind.

In Isaiah 31 we read the words: “in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” God’s people, the Israelites, had been running away from God, not toward him. They were about to be attacked by their enemies, but instead of going to God, they turned to other allies. They tried to fix things on their own. 

Isaiah, the prophet, spoke from God to tell the people that rescue would come a different way. It would come through returning to God, resting. This is counter intuitive, isn’t it? We often think the opposite: the way out of trouble is to run, move, and act! God, though, wasn’t asking for more effort but for them to return to Him. While they were rushing to solve their problems, God was inviting them to be still.

You and I are the same. We rush to fix problems, stay productive, and make sure we don’t let anything “fall through the cracks.” How often do we believe that faithfulness is the same as being busy? For so long, I have believed that my purpose in life - why God loved me and what God wanted from me - was to be productive. Faithfulness isn’t about that at all.  

Friend, God invites us to return to him. How do we do this? Begin by sitting with God. That’s right.  Stop at some point in your day (each day) to just sit and be with God.  Don’t scroll. Don’t move. Just be still. Time in God’s presence is not wasted time—it is where our souls are restored. While you are sitting there, learn the value of not talking, thinking, or worrying.

During that time, use a few minutes to be in His Word. Don’t rush through a reading of the Bible, but linger with it. Listen to God’s voice as you read the words (or listen to the audio). As you do, let your heart naturally speak to God in prayer. Start a conversation with God. Maybe it will be about what you read, but mostly it can be about what is on your heart. Embrace the quietness, if possible. God is not asking you to do more—He is inviting you to be with Him. Those moments, whether they are thirty minutes or 3 minutes, can make such a difference in our day.

Many of us are tired not because we’re doing too little, but because we’re carrying what God never asked us to carry. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30,  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

God is not hurrying us along. He is gently inviting us to return, to rest, and to trust Him right where we are. As we learn to slow our hearts today, may we learn how to step out of the rush and into His presence. God can teach us to trust Him in the quiet places. This stopping, even for a moment, means we don’t have to strive; God is already near.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Jesus was never hurried, rushed, or needed to prove His worth by His productivity. You don’t either. As you start your day, remember to slow down and spend a few moments in prayer. Ask God to help you have strength for your day. In the dark at night, lift your heart to God again, asking Him for peace as you sleep. Where in your life do you feel the most rushed right now—and what would it look like to intentionally slow down and invite God into that space?

Further Reading
Psalm 46
Luke 10:39-42
Mark 6:31
Matthew 11:28-30

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Highlights:

• We cannot effectively give love to others unless we first receive and understand God’s love for us.
• God’s love is revealed through the way believers treat and care for others.
• Jesus modeled love by moving toward people who were hurting, rejected, and imperfect.
• Loving others does not mean approving everything they do, but it does mean responding with grace and compassion.
• Remaining connected to God’s love allows His character to shine through our actions.

Join the Conversation

How does understanding how deeply God loves you change the way you love others? What is one way you can allow God’s love to flow through you today?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

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God doesn't abandon us when our affections become divided. Like the Good Shepherd who searches for the wandering sheep, He lovingly pursues us, reveals the areas where we've drifted, and offers grace to restore us. Through prayer, repentance, and daily dependence on Him, we can ask the Lord to transform our hearts so that our love for Him becomes our greatest desire. His invitation remains simple and powerful: seek Him, and He will meet you.

Highlights:

• Our hearts naturally struggle between surrendering to God and pursuing worldly desires.
• God lovingly reveals areas where we've drifted and calls us back through His grace.
• An undivided heart is cultivated through dependence on God's Spirit, not personal effort.
• Jesus faithfully pursues those who have wandered and welcomes them back with compassion.
• Prayer and surrender allow God to shape our hearts into wholehearted devotion.

Join the Conversation

Are there areas of your life where you feel your heart has become divided? What would it look like to fully surrender those areas to God today?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

An Undivided Heart
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Ps. 86:11 (NIV)

How many of us can relate to this scripture? I don’t know about you, but sadly, I have wrestled with divided affections more times than I can count. In the deepest places of my heart, I long for the Lord. Truly, I ache for Him in a way that defies comprehension. Like the Chief Musician in Psalm 42, my soul pants and thirsts for the living God as deer pants for the water brooks. And yet… these innate yearnings can be so easily superseded by the things of this world and the cravings of my flesh. With such a strong inward draw towards my Creator, how is it possible to wander and depart from the One whom I so desperately desire?

The Bible tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9, NKJV). We are all aware that the Bible contains hard truths, but this one cuts straight to the core. To many, this bold statement may sound harsh, even offensive.  However, that does not negate its truth. Our hearts lie to us. Our emotions betray us. There is an age-old battle that rages within every single one of us. A conflict that has plagued humanity since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. This great war boils down to one single word – choice. A choice between God and self, our own desires and His, selfishness and selflessness, prideful independence and dependent surrender. 

When these comparisons are listed side by side, it seems completely irrational that we would choose selfishness over selflessness, our will over God’s. And yet that is the struggle each one of us faces day in and day out. Our human nature is so flawed, so imperfect, that we actually need God’s help to even choose Him. Our hearts are so divided, and our bent toward sin so strong, that without the aid of His Spirit, all of us would remain on paths of self-destruction. But God in His goodness does not leave us there. He proactively pursues each one of us because of His great love for us. 

The Lord Himself searches our hearts and tests our minds (Jer. 17:10) so that we may recognize our deviations. For it is His kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Like the Shepherd that left the ninety-nine to find the single sheep who had wandered, so the Lord passionately pursues each and every one of us. Once we have been returned to the fold, our Heavenly Father instructs us how to remain tethered to Him. He withholds no good gift from His children. All we have to do is ask. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened,” (Matt. 7:7-8, NIV). It’s that simple.

If you are wrestling with divided affections today, may I encourage you to call upon the Lord? Just like the psalmist of old, let us declare together our heartfelt plea…

“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me.” (Ps. 86:11-13, NIV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Where is your heart today? Do you feel rooted and grounded in Christ, or are you wandering, lost, or disconnected? Perhaps you are somewhere in the middle, where it literally feels like you have one foot on each side of the dividing line that separates surrender and self-reliance. Wherever you find yourself today, take some time to examine your heart. I know how hard it is for many of us to sit in silence and patiently wait for that still small voice of God’s Spirit within each of us. But I pray that you will push past the discomfort of being still and truly allow the Lord to reveal the state of your heart. He longs to heal any division found there so that you may truly rest in His love and presence. 

Further Reading:
Psalm 86
Matthew 18:12-14

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Rather than striving to control every outcome, we can rest in knowing that the Lord establishes our steps. Like Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet, we're reminded that our relationship with Christ matters more than simply checking off spiritual or daily tasks. As we pursue our goals and responsibilities, we can find joy in slowing down, embracing God's presence, and living faithfully in the moment He has given us.

Highlights:

• Every season of life has purpose and is part of God's perfect timing.
• Faithfulness means stewarding today's assignments instead of worrying about tomorrow.
• God establishes our steps as we trust Him with our plans.
• Time spent with Jesus is just as important as the work we do for Him.
• Don't become so focused on the future that you miss God's blessings in the present.

Join the Conversation

What season of life are you in right now? How is God inviting you to be more present with Him instead of becoming distracted by what's next?

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Full Transcript Below:

Make the Most of Each Moment

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)

Recently, on a beautiful spring afternoon, I rose from my desk and stepped outside.

After working for the past several hours, I needed a break. And some fresh air.

One of my favorite things to do is take a walk around my family’s lush land, past the woods on one side and our neighbor’s horses on the other.

And pray.

This particular afternoon, as I quieted my heart to be still like the grass underneath my feet, I admitted to God I had lots of questions.

Of course, He already knew that, both because He knows everything and because I’d been asking these questions for weeks and months on end with seemingly no answer.

If I were being honest, I realized I was trying to approach this specific situation with my own strength, believing it was up to me to see a breakthrough when I knew deep down it would take a move and a miracle from God.

As I reflected on the previous several weeks, I asked God what He wanted me to know, what He was telling me. Why did it feel like He was being so silent?

And then.

In my heart, God reminded me to make the most of each moment.

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV says: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Some seasons are busier than others. Some bring change. Some bring new assignments.

In my heart, as I reflected on all this, I realized that I wanted to make the most of this season. Whenever God calls me into a new season, perhaps assignments will shift slightly. I want to make the most of the time I have now and be a faithful steward of what God has given me in each season.

As I write this, I’m prepping to travel out of town for a month to work on a film project, effectively entering a new season.

While I want to have a heart that sits at the feet of Jesus like Mary, I also realize that making the most of each moment means not delaying the assignments God has clearly placed before me. Sometimes, we procrastinate, thinking we can delay the assignment, but if God has called us to a task, the wisest thing we can do is walk in obedience. We must steward the moment by saying “yes” to the work of today, trusting that He will provide everything we need. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

I want to have an open heart for what the Lord wants to do in my life.

It’s okay to dream and work towards goals. It’s okay to make plans, but as the Scriptures in Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) say, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

God alone knows the plans He has for our lives.

On the flip side, sometimes, we get so caught up in the big picture that we forget to enjoy the present. To take a break from the busyness of life and just be. My love language is quality time, so one of my favorite things to do with those I love is simply spend time with them. To just take a moment to pull away from the busyness of life and just be.

Lately, God has been convicting me to spend deeper, intentional time with Him.

If I love quality time, how much more does God love when I spend time with Him?

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I think of the story of Mary and Martha, famously found in the Gospels. One specific account is Luke 10:38-42. The Bible says “Martha was distracted with much serving” (v. 40) while Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (v. 39).

Don’t get me wrong. We are called to serve God, but like any good parent, His love for us is not dependent on what we do. He loves us and wants time with us. He doesn’t want us to get so distracted doing things for Him that we forget to simply be with Him.

Keep in mind that Jesus didn’t scold Martha for serving Him. Far from it! No, He gently and lovingly pointed out that she was “anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (v. 41). So many times, we allow our serving to distract us from spending time with Jesus.

As we walk through busy seasons, sometimes, there are a thousand “necessary” tasks calling for our attention. Sometimes, we look forward to the future with anticipation, dreaming of things that lie in “someday.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s important to have hope for the future.

But I don’t want to get so caught up in the “someday” that I miss the here and now. The beauty of the present sunset. Family laughing around the dinner table. The crush of grass underneath my feet as I breathe in the scent of spring. The view of the mountains outside our kitchen window.

It’s amazing to dream. Let’s keep hoping, but let’s not forget to make the most of each moment we’ve been given. To serve God exactly where He has us, to love the people He has placed in our path. Let’s be people who plan our ways with open hands, allowing the Lord to establish our steps, and choosing, above all else, to simply be with Him.

Dear Father, thank You for the beauty of today. Help us to dream big dreams for the future while remaining fully planted in the present. Teach us to sit at Your feet like Mary, even when our to-do lists look like Martha’s. As we step into new seasons and assignments, let us never miss the miracle of the “here and now.” In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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This devotion encourages believers to move beyond a distorted view of God as someone waiting for them to fail. Instead, Scripture reveals a Father who calls His children to walk in wisdom, love, and holiness. Genuine reverence for God transforms our hearts, shaping the way we speak, make decisions, and respond to temptation because we desire to reflect His character.

Highlights:

• Reverence for God grows out of knowing His holy and loving character
• Respecting the Lord leads us to reject pride, evil, and sinful behavior
• Obedience is rooted in love for Christ, not merely fear of consequences
• God's desire is to draw His people closer, not push them away through intimidation
• A healthy view of God inspires joyful faithfulness and spiritual growth

Join the Conversation

When you hear the phrase "fear the Lord," what comes to mind? How has your understanding of God's character shaped the way you approach Him in worship, obedience, and everyday life?

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Full Transcript Below:

What it Means to Respect the Lord
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). 

Many of us grew up hearing about the fear of the Lord. As someone who did not grow up in the church, I didn't hear about this until much later. However, I can imagine the anxiety it raised in the hearts of children. 

The idea of fearing the Lord suggests that we are supposed to be afraid of Him. When we look at the Bible, we don't see Jesus as a scary, fear-mongering God. Instead, we see Him being born into the world as an innocent baby on one silent night (Luke 2:11). 

Fearing the Lord has bred many problems within preaching as well as theology in general. This is because far too many people take fear to literally mean being afraid—and this is a completely reasonable conclusion to draw. Some translations include footnotes to guide the reader; however, for most of us who are reading the New International Version or the King James Version, the word remains “fear.”

When I was in Bible college, a professor went over this exact issue. Anytime the Bible uses the phrase “the fear of the Lord,” it refers to respecting the Lord. My professor said a more accurate understanding of these passages would be “the respect of the Lord.” To respect Him is to love Him. 

While many people will continue to preach the message of fear, we must remember that fear doesn't last… love does. If someone places faith in Jesus and follows Him out of fear, their faith will not stand. They will only be obeying Him because they fear Him. With time, their obedience will waver because they won't be afraid of Him anymore. 

However, if a person loves God and respects Him out of this love, their conversion will be true. Their obedience to Him will also show up in their daily life because they are walking in true love and respect for the Lord. They won't fear the Lord because they know Jesus is not “out to get them” or waiting for them to fall. 

Far too many believers think this is how God works, but it is not true. God is not a mean God who tries to get you to mess up. The person who does this is the devil. God is the one who is standing by your side, supporting you, encouraging you, and lifting you up (Romans 8:31). 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). Once again, rather than understanding this passage as “To fear the Lord,” we are to know it means “To respect the Lord.” Therefore, to respect the Lord is to hate evil. 

The Lord hates evil, pride, arrogance, and perverse speech. Those who adhere to these practices will be brought to judgment. Those who continue down this wicked road, ignore God's wisdom, and fail to seek it will pay the due penalties. Folly and wickedness will lead to falling, separation from God, and an eternity of pain. 

As Christ followers, we should have the highest respect for God. Respecting Him means we don't take part in evil or wicked schemes. Instead, we will obey Him. Jesus tells us, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). 

The Lord’s teachings are nourishment to our bones and will fill our hearts with extraordinary joy. If the fear of the Lord has brought you away from God, allow this new understanding to give you renewed hope. God doesn't want you to fear Him. Rather, He wants you to love Him and to respect Him. By doing this, you will follow Him all your days, continue to grow in Him, and help others to know about Him. 

Did you hear about the fear of the Lord growing up? Did it affect you negatively? How might you start learning what it means to respect the Lord rather than to fear Him? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 145:8

Proverbs 6:16-19

Ecclesiastes 12:13

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True rest isn’t only about sleep or downtime—it’s also about rhythms that create space for God to quiet the internal noise. When life becomes loud, rest becomes a way of returning to trust instead of strain.

Highlights:

• Rest is modeled by Jesus as part of a healthy, faithful rhythm
• Ongoing stress without restoration affects emotional and spiritual clarity
• Rest is proactive, not just recovery after exhaustion
• Boundaries around time, attention, and input protect well-being
• Spiritual rest includes time with God, not just physical pause

Join the Conversation

Where in your current rhythm do you feel most stretched or depleted? What would it look like to build a pattern of rest that actually restores you instead of just catching up after burnout?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Rest Like Jesus
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” - Mark 4:39

As someone who has an anxiety disorder, I must be very careful about how much stress I put on my body. Extra stress can leave me emotionally, physically, or mentally exhausted. If I don't get the right amount of sleep, it can cause my anxiety to flare and wreak havoc on my mental health. Since the diagnosis, I'm careful to watch my body's physical signs to indicate that my emotional or mental state is more stressed than I even realize.

For example, if at the end of the week I put my hand out and it's shaking for no reason other than I've worked too hard, I know I'm putting my body under extra stress. This causes me to take a step back and take an extra day off to rest physically, but more importantly, mentally and emotionally.

I struggle with the idea of rest. As someone who likes to be productive, I often like to make the most of my days. Resting feels like I'm wasting time and not producing anything. Yet, rest is important for my physical, emotional, and mental state. If I don't watch how I take care of myself, this is an easy target for Satan to come in and plant doubts in my mind and flood my thoughts with lies. These lies, if I'm physically exhausted, I won't check against Scripture. If gone unchecked, this can lead to an unhealthy fear of the future.

It is important for me to operate from a posture of rest, not merely rest after pushing myself too hard physically, emotionally, or mentally. But that is easier said than done.

Jesus operated out of a posture of rest. The above verse comes from Jesus emerging from a storm after waking from a nap. The disciples, scared by the storm that quickly arose on the sea, woke Jesus up even though he was sleeping on the boat. They ask him to do something because it feels as though he's prioritizing rest over caring for them. 

However, Jesus realizes that rest is one of the most important things he needs to complete his ministry. He knew he simply couldn’t operate without being physically, emotionally, and mentally rested. Not only was he performing signs and miracles, but he was also healing the sick, preaching, and averting arrows thrown by the Pharisees. 

Jesus knew that his ministry could quickly become overwhelming if he did not take care of himself. When he needed the rest, he stopped at nothing to get it.

Take a minute and analyze your life. Are you someone who rests only after a hard week at work? Are you someone who operates from a posture of rest, someone who starts Monday morning feeling refreshed, knowing you rested properly throughout the weekend?

It is easy for you, as it is for me, to neglect the importance of rest. You may also see rest as something to be endured, not something necessary for the work God has for you. Over the next week, jot down the number of times you've rested. 

This does not necessarily mean sleeping in on a weekend (although that could be part of your rest.) Do you take time to unplug from social media? Do you have good boundaries when it comes to scrolling your phone or trolling the Internet? 

If we're honest, we all could use a lesson in rest. Although it may be impossible for us to rest during crises, we need to take Jesus' example and rest appropriately. We need to rest regularly to care for ourselves, not merely a result of an overextended, overpacked schedule.

Father, let us be people who rest. Let us understand that rest is a necessity in our lives, not merely something to do to prevent exhaustion. Help us create firm boundaries around our mental, emotional, and physical state. Let us not only rest physically but also take time to spend with you. When we spend time in your word and in your presence, it helps us rest because we then lay all our cares (including our bodies) before you. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you struggle with rest? What is one thing you can do to better incorporate rest into your daily life?

Further Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30

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At its core, this kind of reflection isn’t just about looking backward—it’s about asking what we do with what we’ve been given today. Gratitude becomes a posture that influences how we live, serve, and treat one another right now.

Highlights:

• Scripture invites believers to actively remember and proclaim God’s works
• Gratitude is a stabilizing force in how we view history and present blessings
• Public and personal thanksgiving have long shaped spiritual and cultural identity
• Freedom carries responsibility, not just privilege
• Remembering God’s faithfulness helps anchor perspective in the present

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Full Transcript Below:

A Call to Be Thankful for America on Its 250th Anniversary

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done.” - Psalm 105:1

As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, we, as citizens of the United States, have much to be thankful for!

History books record, and historical monuments stand, in honor of the Christians whom God led across the ocean, who were seeking a land where they could freely and openly serve Him, those willing to leave all they had behind and risk their lives to set sail for a New World.

As the forerunners, the Pilgrims’ trek led them to America, where they brought their deep spiritual convictions to lay the groundwork and foundational biblical beliefs; truths that led our Founding Fathers to base our Declaration of Independence on godly principles; and truths that have given us the right to worship God freely and without reserve since their coming.

Without our founders humbling themselves before God, there would be no USA today.

As American history records, prayer and fasting were called for and practiced in America’s founding and the establishment of our nation, playing a major role in establishing America by the first patriots who practiced James 4:10 on a national level: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

By our leaders calling our nation to humble itself before God in prayer and fasting, our founders followed 2 Chronicles 7:14, urging, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

By humbling ourselves as a nation, our leaders seemed to understand what Galatians 5:13 reminds us: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

America’s History Reveals Decades of National Thankfulness

Even before the official establishment of the United States, historical documents record that, throughout the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, in response to winning critical battles, called for national days of Thanksgiving, asking colonists to express gratitude to God for His divine protection over the troops.

After the Declaration of Independence, national thanksgiving continued, beginning in 1789, with President George Washington issuing the first official United States Thanksgiving proclamation, calling upon all Americans to demonstrate gratitude to God for the end of the war and the Constitution’s successful ratification. 

President Washington said, “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Following Washington’s example, Presidents John Adams and James Madison also called for national days of Thanksgiving during their presidential terms.

As well, President Abraham Lincoln, on October 3, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

A Nation’s Living Testament to God’s Faithfulness 

The United States is a living testament to God’s faithfulness and to what happens when a nation is willing to humble itself before God… recognizing His sovereignty over the earth and publicly thanking Him for His protection and provision for its leaders and people.

As citizens of the USA, we have much to be thankful to God for our nation, as we celebrate our 250th anniversary. 

Thankfulness to God for what He has done in America through the faith of our Founding Fathers, who feared and worshipped Him and laid a godly foundation for our land based on biblical truth, and whose beliefs continue to this day across our nation.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, ask God to help you find reasons to be thankful for our country, our godly heritage, and the freedoms we still enjoy today. As well, ask the Lord to move in the hearts of people across our nation, encouraging them to praise and thank Him for all that He has done for us as a country.

Further Reading:

A Prayer to Praise God for Our Nation

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This kind of joy isn’t loud or flashy. It shows up in small, faithful moments—choosing gratitude over frustration, presence over complaint, and trust over fatigue. Over time, those small choices reshape how we experience everyday life, turning what feels mundane into something meaningful.

Highlights:

• Joy and peace are gifts rooted in trusting God, not in ideal circumstances
• Monotony often reveals where we need renewed perspective and dependence on God
• Gratitude is a practical way to resist discouragement and complaint
• The Holy Spirit actively produces joy as we yield our attitudes to Him
• Even ordinary responsibilities can become meaningful when offered to God

Join the Conversation

Where in your daily routine do you feel most drained or disconnected from joy? What would it look like to invite God into those small, repetitive moments this week?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding Joy in the Mundane

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NASB).

As a mother, I am reminded quickly how much I need God’s grace to make it through each day. Even though I thrive on tackling tasks ahead of me, so I can check them off my to-do list, I wrestle with the monotony of it and keeping a good attitude in front of my children. I have found myself starting my day in a pretty sour mood, dreading another day of the same routine.

Realizing that is not Christ-honoring at all, I told my husband the other day that one thing I want my children to remember about me is how much I laughed, how joyful I was, no matter what. That isn’t my natural bent- I am more introspective and melancholy most of the time. Even though I am incredibly thankful to be a mother, the fruit of the spirit that seems to be a struggle for me to hold on to in this season of my life is joy. Instead of allowing my circumstances and personality to become excuses for my lack of a joyful outlook and demeanor, I must look to Christ and trust that He will fill me with joy and hope, even amid the boring, monotonous routines of life. For me, that is finding joy in serving my family. 

In his letter to the Romans, in chapter 15, the Apostle Paul speaks of self-denial on behalf of others, reminding them (and us) that Christ was a servant to His people and the Gentiles. This truth should cause us to glorify God and rejoice no matter what as we seek to serve others and share the gospel with hope and joy. Paul prays in Romans 15:13:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NASB).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The scriptures encourage us and give us strength to persevere when we find ourselves discouraged, bored, or tempted to complain and grumble. As God’s children, we are not to grumble. We must remember that, ultimately, grumbling is complaining against the sovereign God of the universe and saying He isn’t good, which is sinful. When we complain or have a sour, ungrateful attitude, we should repent, reset our minds by thinking on things above, and rejoice and give thanks to God for His graciousness and goodness towards us. There are new mercies available to us every single morning. Perhaps it would be a beneficial habit to create a daily list of things that you are grateful for to help cultivate a heart of contentment and joy.

Despite hardships and inconveniences in our lives and relationships, we are called to rejoice and find our joy in Christ alone and all that He has done for us. It all comes down to the attitude and posture of our heart, which God is shaping to look more like Jesus every day. The God of hope has given us Himself through the Holy Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit are all available to us the more we yield to the Spirit instead of giving into our flesh that wars against the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:17). We can call upon the name of the Lord to cry out for help when we are tempted to complain and walk in ungratefulness, and He will empower us with His Spirit. He is our ever-present help in times of need and is faithful to strengthen us with His grace and fill us up with His peace, hope, and joy, even in the mundane. 

Although it is easy to find excuses for our behavior and mood, we must trust that God’s word is very clear about the posture of our hearts and attitudes, especially in difficult, stressful, or even mundane circumstances. The Lord cares about the condition of our hearts and the attitude that we exude because, as Christ followers, we are to look and behave differently from the world. People are watching all the time how we react when we are struggling under the weight of the cares of life.

Do you need to ask the Lord to give you a hunger for more of His word? It is so important because this is where your mind is renewed; it helps us cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and walk in obedience with abundant joy and hope as you seek to serve Him and others. If you struggle with complaining about your mundane daily tasks, ask the Lord to help you guard your heart and avoid grumbling; He can help you find joy in all circumstances, even in your monotonous routine. May the joy of the Lord be your strength today!

Further Reading:

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

James 1:2-4

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In that truth, rest becomes more than physical relief—it becomes spiritual confidence. Worry loses its grip when we remember that God already sees the outcome, already knows the path, and is actively guiding each step forward.

Highlights:

• God’s presence is the foundation of true rest in uncertain seasons
• Feeling overwhelmed often comes from trying to carry decisions alone
• Like Moses, we are reassured that God goes with us into every situation
• Rest in God means releasing anxiety, second-guessing, and fear of failure
• Trust grows when we believe God is already ahead of our circumstances

Join the Conversation

Where in your life do you feel the need to slow down and trust God’s leading more fully? What would it look like to exchange anxiety for rest in His presence today?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

When You Long for Rest

By Cindi McMenamin 

Bible Reading:
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14 ESV). 

Do you ever get tired of trying to solve all-consuming problems by yourself? It’s inevitable at times to lie awake at night, running through the options in our minds, and deliberating about what the best decision might be, and then worrying if that really is the best decision or direction. 

I was there recently, unsure about my next step. I had a number of options in front of me and didn’t want to overlook God’s best for what looked easier or more attainable. For a moment, I felt paralyzed. 

“God, what should I do”? I prayed aloud. “I feel so alone and lost in this.” 

As soon as I mouthed the words, I was convicted by the realization that I am never alone. God’s presence goes with me everywhere I go. He knows all about my situation, and He already sees the solution. And He is leading if I will just follow. 

I wonder if Moses, at one time, could relate. 

When Moses was charged to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan, he was uncertain of his next step, too. Moses was hesitant because he believed the stubbornness of the Israelites would cause the Lord to decline going up to the land with them. I wonder if Moses, momentarily, thought he was on his own. Did he feel panicked or paralyzed? 

Scripture tells us in Exodus 13:12-13 that Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight.”  

God’s reply to Moses in verse 14 was short and sweet: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  

That was all Moses needed to hear and know. God’s presence would be with him, so he didn’t need to stress, worry, or fear. God had the next step, and the next one after that. And God would give him rest. Rest from feeling he had to do it on his own.  Rest from having to make the correct decision. Rest from the burden, the pressure, the obligations, and the fear of failure. 

How many times have I feared a situation because I’ve forgotten that not only will God go with me, but His presence has already gone before me?  How was this situation of mine any different? God would go with me, and He would give me rest. 

As Moses implied, God’s presence and His rest are evidence that I know Him, and He knows me and has taught me His ways. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Our knowledge of God and trust in Him are evident in how we respond to difficulties and certain crossroads in our lives. Will we worry, stress, or quietly rest in His leading?  Can you trust, regardless of what your situation looks like, that God knows you, He is intimately familiar with your situation, and His presence is going with you in your circumstances to guide you and get you through? Can you rest, not lie awake at night trying to figure it all out, because God already knows how to get you to where He wants you to be? 

Today, I will not be worried, stressed, or fearful because God’s presence goes with me and He will give me rest. His rest means no anxiety, no confusion, and no second-guessing what I should have done. He leads. He accompanies me. He provides peace and rest. And He can provide it for you too. 

Thank you, Lord God, that Your presence goes with us everywhere we go. And thank You for the assurance that You are familiar with all of our circumstances and all of our fears. We praise You today that Your presence means peace and rest. 

Further Study:

Matthew 11:28-29

For a closer walk with God and daily reminders to rest in Him, see my newest book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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Highlights:

• True freedom begins with the freedom Christ gives through salvation
• America’s founding was influenced by leaders who recognized God’s role in establishing liberty
• Freedom allows believers to worship, share the Gospel, and live openly for Christ
• Biblical freedom is not meant for selfish living but for serving others in love
• Remembering history invites us to thank God for those who courageously stood for freedom

Join the Conversation

As you reflect on 250 years of freedom as a nation, how do you see God’s hand at work throughout history? How can you use the freedoms you have today to honor God and serve those around you?

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Full Transcript Below:

Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom as a Nation

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1

Our Founding Fathers were a group who believed in God, the freedom He gives each of us, and His providence in establishing the United States of America.

Although debates continue over how godly each one lived and how deeply they each believed in God, they still gave us a biblical basis for our nation, one that continues today.

As the first Vice President and second President of the United States, John Adams wrote on July 3, 1776, to his beloved wife, Abigail, concerning the high cost of freedom paid to create the Declaration of Independence:

“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Adams also credited the American Revolution’s success with the spiritual revival in the hearts and minds of the people that preceded it by a generation, laying the foundation for America.

The spread of “The Great Awakening” across the colonies greatly influenced and strengthened Patriot leaders, leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in which prayer and fasting played a vital role in helping America establish its freedom. 

America is a testament of what God has done, leading America’s Founders to establish our nation and government on godly principles. These biblical truths have given us the freedom to live as followers of Jesus Christ without reserve.

As Galatians 5:13 directs us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

The following are three freedoms that America has granted us as Christians:

1. America gives us freedom to openly worship God. First and foremost is the freedom America gives us to worship God. It’s our highest calling as Christians, and it’s the freedom that tops all the others because it’s also fulfilling the first commandment, recorded in Matthew 22:37-38: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
2. America gives us freedom to openly preach the Gospel. In America, we have this freedom, like no other country in the world. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 explains, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
3. America gives us the freedom to openly live as Christians. We, as Americans, have been granted the right, as citizens, to live as Christians in the freedom Jesus gave us. As Jesus assured us in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 

Although we, as Americans, fought for freedom from King George and British tyranny, proclaiming independence from their harsh reign, our independence was rooted in our dependence upon Almighty God and the freedom He gives us through Jesus Christ.

Adams supported the spiritual awakening in our country, calling attention to and recognizing the connection between faith in God and freedom in life, validating where true freedom originates.

Miracles in American History author, historian, and speaker, William J. Federer, writes, “In defending the Declaration, Adams told the Continental Congress, July 1, 1776: ‘Live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence forever!’”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As we celebrate our nation’s 250 years of freedom this July 4th, consider our founders’ faith in God and the fortitude they displayed in standing on His truth amid conflict and tyranny. Spend time thanking God for their bravery and boldness in believing that true freedom comes from Him.

Further Reading:

How the Church Paved the Way for America’s Freedom

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Highlights:

• Love is more than words; it is demonstrated through action and truth
• God defines love through sacrifice, seen fully in Jesus on the cross
• Real love often involves giving, serving, and putting others before ourselves
• Biblical love is consistent even when people are imperfect or difficult
• Understanding God’s love changes how we love others in everyday life

Join the Conversation

How has your understanding of love changed through your faith journey? Where do you find it most challenging to love others in a sacrificial way, and what helps you reflect Christ’s love in those moments?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

A Proper View of Love
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). 

Many of us grow up with an incorrect view of what love actually means. From an early age, we are taught that if someone says they love you, we are to say, “I love you” back, regardless of how we are feeling. Without giving these words much thought, we have lost the true meaning of love and its uniqueness in our lives. 

The word “love” has a deeper meaning than just a greeting, a goodbye, or a simple “I love (fill in the blank).” The meaning of love has been distorted by overuse. As believers, we need to understand what love is and avoid using it haphazardly. 

There is a time and place to say we love others, but we also need to show it in our actions. We are told in the Bible, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

My mom used to say she loved me each morning before I went to elementary school, but she didn’t use the word “love” in a way that was repetitive or meaningless. When she said she loved me, she meant it, and she backed it up with her actions. 

Now, this is the key difference. The love my mom showed me was not just in her words. She also showed it through her actions and genuine concern for me. Whenever she would tell me she loved me and to have a good day at school, she truly meant it. 

The True Definition of Love

The Apostle Paul tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God has shown in both His actions and words that He loves us. He didn’t only say He loves us, but rather, He left Heaven to die the death we deserved and pay our sin debt. 

Jesus did this out of the love He has for us. No one would die for someone they didn’t love with every fiber of their body. “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8). 

Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates to us what real love looks like: sacrifice. Love is not all roses, beautiful dates, or perfect families. Real love is rooted in sacrificing our own needs for others. 

This is what real love looks like as it models the same love Jesus has for us. We will have to love others in their darkest times. For example, one of our friends might need support when they are going through alcohol or addiction recovery. Showing judgment toward them and not being there for them will only cause them to feel awful about themselves. However, if we model Jesus’ sacrificial love in our lives, we will be loving, caring, and compassionate toward them, and sacrifice our own plans to spend time with them. 

The Lord tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Living under a proper view of love will change our lives and ensure we love others as the Lord loves us. Praying to Jesus to help us practice sacrificial love will help us if we find it a difficult concept to fully embrace. God can transform our hearts and change them to reflect His own (Ezekiel 36:26).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is your definition of love? Has anyone modeled the love of Jesus for you in their life? Did this leave a lasting impact on you? How can you lean into the Lord’s love today?

Further Reading:

Jeremiah 31:3

John 3:16-18

1 John 4:10

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Highlights:

• God provides strength and protection when we face challenges that feel too big to overcome
• Trusting God means inviting Him into our goals instead of trying to accomplish everything alone
• Prayer keeps us connected to God’s guidance, wisdom, and provision
• God can protect us from discouragement, setbacks, and fear as we pursue His purposes
• Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps us trust Him with future challenges

Join the Conversation

What is one area of your life where you need God to be your strength and shield right now? How can trusting Him change the way you approach your goals, challenges, or uncertainties?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

God Will Be Your Strength and Shield
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7, NIV 

My grandmother, Lena Wyckoff, founded a popular railroad history museum. The process took years and required her and other volunteers with the organization she founded to overcome many different challenges. But Grandma persisted because she said God inspired her to set the goal of starting the museum, and she was sure that he would help her every step of the way. As Grandma’s volunteer group made more and more progress, people started calling Grandma “the little engine who could,” after the main character in the classic children’s story “The Little Engine that Could” about a train engine that overcame challenges to pull a train over a mountain. Grandma loved her new nickname. But she let people know that the reason she could be “the little engine who could” was because she relied on God’s strength to help her. God also served as a shield for Grandma, protecting her from discouragement whenever a new challenge popped up along the way. Since Grandma trusted God to be her strength and shield, she was able to persist and finally achieve the goal God led her to set. Ever since the museum opened, it has attracted many visitors and brought joy to adults and children alike. 

What’s an important goal you’re trying to achieve in your own life? Whatever that goal is, it may feel like a mountain to you. You can see the peak, and you want to get there, but looking at the steep incline of challenges in front of you can discourage you from trying to make progress. 

Psalm 28:7 assures you that God will help you by being both your strength and your shield. You can rely on God to give you the strength you need as you work to achieve your goal. God will empower you, and there’s no limit to God’s power, so anything is possible to achieve when you’re trusting God. You can also count on God to protect you from anything harmful that’s headed your way – like unexpected setbacks, your own doubts, or criticism from other people – by being your shield. God will fuel your progress and protect you along the way as you work to achieve your goals. 

This verse shows trust at work when it says “... and he helps me.” It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But how often do you actually stop and ask God for help? God cares about all of your goals, and he wants to help you achieve them. God is a loving Heavenly Father who really cares about all the details of your life. If it matters to you, it matters to God! 

If God has led you to set a goal that’s important to you, don’t just set it and then try to achieve it on your own. Instead, stay connected to God regularly through prayer and meditation, and ask God to help you while you work to make progress. God can open doors you can’t see, provide resources you didn’t know you needed, and give you a peace that makes the journey actually enjoyable. 

Psalm 28:7 ends with the author, King David, saying that his heart “leaps for joy” and that he’s praising God by singing. David is celebrating wholeheartedly because God has given him tremendous power and protection and helped him with everything he needed. 

Imagine how much stress you could let go of, and how much joy you could experience, if you trust God to help you achieve your goal. You won’t have to worry about any challenge that comes your way, because you’ll know that God is in control. 

So, take that big goal that feels like a mountain and hand it over to God. Don’t just ask God to bless your plans; ask him to be your strength and shield. Trust that God will help you, and rely on his help. As you do, in God’s timing, you’ll see your goal become a reality! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how God will be your strength and shield as you pursue your goals, reflect on these questions: 

• What’s one important goal you’re currently working toward that feels overwhelming to handle on your own? 
• In what ways have you been relying on your own strength lately, and how can you start relying more on God to empower you? 
• What do you need God to protect you from right now so you can make progress on your goal? 
• When you remember how God helped you achieve something important in the past, how does that change your perspective on your current goal? 
• How can you invite God into your work this week to help you make progress toward achieving your goal? 

Further Reading:
Psalm 121:1-2
Philippians 4:13
Isaiah 41:10
Proverbs 3:5-6
2 Corinthians 12:9

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Highlights:

• God’s protection reminds us that we are valuable and deeply cared for by Him
• Nothing happens outside of God’s awareness, even when circumstances feel uncertain
• Jesus promises that no one can take His children out of His hands
• Trusting God’s sovereignty brings peace when we face fear, injustice, or uncertainty
• We can find security knowing God watches over us and works for our good

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a moment when God reminded you that you were safe in His care? How does knowing that God is always watching over and protecting you change the way you respond to fear or difficult circumstances?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

We Are Safe with God

By Alexis A. Goring 

Bible Reading:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10 NIV

Have you ever felt unsafe but not worried because you knew there were people and systems in place to protect you? Did knowing this help you feel safe?

When I worked in retail for a major department store, part of my orientation day was an introduction to the asset protection team, who operated inside a hidden room in that store. They had TV monitors mounted on a long wall, as well as other technology they used daily to watch all the customers to make sure nobody would steal anything that belonged to the store and get away with it. 

According to a Google search aided by AI, “Asset Protection (AP) teams in department stores protect assets, employees, and customers by preventing theft, fraud, and inventory loss (shrink) through surveillance, investigations, and safety training. They work in uniforms or plain clothes (store detectives), monitoring CCTV, patrolling floors, and collaborating with law enforcement to maintain a safe environment.”

My exposure to how stores protect their products didn’t end there. A few years after working in retail, I noticed that another popular store started putting their facial cleanser products beyond glass cases that cannot be unlocked without assistance from a sales associate. When I asked why, they said people had started stealing these products, so they put them under lock and key to prevent theft.

As I thought about these two experiences recently, I realized that this is similar to how God protects us. We are His most valuable assets on Earth, and He has gone to great lengths to protect us. God sends His Angels from Heaven to protect us from the devil, whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy us. But we have hope and security in God. The Bible says in John 10:28 (NIRV), “I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one will steal them out of my hand.” We are safe in His hands. This reminds me of a popular Christian faith-based song with lyrics that remind us how the Creator of the Universe holds the whole world in His Hands. We serve a big and mighty God who is sovereign and always in control. He’s very protective of us as His treasured possessions, and nobody—devil, demon, forces of evil, and people who want to hurt us—can remove God’s hand of protection over us. Our Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ) cannot be defeated, and He promises to cover us all the days of our lives (Matthew 28:20).

Nothing that happens on Earth goes unnoticed by God. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:3 (NIRV), “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good.” Just like that department store had a hidden place within the store to keep watch silently without any customer being aware they are under surveillance, the Lord Himself and His Angels are keeping watch over all humankind. They stay hidden from us in most cases, but they are very present in our world. And sometimes, they reveal their presence when necessary (Hebrews 13:2).

So next time you feel like someone who hurt you is getting away with it or a crime is going unpunished, remember that God will work everything together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and vengeance is His (Romans 12:17-19). Also, remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 4:13-15 (NIV), “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

When we remember Biblical truth and apply it to our lives, this can help us have a peace that passes all understanding because we know God is in control, we are safe with Him, and nobody can snatch us out of His hand that covers us every moment of our lives on Earth. So, when you are afraid, run to Jesus. And if you are tempted to sin, remember God is watching you too. Make Him proud and do the right thing. 

In closing, I’d like for you to listen to the following songs:

Song of Reflection #1: “Mercy Said No” by Cece Winans. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2: “Testimony” by Terrian. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #3: “Safe” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #4: “Every Moment” by ForeverJones. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does it feel to know that you are safe with God?

Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 32:35
Psalm 46:1-11
Psalm 91:1-16
Psalm 121:1-8
2 Thessalonians 3:3

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Spiritual growth is not about earning God’s approval through endless activity. God’s love is already given through Christ, and our obedience flows from that relationship rather than trying to achieve it. When faith becomes a checklist instead of a connection, we lose sight of the freedom and peace Jesus offers.

Highlights:

• Following Jesus is about relationship, not religious performance
• God’s love and approval are not earned through productivity or perfection
• Jesus offers rest to those who feel burdened by expectations and pressure
• Spiritual disciplines are meant to draw us closer to God, not become a way to prove ourselves
• True growth happens as we remain connected to Christ and trust His work in us

Join the Conversation

Have you ever felt the pressure to be a “good Christian” by doing more or achieving more? What would it look like to simply come to Jesus today and rest in His presence?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

The Pressure to Be a “Good Christian” and Why You Can Let It Go
By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) 

Never enough. It was something my heart repeated to itself on a regular basis. For so many years, I never felt good enough. I felt that if I did more, performed better, added to my to-do list, God would be pleased with me. During those years, I tried so hard to be a “good Christian.” I went to church, prayed, served, and said yes to every request.

What does it mean to be a “good Christian”? I never bothered to ask that question until one day my life began to spiral into depression, uncertainty, and my faith was tested. One day, I realized that suffering and heartache would come whether I was doing life right or not. Whether I was a good Christian or not, pain still happened.

What I needed during those months and, yes, years, of heartache, was not a routine but a relationship. Not until I was forced to reexamine my life did I see where I had misstepped. Somewhere along the way, following Jesus started to feel like something I need to manage instead of a relationship to cultivate. Without realizing it, I started measuring my faith by what I was doing instead of who I was becoming.

Because of life’s circumstances, I didn’t have time to spend hours with God in the morning, or really anytime during my day. I would look at the perfect pictures of women online and how they didn’t seem to struggle. My faith seemed so small, and it was hard to believe God was happy with me. Because so much of my life depended on my service to God, having to step away or say no made me think, “Is God disappointed in me?”

We may never say it out loud, but many of us carry a quiet belief: If I were a better Christian, I would be doing more. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus doesn’t add to our pressure—He relieves it: “Come to me… I will give you rest… My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As we look towards Jesus, we don’t see someone who wants the perfect person; we don’t come to Jesus having it all put together. The burdens we feel to be a good Christian are not from Him.  Jesus says those who come to Him, who are welcome, are those who are weary, tired, and feel like they are crushed. The voice of Jesus calling us to come to Him is not a voice of pressure, but one offering peace. 

Our culture - even within the religious community - is one obsessed with productivity. Multitasking is a superpower. We love it if we can accomplish more than one thing at a time. This mindset has invaded the church. We have begun to misunderstand the spiritual disciplines as a way to perform, to gain God’s favor, and to win heaven. 

What started as a desire to grow can slowly turn into a need to prove. This is where we find ourselves weary. This is when we come to Jesus. Coming to Jesus is relational, not transactional. We come to Him, not to perform, but to be present with Him. As we walk with Jesus, we take His yoke, but the thing is - we share the weight. Growth is about connection. We learn from Him, and eventually we rest in Him. 

In John 15:5, Jesus said that we can only bear fruit if we abide in Him. Being a “good Christian” isn’t about being perfect in our actions or our feelings. We do not need to always feel close to God, nor do we need to spend hours studying His Word, praying, or serving him.  Serving God comes from an overflow of His power, not in our own strength. 

Jesus invites us to be “good Christians” as we return again and again to Him. We trust Jesus with our weaknesses and stay connected to Him, even if it can seem imperfect.  He is waiting. He is willing. Every day His mercies are new, and we are invited into a relationship with him. A relationship is not a to-do list. It isn’t something we can measure either. A “good Christian” isn’t someone who gets everything right—it’s someone who keeps coming back to Jesus.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

It’s easy to carry the pressure of performance into our faith without even realizing it. In a world that values productivity and visible results, we can begin to measure our relationship with God the same way—by what we do instead of simply being with Him. But spiritual growth isn’t always loud or measurable. Often, it happens quietly—in small moments of returning, trusting, and staying connected, even when it feels imperfect. What would it look like today, instead of trying to do more for God, you simply came to Him? How can you take one step closer to God? 

Further Reading:
Psalm 103:13-14
Luke 18:13-14
John 15:5
Galatians 1:10
Romans 8:1

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Doubt does not mean God has abandoned us. Many believers experience moments of uncertainty, questioning, or spiritual exhaustion. In those seasons, God invites us to return to Him through prayer, Scripture, and a deeper understanding of His character. He is not only present in the moments when we feel strong in faith—He is faithful when we feel weak.

Highlights:

• Seasons of doubt can become opportunities to rediscover God’s faithfulness
• God remains present even when His work is difficult to see
• Our faith is rooted in Jesus, not in the actions or failures of others
• Prayer and Scripture help rebuild trust in God’s character and promises
• God is our refuge and strength when life feels uncertain or overwhelming

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever experienced a season where your faith felt distant or difficult to hold onto? What helped you remember that God was still present and faithful?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding Faith Again
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3). 

Most of us have had times when we doubt our faith. We doubt if we are truly saved or if anything we do truly matters. While I have never doubted God’s existence, I have doubted His goodness and provision. In retrospect, I can now see God has provided for me even in the darkest of times. 

However, during trying times, it can be hard to see God. We automatically blame God and reason that He is why we are going through challenging times. Since God is ultimately in control, we question why He is not bringing us deliverance. As someone who has been in this place many times, I can attest to just how much God is present when we think He is not. God is always with us, even if we do not realize it. 

A particularly tough time for me was when I was in England. I was serving on a mission trip, and there was only one other person and me. I struggled as this was my first time away from home, and I missed my family. I struggle with social anxiety, and it was challenging to be around people I didn't know very well. 

The host families I stayed with were all supportive, but a few profoundly changed my life. They helped me to know that I matter and that God has plans for my life, even if I could not see them right away. Although my faith struggled at times during this mission trip, I left England with a stronger faith than I had before. I knew God would be with me through everything, even if I had doubted Him. 

An Ever-Present Help in Trouble 

The Bible tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3). 

While many people believe only David wrote the Psalms, others wrote them as well. Another writer was the Sons of Korah, who wrote Psalm 46. The Sons of Korah lived during a time of exile. They longed to return to Israel and yearned for the day when God would deliver His people. Despite what they saw each day, they knew God was their refuge, strength, and an ever-present help in trouble. 

By studying Psalm 46:1-3 and applying it to our lives, we will slowly begin to trust God again. We will realize that He is also our refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Although the earth may give way and the mountains will fall into the sea, we will not fear because God is with us. He is our mighty protector, and He will keep us safe from all harm. 

If you need to find your faith again, start talking with the Lord in prayer today. Read the Bible and study what it has to say for yourself. Rather than relying on other Christians or a church, seek out matters for yourself. Sadly, many of us struggle with our faith because of a negative experience with a Christian or a church. Try to remember at these times that our faith is in Jesus, not in other Christians or a church. 

These individuals will fail us and might even cause us much harm, but the Lord never will. He will always fight for us and be on our side. Even as everything else in our lives falls apart, Jesus will stand by our side (Hebrews 13:5-6). We can have faith in Jesus because He is our mighty Savior and the One who has redeemed our souls. Praise God for such a wonderful blessing in the Lord. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you ever struggled with your faith in Jesus? What did this look like? Why do you think most Christians struggle with their faith at times? How might Jesus help you in the journey of finding your faith again? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 23:1-6

Exodus 14:14

2 Timothy 4:18

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Because of Christ, we are not abandoned or forgotten. We are deeply loved, chosen, guided, and redeemed by the Father. When we remember who God is and who we are in Him, fear loses its power and we can walk forward with confidence in His care.

Highlights:

• God’s love is something we are invited to experience, not just understand intellectually
• Past hardships can distort our view of God’s faithfulness if we lose sight of His truth
• God often meets us through difficulties by providing strength, peace, and guidance
• We are desirable, lovable, helpable, and redeemable because of God’s love
• Knowing we are loved by God changes how we face challenges and uncertainty

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

God’s Heart for You Is Huge
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
“…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” – Ephesians 3:19 AMPC

For a second, I imagined myself as a little girl, abandoned and left alone in the rain. Shivering, it was obvious that my clothes were far too scarce for the elements. 

As I came back out of my daydreaming, I decided that a random imaginary picture summed up how I felt. It aligned with my underlying thoughts: Who will rescue me? Who will protect me? Will I be okay?

The logical side of me knew, cerebrally, the truth: “God is faithful.”
The authentic side of me, honestly said, “Can I really trust God?”

I wasn’t so sure after all I’d been through - problem after problem, health issue after health issue, car malfunction after car malfunction. It leaves one wondering: Will I always be left out to dry?

The enemy of my soul certainly wanted me to believe that this would be the case. That God won’t show up. That God will fail me. That I can’t trust God. For if the devil can discourage me with the past, he can steal from me faith in the present.

I wasn’t about to let that happen. 

My mind circled back to the truth of my hard past situations. I remembered back to how Jesus didn’t deliver me from my surgery, but how His peace carried me through surgery and recovery. I acknowledged how some lump sum of money didn’t drop on me, but how God readily provided for me with my car problems. I remembered how a problem for a family member became a confidence boost post-event.

God loves me. He wasn’t running from me; God was with me. His love was right there.

A lie was unearthed: God wants to be near me and is not far from me. He desires to help me.

Owning this truth feels somewhat self-indulgent, but it still remains true that:

I am desirable to God.  He so desires to be with me that Christ lives in me.
I am lovable to God. He so loves me, He sent His Son for me, even while I was still a sinner.
I am helpable. He so wants to equip and guide me; He has sent His Holy Spirit to lead me.

I am redeemable. If Jesus conquered sin and death, He is able to conquer my problems, His way.

These 4 -able statements make me remember I don’t serve a God who is unable. 

Instead, I serve a God who loves me and wants to help me. This changes everything. I am not a lost child, but a loved one. A cared-for daughter. 

God’s love never fails me.

“…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” (Eph. 3:19 AMPC)

I am not left an unlovable, left to dry orphan, but I am a loved daughter of the Most High God.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What -able statement means the most to you? Why do you think it is hard to own these truths? What do you feel able to do or to confront when you realize that God is able to love you this way?

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Creating intentional moments of rest allows us to refocus on what truly matters. Whether through a walk without a phone, a quiet morning with Scripture, or simply setting aside time away from screens, we can rediscover the peace and renewal that comes from being present with God.

Highlights:

• Jesus modeled the importance of stepping away from busyness to rest with God
• Digital distractions can make it harder to slow down and listen for God’s voice
• Unplugging creates space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal
• Rest is not a luxury—it is part of how God designed us to reconnect with Him
• Intentional quiet moments help us recognize God’s presence in everyday life

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Unplug to Connect with God
By: Whitney Hopler 

Bible Reading:
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” – Mark 6:31, NIV 

An onstage speaker was presenting important information that all of us attending an editorial conference needed to know. But as I listened and took notes, I wondered why so many people around me in the audience were on their mobile devices rather than paying attention to the speaker’s message. We had all traveled to New York City at our own expense to attend the conference. I didn’t want to miss a word of what all the speakers had to share. After that session, someone asked me if she could take pictures of my notes. She admitted that she had been so distracted by what she was doing online that she had no idea what the in-person speaker had said. 

Living in a society that pressures us to be constantly connected online, it’s challenging for us to take digital breaks. But it’s important to do so. God didn’t create us to be constantly dealing with information coming at us; he created us to need rest for our well-being. Our minds work best when we have time to focus well on one message at a time and to reflect regularly on all the information we’re learning. 

In Mark 6:31, Jesus looked at his disciples, who were so busy helping people that they didn’t even have time to eat – and invited them to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Jesus knew that the crowd's noise could eventually distract them so much that they couldn’t hear the messages God was sending them. If Jesus needed to pull his friends away from the few distractions of the first century, how much more do we need him to pull us away from the many digital distractions we’re dealing with right now? 

Unplugging regularly from our digital devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets is really a spiritual necessity. Every notification and every time we scroll places demands on our attention. When our attention is fragmented into lots of different pieces by our devices, we lose the ability to sit still and listen to God. We find it hard to pray for more than two minutes without wondering if we missed a text, or to read and reflect on a Bible passage without our minds wandering back to a work email or a social media comment. As a result, we can miss out on hearing from God. 

But when we choose to unplug – such as by taking a walk in nature without our phones or enjoying family dinner conversations without any devices in the room – we make room in our lives to hear from God. It’s in those quiet, unplugged times that we can pay attention to what’s most important: the messages God is sending us. The more we notice God’s presence with us, the more we can realize the value of spending time paying attention to what God has to say and renewing our minds as we rest with God. 

It can be uncomfortable at first to build a habit of unplugging regularly. But if we push through that discomfort, we’ll find that God has been waiting for us in the quiet. God isn’t competing with our screens; he’s waiting for us to lay them down so he can refresh us. So, let’s take God up on his invitation to go with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Then we’ll be able to hear the important messages God is always sending us. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to unplug digitally to connect with God spiritually, reflect on these questions: 

• When you first wake up, how long does it take before you check a digital device? How do your digital habits affect your ability to pay attention well during the day? 
• Does the thought of turning your cell phone off for a few hours create a sense of anxiety or peace for you? Why do you think you feel that way?
• Where is a quiet place in your home or neighborhood that you can go to be alone with God without any digital distractions? 
• What are the “crowds” in your digital life – the apps or social media platforms that most often prevent you from hearing God’s voice? 
• If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, looking at your screen time, what do you think he would lovingly invite you to let go of so you could spend more time with him? 

Further Reading:
Psalm 46:10
Matthew 11:28
Psalm 62:5
Luke 5:16
Isaiah 30:15

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Remembering that we are chosen changes the way we see ourselves and our circumstances. Earthly disappointments may still hurt, but they no longer define our worth. God’s choice of us is rooted in His love, His purpose, and His eternal plan.

Highlights:

• Our deepest sense of belonging comes from being chosen by God
• Earthly rejection does not change our identity as God’s beloved children
• God calls us His special possession and invites us into His family
• Staying grounded in Scripture helps us remember who we are in Christ
• God’s plans and blessings are greater than the opportunities we may miss

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Chosen by God

By Alexis A. Goring

Bible Reading:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Have you ever struggled with a sense of belonging because you did not feel chosen?

Most people want to be chosen. Whether chosen to play with others when we were children, chosen to be asked to the prom by our high school crush, chosen to attend the college of our choice, chosen to marry the person of our dreams, chosen for a job we worked hard for or chosen for other things we want out of life, the desire to be chosen is a universal feeling and part of life on earth. But do we know that the Creator of the Universe chose us before we chose Him (Ephesians 1:4-5)?

God chose us to be part of His Family. Since He is King of the Universe, that means we as His children are a special kind of royalty. We are daughters and sons of the Eternal King. But how often do we forget this Biblical truth and act like we don’t know our true identity in Jesus Christ?

I know I tend to be forgetful of this, and I struggle to maintain a heavenly perspective because it is easy to be consumed by how our world programs us to think. This is why it is so important to stay grounded in God’s Word. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a people chosen by God. We are special to Him. God doesn’t just choose you; He transforms you as He calls you out of darkness into His wonderful light. When you choose to give your life to Jesus Christ, then you have passed from death to life (John 5:24). You now have the hope of eternal life after Jesus returns to Earth to take His children home to Heaven. But while we are still living on Earth, it is important to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and not be bogged down by what we go through in this world.

Our experiences on Earth shape us. I know what it is like to not be chosen for the team, not chosen by the man whom I thought I wanted to marry, not chosen by the dream employer whom I would love to work for, or not chosen for so many other of my heart’s desires. But instead of worrying about these missed opportunities to be chosen, it helps me to remember that the King of the Universe chose me and you first. And He offers us a life better than our wildest dreams when we enter Heaven. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (GW), “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”

God has amazing things in store for His chosen people when we step into eternity with Him. But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t also have good plans for us while we are living on Earth. God can still answer our prayers and bless us beyond our wildest dreams, and help the right people to choose us. We just need to pray for His will to be done in our lives. He wants to bless you on earth, too, though those blessings pale in comparison to what He has in store for us when we start eternity in His Kingdom.

Next time you feel disappointed or sad about not being chosen by a person or company, or an opportunity here on Earth, look up to the sky and imagine God smiling down at you, saying, “I still choose you, my child.”

Let that Biblical truth marinate in your mind. Write it down in your prayer journal. Post it on your mirror so you can remind yourself every day that God chose you. Soak in His pure, unconditional love for you and remember who you are in Jesus Christ.

In closing, I would like you to listen to these two songs: “Remember Who You Are” sung by Crystal Lewis. And “I Still Want You” sung by Tramaine Hawkins.

Song of Reflection #1: “Remember Who You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #2: “I Still Want You” by Tramaine Hawkins. Listen to it HERE. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does it feel to know you are chosen by God?

Further Reading:
John 15:16
Isaiah 41:9
Colossians 3:12
Philippians 2:5-8
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

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Highlights:

• God remains our strength when our hearts and circumstances feel overwhelming
• Trials are a reality of living in a broken world, but God promises to walk with us through them
• True comfort comes from drawing near to God and trusting His presence
• God provides wisdom, peace, and guidance when we feel unable to move forward
• Even difficult seasons can reveal God’s faithfulness and deepen our dependence on Him

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Even When the Heart Fails
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Ps. 73:22-28 (NIV)

Have you ever been through an unexpected trial and felt as if your heart and your flesh are failing? Where do you turn when the circumstances are so overwhelming, so oppressive, that it feels as if any and all physical strength has been drained out? Normal stamina and rigor seem to be completely absent, leaving you utterly exhausted from the simplest daily tasks. And if that isn’t challenging enough, your heart follows suit and struggles to carry the weight of your unwelcome burdens. 

Unfortunately, we all face hardships, disappointments, and at times even devastation. While the Bible is full of God’s promises, unending love, and hope for the future, it is also clear that sin and suffering are ever-present realities in this world.  The consequences of these can wreak havoc on our hearts and minds. Our Heavenly Father understood this from the moment sin entered the world and forever changed the landscape of all of our lives. He made provision through His only Son to pay the penalty for sin, but that payment does not shield us from encountering heartbreak. While we cannot evade challenging and hurtful circumstances, God promises to walk side-by-side with us as we take every step through the valley.

I don’t know where you find yourself today.  Perhaps you are in a sweet season of joy and abundance. If so, I celebrate with you. Treasure the good gifts God has bestowed upon you during this time. But if you are facing a season of struggle, then I empathize and offer my deepest condolences. Today, I find myself wandering through yet another desert, confused, conflicted, and in desperate need of holy consolation. Yet even in this, I know God is still granting me “good” gifts, even if nothing about it feels “good.”

There really are times when there is nothing here on earth that can satisfy or bring true comfort. Loved ones can be present, be a listening ear, and provide some measure of relief, but only the Lord can reach those dark caverns of our souls when the heart fails. He assures us that He is always with us, no matter how crushed and lost we feel. When we feel like we cannot possibly take one more step, He guides us with His counsel. He provides supernatural wisdom for the hard decisions we may have to make and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Though the wind and the waves may buffet our sails, the Lord declares, “Peace, be still.” 

As the Lord fulfills every one of these promises, He is granting us good gifts. He is demonstrating His unfailing love as He draws us closer to Him. God reveals Himself to us as we seek refuge in Him and in Him alone. We can trust Him. On the other side of the cross is resurrection. On the other side of whatever hardships and hurts you are facing today, there is glory. 

Will you join me today, as we remind ourselves of God’s goodness and promises shared in Psalm 73:22-28?

“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are there circumstances in your life right now that have threatened to overtake your faith and peace? Do you feel as if your heart has failed? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you hope? Even if the pain and disappointment feel unbearable, can you sense God’s presence in the midst of all you are going through? Regardless of where you find yourself today, I pray that God’s faithfulness is evident in your life, and you can declare with me, “It is good to be near God.”

Further Reading:
Hebrews 13:5
John 16:33

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Highlights:

• God invites His children to approach Him with confidence and receive His mercy and grace
• Our experiences with earthly fathers can influence how we view God, but Scripture reveals His true character
• God’s love is not earned through accomplishments or perfection—it is a gift of grace
• Through Jesus, we can come before God without fear of condemnation or rejection
• Our Heavenly Father is faithful, approachable, and always present in our time of need

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Approaching Our Father

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV).

Do you ever need help but hesitate to ask someone, unsure of what their response might be? The writer to the Hebrews must have known we would experience that type of hesitation when approaching God, and apparently wanted us to know that we can approach our Father God with confidence and find Him full of mercy and grace when we need help. 

This wasn’t an easy concept for me to grasp. Even though I grew up in church, learning about the love and forgiveness of my heavenly Father, I also believed I had to earn my earthly father’s love. I don’t often remember my dad saying “I love you,” but I do remember how pleased he was with my accomplishments, so I often heard him say, “I’m so proud of you.” Thus, it was ingrained in me that if I accomplished much and made him proud, that equated to his love for me. 

I also grew up fearing my dad’s reaction if I made a dent in a wall, left a scratch on our car, or broke something of value. I was especially fearful of bringing home a traffic ticket. I learned how to tiptoe around him and to do everything I could to keep the peace at home. When my dad wasn’t under stress or triggered by past pain, he was approachable and very kind to me. Other times, he wasn’t. It was often a gamble. 

Today, my dad is a different person. Through the transforming power of God’s Holy Spirit, he has softened tremendously through the years. I know today that he loves me for who I am, not for what I do. Yet, many times how we grew up around an earthly father (or without one) can tend to shape our view of God as our Heavenly Father. 

I remember the freedom I experienced when I understood the truth of God’s unconditional love and acceptance for His children. Romans 5:8 tells us: “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That means if there was nothing we could do to earn God’s love, there’s nothing we can do to lose His love. It also means we never have to perform or try to measure up to our Heavenly Father’s standards because Jesus already did! We are enough for our Heavenly Father because God sees us through what Jesus accomplished on the cross on our behalf. God doesn’t love and accept us based on our behavior, accomplishments, or what we make of ourselves. His acceptance of us is based on our faith in His Perfect Son (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:6). 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

No matter what your relationship is like (or was like) with your earthly father, God’s love, presence, and help are far more accessible to us than any earthly dad’s – even the most loving ones. Hebrews 4:16 assures us that because we have a High Priest (Jesus) who can sympathize with us, we can approach God with boldness and receive His mercy and grace any time we need His help. When we are in a relationship with Jesus, we can confidently approach our Father God at any time of the day or night, and He’ll be there for us. No condemnation. No fear of retribution. Only grace and help in times of need. Every single time. God is consistently merciful, and our approach doesn’t have to depend on His mood or circumstances.  

How has your relationship (or lack of one) with your earthly father affected how you see God as your Heavenly Father? God’s attributes are not only a picture of what every earthly father was meant to be, but I believe God longs to make up for what you never experienced with your dad by being your faithful, dependable, loving, and approachable Father. Can you look to Him today to be the Dad you have always wanted, but might never have had? 

O Lord God, open our eyes to see You as the perfect Father and the One we can approach with everything on our hearts and minds. Thank You that You always hear the cries of Your children—and Your grace and mercy never run dry. 

Further Reading:
Romans 8:38-39

For more on growing closer to God and being able to call Him Father, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Highlights:

• God cares about both the wounds we carry and the people who have caused them
• Forgiveness does not mean ignoring pain, excusing wrongdoing, or removing healthy boundaries
• God’s grace extends to every person, including those who have deeply failed others
• We can trust God to bring healing and transformation where we cannot
• Honoring others begins with allowing God to shape our hearts through compassion and forgiveness

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

No Father Left Behind

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.” - Proverbs 30:11

Nowadays, some adult children believe they are justified in dismissing their earthly fathers, seeing it as a personal matter between the two of them and believing God is okay with whatever they decide to do.

But nothing could be further from the truth, because God cares not only for us but for our fathers, too. Like the Marines’ unofficial slogan of leaving no man behind, God doesn’t leave fathers behind either, even in their failures and sins.

Sadly, many individuals have valid reasons for turning their backs on their fathers. Yet God calls us to follow His lead in responding to the pain in our lives, because too many fathers have fallen by the wayside and need His help, mercy, and redemption.

Tragically, some fathers have been drunkards, drug users, criminals, murderers, prisoners, abusers, and more.

Still, God holds children accountable for their attitudes toward their fathers because it’s a matter of the heart—the kind of issue that, if left unchecked, can lead to lifelong sorrow.

Regardless of a father’s sin, God doesn’t write fathers off or give children permission to do the same. Instead, He calls us to forgiveness and to trust Him to work in our fathers’ lives.

Trusting God with the Pain

We can trust God with our pain, too, because He isn’t going to ask us to embrace or entrust ourselves to fathers who aren’t trustworthy, or to pretend they didn’t hurt us.

He isn’t asking us to say or believe things about our fathers that aren’t true, or to overlook their sins. But He also doesn’t support us disowning, abandoning, or labeling them as toxic and unworthy of redemption.

Likewise, God doesn’t give us permission to punish, correct, dishonor, or treat them disrespectfully, even when we believe they deserve it. This is often a hard pill to swallow for those who’ve lived life with a derelict dad.

Sometimes God Asks More of Us

Along with leading us to forgive our fathers, sometimes God asks more of us when it comes to dealing with our dads.

Author and speaker Joyce Meyer’s dad sexually abused her while she was growing up, giving her every earthly reason to walk away from him and have nothing to do with him for the rest of her life.

Yet, unbelievably, God called her to provide for and care for her abusive father in his old age—something she resisted at first, shocked that a holy and just God would ever ask her to do.

After all, why would a loving God call her to care for a father who had so cruelly abused and mistreated her? He certainly didn’t deserve her kindness and generosity.

Still, God didn’t let her off the hook. He asked her to do what seemed impossible.

Choosing to live in obedience to Him rather than remain bound by her pain, Meyer took on the responsibility. Remarkably, through her kindness and generosity, her father came to know the Lord before passing away.

Does God Love Fallen Fathers?

So one has to ask: Does God love the godless fathers who have failed miserably and caused unimaginable and unspeakable wounds in the lives of their children and others?

Some of us, even as Christians, are ready to throw in the towel when it comes to caring about deeply flawed dads, believing they don’t deserve to receive God’s love. But we are mistaken if we see ourselves as more deserving of His love than they are.

The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

If we see ourselves as more deserving of receiving God’s forgiveness and love than faithless fathers, then we don’t truly understand the sin nature we are all born with. We all enter life undeserving of God’s grace and in desperate need of a perfect, sinless Savior to redeem us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If you’re trying to come to terms with a father who failed you, ask God to help you forgive him and give you a heart of compassion toward him. Trust Him to bring healing to your heart and to work in your father’s life in ways only He can.

Further Reading:
How to Offer Your Dad Forgiveness this Father’s Day

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Intersecting Faith & Life:
Consider these questions as you reflect on your own spiritual growth:

• What patterns continue to appear in your relationships, work, or daily life that God may want to transform within you?
• Do you extend the same grace and understanding to others that you hope to receive?
• Is there someone you need to forgive, or is there bitterness you need to surrender to God?

Spiritual maturity begins when we allow God to reveal the truth about our hearts—not to condemn us, but to lead us toward freedom, healing, and deeper dependence on Him.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

3 Questions That Cause Spiritual Growth
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:

“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” –  Matthew 7:3-5 ESV

I clenched my hands. Clear as day, the issue was him. He was being stubborn. He wasn’t listening. He wasn’t being open to a different perspective.

But was I…? 

Being open…?
Listening...?
Hearing what He was saying…?

Not really…

Jesus addressed this sort of situation when he said, “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Mt. 7:3-5 ESV)

My husband and I have a phrase for this sort of finger-pointing. It’s called “You spot it, you got it.”

Meaning, if I spot my husband being stubborn, I’ve likely got stubbornness too.
If I spot that He isn’t listening, I should wonder whether I’ve got earphones on my ears also.
If I spot an inability to understand another perspective, I am wise to ask myself if I’ve got that same inability to listen.

We spot it, we got it!

When we consider that what we judge in others may be what is lurking inside of us, true spiritual progress happens. Pride is healed. Humility comes. A deeper need for God surfaces. Blind spots are seen for what they are. God’s grace is absolutely required.

What blind spots may exist within you? Let’s dive deeper…

3 Exploratory Questions to Grow Closer to God

Ask yourself:

1. What patterns follow me from relationship to relationship, job to job, or situation to situation? How might I blame on people, predicaments, or pressures, something God may want to heal within me?

Take a moment and reflect. Do not allow shame to convict you. Instead, allow the hard reality of truth to set you free to the life-giving power of God to help you. Pray. Ask. Seek the Lord. Repent, if needed. 

1. How do I demand sympathy or grace from others to justify where I am? Do I give others the same sympathy and grace that I expect? 

Sometimes, we have stories to keep us safe. We have a long list of reasons why we do what we do. We expect others to coddle us, instead of realizing God has more for us. Seeing the truth helps us build better relationships in the future.

1. Who do I keep needing to forgive? How do I gain personal sympathy by not forgiving them? If I have forgiven, have I asked God to forgive me, for my bitterness or resentment? And, most of all, have I forgiven myself?

Often, we forgive others but fail to ask God to forgive us for anger, bitterness, or thinking bad thoughts about others. Have we done this? Also, the hardest person to forgive is -- ourselves. 

Additionally, when we have forgiven, but it doesn’t feel like we have, the issue is often not that we haven’t forgiven them; we are still angry. The issue is often that we are still angry at ourselves. 

Take a second and forgive yourself, too.

The bottom line? To see the truth of what we haven’t seen often sets us free.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What did these questions stir up in you? How will you change as a result? What will it look like to walk a new path?

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Highlights:

• Scripture becomes more meaningful when approached with expectation rather than routine
• Spiritual insight comes through the Holy Spirit, not just personal effort
• Familiar passages can reveal new truth when we slow down and engage deeply
• Prayer before reading reshapes how we see and receive God’s Word
• Curiosity and openness create space for renewed passion in Scripture

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Get Excited about the Bible Again
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18, NIV 

When a friend invited me to a Bible study, I agreed to go just to spend time with that friend. I’d been reading the Bible for years, and it all seemed so familiar that I didn’t expect to learn much. But during the first session, after we all prayed together, I found a fresh perspective on a Bible passage I’d read many times before. That happened again and again during that Bible study, as the leader encouraged us to ask God to open our eyes spiritually to his messages for us. It was like finding hidden treasure! I was excited to read the Bible again. 

It’s so easy for us to read the Bible like a chore on our to-do lists, just like picking up the groceries or folding the laundry. We know it’s good for us, so we try to squeeze it in. But too often, we don’t really feel excited about the Bible’s messages. We might start a Bible reading plan with great intentions, but then we hit a section that feels confusing or dry, and we just give up. Or, we find one day that we don’t relate to the Bible verse of the day when we first read it, so we don’t reflect on it or try to apply it to our lives. 

But even when reading the Bible feels like an obligation, it’s actually an opportunity. Every part of the Bible can help connect us to God in wonderful ways if we’re reading it prayerfully. 

Psalm 119:18 features a simple yet significant prayer: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” This tells us that we aren’t meant to understand the Bible just by using our own brainpower or willpower. We need to ask God to show us the “wonderful things” hidden in those pages that we simply can’t see on our own. That takes the pressure off of us to be perfect students and puts the focus on God to be the perfect Teacher – which he is, through his Holy Spirit. 

If you struggle with the Bible, it may be because you’ve tried to force yourself into a reading plan that doesn’t actually fit the way you learn or the season of life you’re in. You may think there’s only one right way to read and reflect on the Bible – like sitting at a desk and taking notes on every passage you read – and if you can’t do that, you don’t do anything at all. But God wants you to enjoy his messages! He wants you to come to the Bible with a sense of curiosity and adventure. If you find yourself stuck, you have the freedom to try something new. Maybe it would work better for you to listen to an audio Bible while you walk through the woods, or dive deep into just one single verse for a whole week and journal your thoughts about creative ways you can try applying that verse to your life. 

You can discover a fresh perspective on the Bible when you stop seeing it as a set of rules to follow and start seeing it as a wonderful place where God reveals his character to you. The more you ask God to show you the “wonderful things” this psalm talks about, the more you can learn about who God is and what God does to work in your life in wonderful ways every day. Your passion for the Bible will grow not from becoming more disciplined, but from becoming more in love with your wonderful God. 

So, give yourself permission to start fresh with the Bible today. Just pray for God to open your eyes to the wonderful things in his word, the Bible. God will meet you where you are and answer your prayer. Expect to be surprised by God’s wonder every time you read the Bible while praying for God’s Spirit to show you what’s really inside! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to get excited about the Bible again, reflect on these questions: 

• When you think about reading the Bible, do you honestly feel like it’s an obligation or an opportunity, and why do you feel that way? 
• Do you ever find yourself rushing through your Bible reading just to check it off a list? If so, how can praying Psalm 119:18 before you start reading help you absorb the message into your soul? 
• What kind of Bible-reading routine would you actually look forward to every day? What details would be involved – format, time of day, location, etc.? 
• What’s one “wonderful thing” you’ve learned about God’s character recently that made God feel more real to you? 
• What’s something that you’re wondering about who God is or what God does, that you’d like to learn more about from the Bible? 

Further Reading:
Jeremiah 15:16
Psalm 119:105
Hebrews 4:12
Psalm 19:7
Joshua 1:8

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Highlights

• Romans 8:16 confirms believers are children of God through the Spirit.
• Stress and anxiety often reflect a forgotten identity in Christ.
• In Christ, believers are adopted, forgiven, and fully secure.
• God’s love is unshakable and cannot be separated from His children.
• Identity in Christ replaces an “orphan mindset” with confidence.
• Believers are complete in Christ, not unfinished projects.
• Our daily behavior reflects what we believe about God’s care.
• Living as God’s child produces peace, trust, and spiritual stability.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

No Longer an Orphan
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16 NKJV). 

Do you realize that when we worry and fret and start living a drama-filled life, we are forgetting who we really are? We are, in a sense, starting to live like orphans.

After all, when you are trusting Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sin and for eternal life, you have become His adopted child (John 1:12; Romans 8:14-17). And in that relationship as His child, you have a new identity that does not include the corruption or chaos of your past, or the problems in your present, or the fears of your future. Your drama or problems don’t define you either. In your new role, God calls you:

His child – John 1:12 says: “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

His friend – Jesus said “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

A saint – In Ephesians 1:1, believers in Christ are called saints. Yeah, but I’m not a saint, you may be thinking. Your actions may not always say it. But your position in Him says it. You are seen as perfect by Him because You are covered in the righteousness and goodness of Christ. 

Forgiven – Colossians 1:14 says you have been redeemed (bought back) and forgiven of all your sins—past, present, and future. So your past sins—or your past wounds—can no longer define you. Your slate is wiped clean. 

Complete – Do you feel like a “work in progress”? Many people describe themselves this way, referring to how they are not yet what God desires of them. But God’s Word is the final authority, and it says “you are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10). The work has already been done. You just need to live in that truth and wear it.  

Secure – both eternally and daily, in Him. You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2), free from condemning charges (Romans 8:31-34), and free from the possibility of abandonment (Hebrews 13:5). 

Unconditionally loved – Romans 8:35-39 says “nothing” will be able to separate you from the love of God – not death, life, circumstances, sin, poor choices, a season of rebellion, nothing!  

His temple – that means He lives within you. Your heart is His home. And He dwells with you daily (1Corinthians 6:19).

Royalty – He says you are seated with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). 

His masterpiece –created in Him for good words which He prepared for you before you were ever born (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). 

Fully capable by His power –You are able to accomplish “all things” through Christ, who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). 

His possession –You are not your own, you belong to Him because you were “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That means He protects you and provides for you as His own. That also means nothing can touch you that hasn’t first gone through His loving hands. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

So, why do we stress about our needs, our problems, our finances, our health, and our relationships? Is that our way of saying God has forgotten us and He won’t really be a good Father to His child?  Through our stress and striving, are we saying to others around us, “I’m on my own because God won’t—or can’t—help me.” 

How you and I live day to day is evidence of what we truly believe. An orphaned child says, “I am all alone. I have no one to help me.” A child of God lives confidently in the words: “My Father is with me. And He will help me.” 

The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will reflect your true identity—a loved, well-cared-for child of the Most High God who never needs to stress or worry. Why would you want to live any other way? 

Further Reading:
Romans 8:12-17

For more on living like a loved child of God, see Cindi’s book, Drama Free: Finding Peace When Emotions Overwhelm You. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Highlights

• Psalm 37:7 encourages stillness and patient trust in God’s timing.
• Opposition from others can trigger fear, anxiety, or anger if left unchecked.
• Emotional reactions often intensify situations rather than resolve them.
• David’s life shows both suffering and unwavering trust in God’s promises.
• God’s plans are not derailed by human sabotage or resistance.
• Waiting on God develops patience, perseverance, and spiritual maturity.
• God often works behind the scenes before His promises are visible.
• Believers are called to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react in fear.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Trusting God's Plans to Prevail When Others Come Against Us

By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:

Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7

How do you typically respond when someone does something to sabotage your plans or goals, or in some way makes your life difficult? What if they do this intentionally? Do you feel vulnerable and like they hold power over some aspect of your life? Do you find your anxiety spiking? And if so, does your fear ever present as anger and hostility?

Sadly, I’ve reacted to such situations in each of those ways, especially when I felt the other person held power over something I considered important. This never yielded the results I’d hoped for. Most often, in fact, my reactions only made things worse. In some instances, my dysregulated emotions and the behaviors they triggered hurt me more than the “offense.”

Although I still have much room for growth, I’m learning to follow David’s example, not just in today’s verse, but throughout his life. (His near homicidal rage in 1 Samuel 24 and his treatment of Bathsheba, which many scholars call rape, notwithstanding.) If you’re familiar with Old Testament history, you may recognize his long, fearful, and discouraging journey to the throne. The most prominent prophet of his day anointed him as ancient Israel’s future king when David was a teenager. But he didn’t step into his calling for another decade and a half. He spent much of the time in between living as a fugitive, hiding in caves and enemy territory in fear for his life.

He knew God had glorious plans for him. Although he wrote psalms in which he seemed to express some degree of doubt, he trusted the Lord to do for him all that He’d promised. This trust, and the relational intimacy that supported it, allowed him to remain his godly, spiritually mature self, even when experiencing relentless attack.

This amazes me when I consider the emotional weight he carried. When we first meet him, he stepped into a heroic role that gained him access to Saul, the then-reigning king. Soon after, the young warrior moved into the palace, where he faithfully served. He also led the nation of Israel into numerous victories, including against one of their fiercest enemies, the Philistines. One might expect Saul to respond with gratitude. Instead, he became jealous. Feeling threatened, he spent the remainder of his life pursuing David in order to kill him.

As a result, David found himself forced from his home and his wife when Saul sent men to stake out his house, again, to kill him. During his flight, he sought help from a priest, who gave him bread and a highly symbolic sword for self-defense. He soon learned, however, that Saul found out and sent one of his men to kill all the priests serving at that particular temple—and their families. Women and children were massacred because one man offered David aid.

Understandably, he blamed himself for their deaths.

Can you imagine how that must’ve felt?

Around age 30, David became king and brought peace to His people. He likely wrote Psalm 37 sometime during this time. Reflecting on his life, his suffering, and how God remained faithful through it all, David confidently proclaimed, in essence, to whoever might listen, “Don’t stress about the actions of evil men. God’s got you. Relax and wait for Him to lead you to your best life.”

Intersecting Life & Faith:

When we feel under attack and tempted to immediately jump into “fix it” mode, may we instead intentionally still ourselves before the Lord, which implies being still in His presence. That’s where we’re most apt to receive His comfort and strength and hear His perfect wisdom regarding how to respond to our circumstances. Entrusting our situation to God can feel incredibly uncomfortable. It becomes easier, however, when we remember His heart toward us, His power consistently employed on our behalf, and His faithfulness. We can choose to quietly wait on Him to reveal our best path forward, knowing He’s never wrong or ill-informed.

He's also never late, although in my experience, his interventions rarely arrive early. It certainly didn’t for David! Although the Lord remained with him at every step and often worked behind the scenes on the warrior’s behalf, it took Him years to fulfill the promise He made to youthful David.

That long, painful delay required significant patience and perseverance through a rather exhausting delay.

David understood how difficult it can feel to wait, which is why, years later, he could advise his people, us, and countless others besides, to patiently wait on God—trusting Him to make our circumstances right.

Friend, wicked people might make your present situation more painful and difficult than it needs to be. But they cannot thwart God’s very good, hope-filled plans for you. Remember that the next time someone does something that leaves you feeling vulnerable and threatened. Remember that Christ Himself guards your path and invites you to follow His guidance as He leads you to the glorious destination He determined just for you.   

Further Reading:
2 Samuel 22:3
Psalm 18:1-6 
Psalm 54:4

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Highlights

• Emotional wounds from rejection can linger and shape how we trust others.
• Human relationships are imperfect, but God’s presence is constant and unchanging.
• Hebrews 13:5–6 reassures believers that God will never forsake them.
• Jesus personally experienced rejection, betrayal, and abandonment.
• God’s faithfulness provides healing for deep emotional pain.
• Forgiveness is a pathway to freedom from bitterness and resentment.
• Our identity is secured in God’s love, not human approval.
• Drawing near to God brings comfort in seasons of emotional distress.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

God Doesn’t Reject His Children

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:
“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’  so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). 

I woke up one morning recently crying after having a very vivid, heart-piercing dream. It was almost as if my current heart-struggle was being played out right before me; I could honestly see this dream happening in reality.

The words spoken (in the dream) to my husband and me cut to the core, and they hurt so badly that my first reaction was tears so strong they stained my cheeks when I awoke.

Being a storyteller allows for intense dream-tales in my mind while I’m supposed to be resting, sleeping. It’s something I have always dealt with since I was a child- I wake up trying to shake the mental visions, telling myself over and over again that it’s not real. Eventually, the emotions fade, and I can go on with the rest of my day.

In this recent instance, I had trouble getting past the pain and just began talking to God about it. It was obvious and simple- I was still dealing with rejection, and it still hurt, but I was reminded that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Although Proverbs 18:24 doesn’t necessarily say that friend is Jesus, I know that He will always be there for me even when everyone else fails me. Scripture tells us that God never leaves us or forsakes us in Deuteronomy 31:6. This truth from the Old Testament about our never-changing God is also stated again as a reminder in Hebrews 13, along with this powerful truth that people will fail us, and people may reject us, but we should not fear, for God is on our side. He is our helper.

“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’  so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

When we face rejection from others, we must remember that Jesus understands rejection better than anyone, as He has experienced it firsthand. Many people rejected Jesus (and continue to do so) while He was here on earth, even one of His very own disciples (Judas), rejected Him and betrayed Him. And just a couple of hours later, another one of His closest disciples (Peter) rejected knowing Him. Three times to be exact. Aren’t you so thankful for Jesus’ forgiveness when we turn our backs on Him! He gives us so many opportunities to repent and make things right in our relationship with Him! His mercies towards us are new every single morning… oh, what love! 

Has the pain of rejection made it difficult for you to trust others? Lay that pain at the foot of the cross, friend. God can bring healing to the wounds of those who have hurt you and empower you to choose to forgive. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root in your heart, perhaps you should ask the Lord to bless those who have hurt you, even if they don’t want you in their life anymore. Jesus was rejected, yet He took the punishment of our sin out of love for those who would put their trust in Him. No matter how much man rejects us, we must remember that Jesus is the friend who sticks by us no matter what. He will never leave you nor turn His back on you. The Lord understands our pain regarding rejection, and His arms are open wide, so let us be quick to draw near to Him. Lo, He is always with you…even to the end of the age!

Further Reading:

Isaiah 43:2

Romans 8:38-39

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Highlights

• Isaiah 30:17 uses “banner” imagery to represent identity and visibility.
• The American flag is presented as a symbol of freedom and national unity.
• Flags historically represent leadership, belonging, and shared values.
• The U.S. flag reflects the history and sacrifices tied to national freedom.
• Symbols can serve as reminders of heritage and collective responsibility.
• Gratitude for freedom can lead to reflection on God’s providence.
• National symbols often carry emotional and cultural significance.
• Honoring heritage can encourage unity and respect within a nation.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Why Honoring Our Flag Pleases God

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

 “A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.” - Isaiah 30:17

Individuals and groups have stomped on it, carried it upside down, cut it up, and burned it, yet our nation’s flag keeps on flying and representing to many around the world, even if not to some in the United States, a sign of hope and true freedom.

On this 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation, our American flag is a worldwide symbol of freedom on this earth. Hands down, it is considered the most recognizable flag in the world as a symbol of freedom. 

When we honor our flag, remembering its history of how God led Christians to establish it, we honor God, because He is accredited with the birth of our nation. 

“Of course, it’s just a symbol,” notes Dr. Jerry Newcombe, Executive Director of Providence Forum, “but it’s a powerful one. To me, it represents the American story - self-rule under God.”

Many who disrespect and spit on our flag do so because they hate the history ascribed to it and our nation’s long-held slogan of being “one nation under God.”

Newcombe believes we should honor our flag because it honors God and our country. “A lot of blood was shed defending that flag,” he explains, “and it represents the freedom we enjoy.”

Flag Day, celebrated each June 14th, commemorates the day our Continental Congress adopted the original American flag in 1777, made official in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. 

Growing up, many of us in the United States memorized and recited The Pledge of Allegiance, a pledge “written by a Baptist minister in the 1890s, with the ‘under God’ phrase added in the 1950s,” notes Newcombe.

The Purpose of Flags

Used primarily throughout history in warfare to announce battles and identify troops, national flags still play a role in distinguishing friend from foe. 

Culturally, the flag symbolizes power and leadership, carried during military processions and announcing dignitaries. They represent the people and beliefs behind them, of the hands that hold and carry them, and the buildings where they are flown. 

Flags also serve to draw together and rally people for unified causes, flown to signal, decorate, and display in parades and at events. 

As well, flags declare ownership, borders, and jurisdiction in homelands and foreign lands. 

Nations around the globe use them to communicate to the masses the loss of leaders and the mourning of national tragedies and disasters. The United States flag drapes the caskets of our fallen military heroes and veterans when they are being transported from the combat zones to home and at their funerals.

The Meaning Displayed in America’s Flag

America’s flag has 13 red and white stripes, each representing the original 13 colonies that began our nation, along with 50 white stars set on a blue background representing our current 50 states.

There is significant meaning within the American flag’s design, as the Founder of Providence Forum, Dr. Peter Lillback notes. Each color displayed on the American flag has a definite meaning, with red standing for hardiness and valor; white for purity and innocence, and blue for perseverance, justice, and vigilance.

Unlike some believe, even though Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag, the design is accredited to one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Hopkinson.

Our American Flag Stirs Hearts

Our American flag is a vital piece of America’s history, representing freedom for all, known to 

stir the hearts of its patriotic citizens. It’s a symbol that has inspired our nation through many troubles and conflicts, standing for life, liberty, justice, and freedom for all. 

In honoring it, we please God by recognizing the godly heritage it represents throughout the history of our nation and the world.

Intersecting Faith & Life:
Did you grow up reciting The Pledge of Allegiance before school each morning? If so, has it impacted your life? In what ways? If not, what are your thoughts on the American Flag? 

Further Reading:
A Prayer to Honor What Our Nation’s Flag Represents

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Highlights

• Jesus promised believers would face trouble in this world.
• Many people spend significant energy trying to avoid suffering and discomfort.
• God uses trials to develop perseverance, character, and hope.
• Christian growth often happens through difficulties rather than ease.
• Suffering does not mean God has abandoned His people.
• The Holy Spirit strengthens believers through seasons of hardship.
• Trusting God in adversity helps replace fear with faith.
• Christ's victory over the world gives believers lasting hope in every circumstance.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Learning to Glory in Our Sufferings (When We’d Rather Run from Them)
By Deidre Braley

Bible Reading:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 NIV

Poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote to his young protege, “People have… oriented all their solutions toward the easy and toward the easiest side of the easy; but it is clear that we must hold to what is difficult; everything that is alive holds to it” (Letters to a Young Poet, W.W. Norton & Company, 1934, pg. 41).

And earlier this week, over morning coffee and as simply as could be, my husband said, “Good things happen every day, and bad things happen every day. That’s just the way it goes.”

So I took a long walk, mulling those thoughts over, both Rilke’s and my husband’s.

I have spent most of my life crouching on its rim and hoping nothing bad will happen. That I will be able to get through each day and sigh and say, “Another day has passed. All is well. Thank God.”

But of course, all is not well. All is never well. My soul knows it. We all know it. But we pretend, and I cannot help but wonder why, because Jesus told us very plainly, “In this world you will have trouble.” 

We still seem to want to believe that if we can produce the right prayers and structure our lives just so, we can be the ones to escape trouble. We hope that Jesus’ words are for everyone except us. We try to safeguard our lives from pain. We want to be exempt from suffering. 

I, for one, take no pleasure in hardship. Just like everyone else, I still have an ember of Eden burning in my spirit. I long for a place that, though I’ve never been, I have somehow always known, a place where there is nothing to fear in the first place. But at the same time, I am starting to consider a strange and liberating thought: What if I can accept that trouble will happen, and frequently? If I let go of my great efforts to circumnavigate hard things, will that actually free me up for… more life?

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Apostle Paul writes a challenging word to the Romans, but it is one that confirms my suspicion: There is a way to embrace all that comes along in life, whether it is the joy we hope for or the suffering that we have formerly feared. He says:

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5 NIV).

When we are afraid to suffer, we expend all of our energies trying to avoid the inevitable. It makes us small, hardened, and anxious people. But, fascinatingly, it seems that difficulty can expand and strengthen us in ways that nothing else can. God, in his infinite goodness, takes the trouble of this world and, if we are willing and open to it, weaves the colors of perseverance, character, and hope into our spirits. We grow. We transform. We are filled with his Spirit, which has overcome the world. In this way, we come to accept all things and fear no things. In this way, we become truly free to live.

Of course, we cannot simply will our own fearlessness into being. But we can surrender our need for control and fear of hardship over to God, and we can ask him, in prayer, to make us more alive, no matter what comes our way today. Here is a prayer to carry with you whenever you begin to feel that old aversion to suffering rising in your chest. 

Oh Lord, we were not made for suffering. And this world can be so very hard. But you have told us to take heart. You have told us that you have overcome the world, and it seems that this is the key to facing all sorts of trouble. God, when trouble comes my way, today or in the future, teach me how to move through it rather than run away from it. Use it to strengthen my character. Use it to make me more alive. Let me see your glory all throughout it, so that I will not be afraid. Amen.

Further Reading:
James 1:2-16
Romans 5:1-5
Romans 8

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Highlights

• Spiritual maturity requires growing beyond childish patterns of thinking.
• God calls believers to be innocent toward evil but mature in wisdom.
• Prayer helps align our thoughts with God's perspective and guidance.
• The Holy Spirit teaches believers how to think with discernment.
• Wisdom involves applying God's truth to everyday decisions and challenges.
• Regular Bible study strengthens our ability to recognize truth and avoid deception.
• Mature faith responds thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
• Spiritual growth happens gradually as believers consistently seek God.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Think Like Adults
By: Whitney Hopler 

Bible Reading:
“Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20, NRS

When my late mother was living in a retirement home, she dated a man who also lived there. Women far outnumbered men in Mom’s community, and out of the few men who lived there, Mom’s boyfriend was the only one who could still walk unassisted. Not only that, but he could still drive! Some of the women there were happy for Mom, but many of her neighbors excluded her from events and gossiped about her and her boyfriend. 

“That’s so immature!” I complained when Mom told me about it. “They’re acting like a bunch of jealous high school girls. I thought they would know better at their age.” 

Mom just smiled and said something I’ll always remember: “Reaching a certain age doesn’t guarantee reaching maturity.” 

In 1 Corinthians 14:20, the Bible reminds us that spiritual maturity in the way we think is important. It points out that we should stay far away from sin by being as innocent as infants toward evil. That way, we can stay pure and sensitive to God. 

But at the same time, this verse urges us to think like adults. Adults are meant to be mature, thinking carefully and wisely. God wants us to use the amazing minds he has given us. He doesn’t want us to accept every idea without examining it, or follow every voice we hear without first considering if it’s credible. We shouldn’t be reacting to situations immaturely. Instead, we should grow spiritually mature by seeking God and developing discernment to recognize what comes from God and what doesn't. 

When we think like adults, we can ask questions about any situation to help us adopt the perspective God wants us to have on it. Instead of asking what we want, we can ask what God wants, and instead of asking what’s easiest, we can ask what’s right.

This kind of thinking grows as we walk with God, and prayer is an important part of that growth. When we pray, we invite God into our thoughts and decisions. Prayer slows us down so we can connect with God’s presence with us. Then, we can listen to whatever God is trying to tell us and perceive those messages more clearly than we could if we weren’t giving God our full attention.

As we pray, we can ask God’s Holy Spirit to work within us. Then, we’ll develop the wisdom we need to say and do whatever is best in any situation we face. Wisdom is more than knowledge. Knowledge tells us facts, but wisdom helps us know how to live like God wants us to live. When we pursue wisdom by asking the Holy Spirit to guide our thinking, we can learn how to recognize what’s actually true versus the lies that spread in this fallen world. We can also learn how to make the best choices, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The Holy Spirit serves as our teacher throughout this journey. The more the Spirit shows us how to think like adults, the more we learn to stop reacting to situations like children and to start responding to them wisely, by carefully considering our choices.

Along the way, we’ll make mistakes, but God is patient with us as we grow. Just like a child slowly matures into adulthood, our mature thinking develops step by step. Each time we read the Bible, pray for guidance, or seek advice from a wise believer, we take another important step toward mature thinking.

Maturity matters! Far too many people are becoming confused and deceived by messages spreading in this world from unreliable sources. As we grow in mature thinking, we become stronger in our faith and better able to help other people. We can point the way to what’s really true and give people the real hope they need. 

So today, let’s ask God to help us think like adults and grow to become spiritually mature in the process. Together, we can keep learning to think with God’s wisdom. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how important it is for you to think with spiritual maturity, reflect on these questions: 

• In what ways do you sometimes approach your faith with childish thinking rather than mature understanding? 
• How can prayer help you develop wisdom and clearer thinking? 
• What voices or influences in your life might distract you from God’s truth? 
• How can reading the Bible regularly strengthen your ability to discern what’s right? 
• What’s one step you can take this week to grow in spiritual maturity?

Further Reading:
Hebrews 5:14
James 1:5
Proverbs 2:6
Romans 12:2
Philippians 1:9-10

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Highlights

• Emotional wounds and difficult circumstances can lead believers to question God's goodness.
• David's example shows the importance of turning to God honestly during seasons of pain.
• Self-reliance often increases discouragement rather than alleviating it.
• God's presence brings renewed joy, peace, and spiritual strength.
• Biblical joy is rooted in God's faithfulness, not changing circumstances.
• The joy of the Lord provides strength for weary and overwhelmed hearts.
• Prayer, worship, and time in God's presence help restore hope.
• Christ offers sustaining grace when we lack the strength to carry our burdens alone.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

When the Wounds We Suffer Cause Us to Doubt God
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:

The poor will see and be glad—
    you who seek God, may your hearts live! Psalm 69:32 NIV

Lately, I’ve felt bruised and discouraged. I’m trying to honor God, but sometimes find it confusing, particularly in some complicated and highly consequential situations. Unlike David, the ancient Israel king who wrote today’s verse and the surrounding chapter, I’m not facing anything life-threatening. No one is hunting me down to kill me. No one is trying to destroy my dreams or my career. 

But I’ve been feeling under attack, just the same—by my thoughts, my pain, and numerous confusing complications that can make life feel so challenging. When I land in this place, I’m tempted to respond in various unhealthy ways. Often, my first reaction is self-reliance. This typically makes my circumstances worse while also increasing any sense of inadequacy or hopelessness I feel. 

Eventually, however, I respond to the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit and seek God in my pain and overwhelm. It is then, in His presence, that my heart starts to revive as His light and life fill my soul. Perhaps this is what Scripture references in Psalm 16. In this passage, also written by David, we read:

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand (vs 8-9, 11, NIV). 

Joy and peace come through proximity to Christ and aligning ourselves with His truth. And that joy gives us strength (Neh. 8:10). 

David seemed to understand this. Although a victorious warrior, many times over, who demonstrated great wisdom and restraint, Scripture rarely, if ever, paints him as self-reliant. And while he often openly expressed his pain and his fear, unfiltered, he never remained stuck in despair. 

Not because he didn’t struggle or quickly overcame his struggles. Rather, he found the strength to rise above the chaos raging around and within him by deliberately and consistently turning to God. 

And resting in the Lord’s loving embrace.

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Does your life feel heavy? Is your mind presently bombarded with one anxious or painful thought after another? If so, I get it. I’ve been there and am certain I will land in that place yet again. Those seasons can wear us down emotionally and physically, stealing our sleep, clarity, and peace. But we don’t have to remain stuck in our pain or navigate it alone. God bids us to come to Him, as David did, and find in Him the strength to remain standing when our knees feel ready to give way.

As Nehemiah 8:10 so clearly proclaims, the joy of the Lord is our strength. That doesn’t mean we must deny our pain or suppress it behind a forced, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah.” It doesn’t mean laughter will always overpower our tears. Biblical joy isn’t the surface-level, circumstantial emotion with which we often equate it. True joy, biblical joy, is the deep, abiding assurance that God is with us, working in us, and orchestrating everything we encounter for our good and His glory.

Phrased another way, biblical joy is an enduring awareness of Christ’s grace. Knowing that we are lovingly held, faithfully led, and eternally blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms displaces our despair with hope and revives our souls. 

Candy and caffeine might give us a mid-afternoon pickup, but only Christ can sustain us when we’ve lost the strength to stand on our own. Perhaps this is, in part, what God means when He promises to replace our weakness with His supernatural strength. 

What might that look like for you, in this present season? How might turning your heart toward the Lord in your fear and pain help alleviate the burden weighing on your soul, allowing you to walk just a little lighter? Allowing you to maintain confident hope that a better day will indeed come? 

If you’re in a dark and challenging season, perhaps find a quiet place to connect with the Lord. Turn on some praise music, light a nice-smelling candle, and simply sit with your Father. Ask Him to help you sense His presence, and rest in His embrace for as long as necessary, trusting Him to infuse your innermost being with His joy, peace, and strength. 

If this resonated with you, you might also find this Faith Over Fear podcast episode helpful: Taking Every Thought Captive: Breaking Free From the Lies That Hold Us.

Further Reading:

2 Corinthians 10:5

Romans 12:1-2

Psalm 94:19 

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Highlights

• Ephesians 4:15 teaches believers to speak truth with love and grace.
• Biblical accountability helps Christians grow in spiritual maturity.
• Difficult conversations can reveal deeper heart issues that need healing.
• Jesus modeled both compassion and truth throughout His ministry.
• Loving correction is meant to restore, not condemn.
• The Holy Spirit often uses trusted believers to bring conviction and growth.
• Avoiding hard conversations can hinder spiritual development.
• Healthy Christian relationships require both honesty and humility.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Love Others, Speak Truth
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15

Who are you to judge me?

This question came from a loved one who felt convicted about an action she had taken. When this person posted social media pictures that depicted her in a less-than-flattering light, I boldly spoke truth into her life. I let her know that the way she portrayed herself on social media was the way people would categorize her, even if she didn't always behave that way. Additionally, as someone who claimed to be a Christian, she needed to be an example in every situation, including social situations where pictures could be taken. 

In response to the above question, she became defensive and began arguing. However, as we began to argue, I noticed her thinking began to change. At one point, she started crying. When I asked her what was making her cry, she told me what was really going on in her life. Social media posts are merely a symptom of a much deeper problem. Once she humbled herself, we prayed together. We were also able to brainstorm solutions to her problems. I gave her some concrete advice, then told her I would check in with her later.

I didn't want to have to confront her about what I saw on social media. In fact, it would have been much easier for me to sweep it under the rug and pretend it didn't exist. But staying silent, rather than boldly challenging her to change her behavior, would have done her an injustice. 

While many people think of Jesus as a gentle, kind man who hugged everyone and gave them what they wanted, nothing could be further from the truth. He spoke harsh words to many people, most of whom were Pharisees, a religious group. For many years, I questioned why Jesus would say such harsh things, such as calling them a brood of vipers. I realized that Jesus, who was closely associated with the Holy Spirit, had to make an exception. 

Jesus did what was right for everyone and never put himself, or any desire for the approval of man, ahead of what he was called to do. Jesus used harsh words with the Pharisees, hoping that their hardened hearts would soften and they would turn back to God. Confession and repentance are key to changing our behavior.

However, we can't always see the flaws in our character. We need other people, who know us better than we know ourselves, to speak hard truths into our lives. These hard truths, when we reflect and analyze them, come from a place of love. Even if a person doesn't want to hear what's being said, it doesn't mean it doesn't need to be said. It merely means that the person is feeling conviction of the Holy Spirit. 

In the verse above, Paul understood that speaking the truth in love to one another would help the body of Christ grow into mature believers. Sweeping things under the rug and avoiding hurt feelings led to immaturity and a failure to thrive spiritually.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to speak hard truths in love to each other. Even in this culture where people don't want to be judged, that judgment, when properly placed, can lead someone to the cross. When someone is led to the cross and their heart is genuine, the Holy Spirit can convict them, and they can turn their lives back to him. 

Although it may seem better, and even easier, to be silent in the name of being kind, kindness isn’t always what people need. When people are blind to their own destructive behaviors, those who love them enough to speak hard truths into their lives will aid them in repentance and devotion to the Savior.

Father, let us be people who speak the truth and love one another. Help us to do so with boldness and conviction. Let us not bind ourselves to the world’s ways so that we do not judge. Rather, we need to lovingly speak the truth to others in the hope that they will turn their lives back to you. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Has there been a time when you had to speak hard truths in love to someone? How did they respond? Was their response appropriate? 

Further Reading:
Ephesians 4:29

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Highlights

• Complaining often reveals deeper issues of discontentment and unbelief.
• Philippians 2:14-15 calls believers to live without grumbling or arguing.
• Gratitude helps cultivate contentment and trust in God's sovereignty.
• God cares not only about our actions but also about the attitude of our hearts.
• Disagreements can be handled with humility, grace, and a desire for unity.
• A thankful spirit helps Christians stand out as lights in a dark world.
• Daily time in Scripture renews the mind and combats negativity.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to respond with gratitude instead of complaints.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

A Heart Full of Gratitude Instead of Grumbling

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15, ESV). 

When it comes to sin in our lives, sometimes we attempt to overlook or give excuses for our behavior if we feel like our actions are justified because of our circumstances. For example, when I am sleep deprived, my flesh thinks it perfectly acceptable for me to deal out a hefty dose of sarcasm to my seven-year-old who has asked me the same question twelve times before my morning coffee or to murmur under my breath that I can’t believe my husband left his glass of milk from the night before on the floor again and, of course, the toddler just dumped it all over the living room right on cue.

But those actions do not glorify God, and they are rooted in sin. If I am a child of God, His Spirit will bring conviction to my heart with His word because it is my heart that needs attention and change. When I’m tempted to complain, which we are all naturally prone to every single day, this passage from Philippians 2 comes to mind to bring truth to my heart:

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15, ESV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As God’s children, we are not to grumble. We must remember that, ultimately, grumbling is complaining against the sovereign God of the universe and saying He isn’t good, which is sinful. When we complain, we should repent, reset our minds by thinking on things above, and rejoice and give thanks to God for His graciousness towards us. There are new mercies available to us every single morning. Perhaps it would be a beneficial habit to create a daily list of things that you are grateful for to help cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude. Despite hardships and inconveniences in our lives and relationships, we are called to rejoice and find our joy in Christ. It all comes down to the attitude and posture of our hearts. 

How about your attitude when you disagree with someone, or they have offended you? When you are in a disagreement with someone, do you want to be right more than you want to pursue unity with that person? Do you allow a bad attitude to drag you into unnecessary arguments or even gossip to complain to someone else instead of going directly to the person you are annoyed or upset with? Disagreements are inevitable, but most of all, God cares about our attitude during disagreements and doesn’t want us to be swept up in foolish arguments constantly. We can disagree with others without being disagreeable or prideful.

If we are entangled in senseless disputing and complaining, the world has trouble seeing the light of Christ in our lives. We see in verse 15 of Philippians 2 that the Lord wants Christ followers to shine bright in a culture full of darkness. Our lives are to be a brilliant beacon of light in the darkness as we stand as God’s children against the wickedness of the world. 

“…that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:15, ESV).

One way we can protect ourselves against complaining and empower our hearts to shine bright for Christ is to be diligent to cling daily to the Word of life so that we can thrust it into a dark world. The Word of God helps us to renew our minds so we can cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and stand out in the world, pointing others to the hope that we know in Jesus. In addition to our daily time in the Word, we must abide in the Vine by communing with Him daily. We can call upon the name of the Lord to cry out for help when we are tempted to complain and grumble. He is our ever-present help in times of need and is faithful to strengthen us.

Further Reading:

Psalm 107

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Highlights

• Sin and selfishness often create conflict in relationships.
• Adam and Eve's story reveals how disobedience impacts both human and divine relationships.
• God's love provides redemption where sin creates division.
• Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate example of love covering a multitude of sins.
• Forgiveness reflects the grace God has extended to us.
• Christians are called to pursue peace whenever possible.
• Humility and mercy can help restore strained relationships.
• Loving others deeply requires relying on God's strength and example.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

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Full Transcript Below:

Love One Another
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Relationships of all kinds can be a challenge. The Bible says God created us for community, for family, for friendships, yet often the dynamics involved in these connections can be incredibly complicated.  If relationships are the design of the Lord for our lives, why do they seem so incredibly difficult to navigate? The answer… one single word… sin. At the root of all sin is selfishness. It is the desire and longing for “what I want” above all else, and often, those decisions can be harmful to those around us. They can also be harmful to our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  

All the way back in the Garden of Eden, we see the first choice of sin – of selfishness.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it,” (Genesis 3:6, NIV). 

Though God clearly said Adam and Eve were not to eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden, they felt otherwise. The couple desired to take what the Lord advised them to abstain from; they intentionally chose their own way. They chose themselves. But their choices didn’t just affect them individually; they affected their relationship with one another. As soon as their decision was revealed, the first marital argument ensued, including everyone’s favorite, “the blame game.”  Their unity was negatively impacted as a result of their choices. 

Additionally, their relationship with the Lord was also altered by their pursuit of self. Those consequences were much more significant than a marital tiff, as they were cast out of the garden, could no longer reside within the physical presence of God, would later experience mortal death, and the legacy of sin they initiated would pass on from generation to generation. Sin and selfishness caused some major long-term ripples in this scenario, but thankfully, that is not the end of their story or ours. Love covered a multitude of sins.

The Heavenly Father made provision for Adam and Eve in the form of a sacrifice to cover their sin and then gave the ultimate sacrifice of His One and Only Son to forever redeem us all from the penalty of transgression. It is because of this great love that was offered to us first, while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8), that we are called to love one another through the failings, disagreements, and hurt feelings. It can feel so incredibly unfair when we are called to forgive the wrongdoings of others, but how different it looks when we are the offender in need of pardon. 

While every situation is different and there are circumstances where forgiveness needs to be applied, but not necessarily reconciliation at that moment, God’s call to us is clear. 

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” (Rom. 12:18, NIV).

Though our emotions can get stirred up when “iron sharpens iron” in our relationships, and there are disagreements and deep hurts, the Lord has called us to love one another. It is amazing how quickly a heated situation is diffused when love and humility are applied. May we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and extend mercy and grace to those who have wronged us - for love covers a multitude of sin.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you struggling with disagreements or discord within your relationships? Is there a particular person or scenario that is particularly painful? Perhaps you are the offender in the situation and long for forgiveness from those you have harmed. 

Regardless of where you find yourself, may I encourage you, maybe even challenge you, to take a moment and reflect on how God’s unending grace and mercy have been applied to your life. Ask yourself, how has He covered a multitude of your sins? If you are willing, jot down a list of the moments when it was evident the Lord extended forgiveness to you. In light of His great love, ask the Lord to soften your heart towards those who have harmed you. I pray you follow in His footsteps and learn how to lead with love.  

Further Reading:
Romans 12:9-21
Romans 5:1-11
Romans 5:5-5:14

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Highlights

• God sees our struggles, even when no one else notices.
• Leah's story demonstrates God's compassion toward the overlooked and unloved.
• Hagar's encounter with God reveals Him as El Roi, "the God who sees me."
• God's care is not dependent on us having the perfect words to pray.
• Scripture consistently shows God moving on behalf of those who are hurting.
• The Lord meets people in seasons of loneliness, rejection, and distress.
• God's awareness of our pain is evidence of His deep love for us.
• Believers can trust that they are never forgotten or abandoned by God.

Join the Conversation

Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?

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Full Transcript Below:

He Sees Us

By Lauren Fletcher

Bible Reading:

“I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” - Psalm 31:7

This month, my church has been participating in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. As I was praying one morning, I came across a sweet passage of scripture. In the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, God meets Leah in a very personal way. Though she was the first wife of Jacob, Rachel was the one he wanted and worked for.

Genesis 29 says, “When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive. So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, ‘The LORD has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me’” (Genesis 29:31-32).

It touched my heart that the LORD saw Leah’s circumstances and moved. She did not pray and ask, she did not cry out for God’s help. He just saw what she was going through and acted. How amazing that God sees what’s going on with us and will act on our behalf, even when we do not ask. Have you ever had a circumstance like this in your life, where God has moved, even before you were able to ask?

The story continues, “She soon became pregnant again and gave birth to another son. She named him Simeon, for she said, ‘The LORD heard that I was unloved and has given me another son’” (Genesis 29:33). I love how Leah recognizes God has seen and heard her situation. She acknowledges Him in this.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

There’s another important passage in the scriptures where we learn that God sees us. A beloved name of God is El Roi. This name is given to Him by Sarai's (Sarah’s) servant, Hagar, in Genesis 16, in the wilderness (Genesis 16:7).

The LORD had told Abram that he would have descendants, that he would have a son. Abram trusted the LORD in this (Genesis 15:4-6). “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, ‘The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.’ And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal” (Genesis 16:1-2).

After Hagar became pregnant, she did not treat Sarai well (Genesis 16:4). The scripture says, “Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur” (Genesis 16:6b-7).

Hagar was met in her distress, in her place of difficulty. She was seen.

“Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me.’ She also said, ‘Have I truly seen the One who sees me?’” (Genesis 16:13). Hagar was not forgotten. She was sought out by the Lord.

Something we can take away from these scriptures, these stories of how God worked in these women’s lives, is that if He sees them, He sees us. He will work on our behalf when we ask, but also when we don’t. He sees, and He works on our behalf because He loves us.

It is this same love that caused the LORD, who saw the troubles of the Israelites in Egypt, to be moved to deliver them (Exodus 3-4). Exodus 4:31 says, “Then the people of Israel were convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.” Doesn’t this just touch your heart? How wonderful and loving the Lord is.

He knows what’s going on with you. He sees, and He cares. He will help you, because He loves you. Even if you haven’t been able to ask, don’t worry. He sees us.

Further Reading:

Psalm 56:8

Genesis 29

Exodus 3-4

Genesis 16

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Highlights

• God calls believers to make it their ambition to lead a quiet life.
• A quiet life helps create space for peace, focus, and spiritual growth.
• Social media and constant noise can distract us from what matters most.
• Minding our own business allows us to invest more deeply in real relationships.
• Everyday work can become an act of worship when done for God's glory.
• Faithful, peaceful living often earns the respect of others.
• Our worth comes from being God's beloved children, not from public attention.
• Living quietly creates opportunities to reflect Christ in a loud world.

Join the Conversation

What is one area of your life that feels especially noisy or distracting right now? How can you create more space for quiet, focus, and deeper connection with God this week?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

How to Live a Quiet Life in a Loud World
By: Whitney Hopler 

Bible Reading:
“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

The benefits of being quiet often show up in well-being research I work with at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Leading a quiet life can be useful for stress relief, focus, creativity, and more. When we’re quiet, our minds can process and reflect on the constant stream of information coming at us every day. That can prevent us from becoming overwhelmed and help us discover what matters most.

The constant barrage of messages competing for our attention reminds us that we live in a very loud world. Our society celebrates the people who shout their opinions – even about people and situations they don’t know personally. If we’re not trying to push others to pay attention to us, it can feel like we’re falling behind. But these verses from 1 Thessalonians show us that living quietly is a much wiser choice.

It’s fascinating that the word “ambition” is connected with “a quiet life.” Usually, when we think of ambition, we think of getting noticed by other people. But God encourages us to be ambitious by minding our own business rather than trying to get other people’s attention. Minding our own business is challenging in this loud world. Our social media urges us to be monitoring other people’s lives and to keep updating them on our lives, whether or not they actually care. It also urges us to judge what’s happening in the world and to shout out our opinions on those situations, even if we haven’t studied them well enough to have informed opinions. But 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 describes another kind of ambition. We can be ambitious by making better choices, despite how society is pressuring us. We can stop wasting our time and energy by reclaiming our attention and choosing to invest it in what matters most – our relationships with God and the people we know personally, in real life. 

These Bible verses encourage us to work with our hands. There’s something sacred about using the hands God gave us to do our work. Whether we’re typing on computer keyboards, serving meals, fixing cars, performing surgery, or any other one of countless types of jobs, we use our hands somehow. Focusing on the work we do with our hands grounds us and reminds us that God created us to be productive and to contribute to our world. We can find fulfillment from doing our best at work. When we focus on doing the task in front of us with excellence and integrity, we can find a sense of purpose that doesn’t need a “like” or a “share” to be valid. Working with our hands while doing our best for God turns our daily chores and professional duties into a form of quiet worship. 

When we do so, we can win the respect of those around us. Other people are watching how we live. In this loud world that’s full of drama, people who are hardworking and peaceful stand out. Our quiet lives become powerful testimonies that show others our security comes from something much deeper than the latest trend. Living quietly also leads us to a healthy independence. When we work diligently and live simply, we’re able to bless others instead of burdening them unnecessarily. 

Living a quiet life doesn’t prevent us from speaking up. We can, and should, speak up against evil and share the Gospel whenever God leads us to do so. But living quietly does mean that we stop trying to prove our worth by calling out for attention and simply resting with confidence in our identities as God’s beloved children. In this fallen world, where too many people are shouting at each other, we can ambitiously choose a better lifestyle of quiet work and love. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to live a quiet life in a loud world, reflect on these questions: 

• What’s one “loud” part of your life (social media, television, etc.) that you can quiet down this week to find more peace? 
• How does the idea of minding your own business challenge you right now? 
• In what ways can you see working with your hands on your daily tasks as a way to worship God? 
• Why do you think society can make you feel guilty for seeking a simpler life? 
• Who is one person you know just outside your inner circles of friends and family – someone like a neighbor or a coworker – who might be positively impacted by seeing you faithfully live a quiet life? 

Further Reading:
Psalm 46:10
Isaiah 30:15
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Matthew 6:6

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Highlights

• God’s creation reveals His nature as a God of order and purpose.
• Being made in God’s image means reflecting His character in everyday life.
• Order creates space for people, relationships, and communities to thrive.
• Stewarding our homes and possessions can be an act of worship.
• Healthy systems and organization help good work flourish.
• Peacemaking reflects God’s heart and brings stability to relationships.
• Christians are called to bring clarity and hope into chaotic situations.
• Small acts of intentionality can create lasting impact in our daily lives.

Join the Conversation

Where do you sense God calling you to bring greater order, peace, or purpose into your life? Have you experienced how creating healthy rhythms and boundaries has helped you grow spiritually?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

What it Means to Be Made in the Image of an Orderly God

By Deidre Braley 

Bible Reading:

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. - Genesis 1:31 NIV

Marie Kondo is known as one of the world’s most beloved tidying experts, and one day she convinced me that the path to inner peace would be to pull all of the clothes out of my closet and throw them on my bed to be analyzed, one by one. I had just watched the first episode of her show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, in which she teaches her proteges to ask this question: When I touch this item, does it spark joy? If the answer is yes, then the item gets to stay. If the answer is no, the directive is to thank the item for its service and then bid it adieu. 

Even if this sounds a little woo-woo, I have to say that after I had removed a great many joyless items from my wardrobe and reorganized the rest of my clothes back into the closet, I felt an internal sigh of relief. I did feel more joyful. I felt as though a burden had lifted, as though a weight I’d been unwittingly carrying around for years was suddenly gone. 

In 1872, John Wesley preached, “Cleanliness is, indeed, next to godliness,” and though he was talking specifically about the way a person dressed and cared for their appearance, I think he was pressing on a deeper spiritual truth, too. Cleanliness is the visual representation of order, and our Creator is, as evidenced by creation, a God of order.

If you look carefully at the creation story, you will notice that God did not just bring all things into being—he also gave them each a designated spot, a boundary for existence, a specific space in which to thrive. He separated the light from the darkness, giving both their time to reign, as day and night. He gave each plant one specific fruit to bear. He told the sea how far it could go and then said, “No more.” Biblical scholar Rachel Smith describes God’s work in a way that Marie Kondo would approve of: “It (the world) was designed to run well and to be a well-ordered environment for its occupants. This is the sense of good in the creation account. Everything God created He declared good because it acted within its purpose and provided benefits” (Rest Assured: What the Creation Story Was Intended to Reveal About Trusting God, pg. 62-63).

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

What does it mean to bear God’s image? It means to care about the things he cares about, and to reflect his character out into the world. And one of the things that God cares about is order, which creates space for life to thrive. When we enter into chaos and bring disorder back into equilibrium, we are doing the work of God. Here are some practical areas where we might do that today. 

In our physical spaces

• Declutter one area of your home. Choose a junk drawer, a closet, or a bedroom. Remove everything, and only put back what serves a purpose or, per the advice of Marie Kondo, brings joy. Give each item a designated space, and then, if you can, bring a little extra beauty to that area. Organize by color. Add flowers. Freshen with a scented sachet. 
• Is there a time of day that feels particularly chaotic? Create a ritual to help it go more smoothly. If morning times are hectic, for example, pre-set your coffee pot the night before. Lay out your clothes. Wake up ten minutes earlier. Light a candle while you eat breakfast. See how these adjustments bring a sense of peace to what used to feel overwhelming. 

In our workplaces

Administration may not be glamorous, but it is essential for bringing order. If you have the gift of administration—that is, organizing information, communication, and actions into systems that run smoothly—put it into practice in your workplace. Good structures help good work to thrive. Be a problem solver. If you see that something is not working and have an idea for how to fix it, say something. Be someone who steps into situations and brings clarity and excellence. 

In our communities 

• Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). In our communities, bringing order looks like bringing peace—to relationships, to organizations, to broken systems. When we step into disordered situations or strained relationships in our neighborhoods or even global communities, we are reflecting God’s image by bringing equilibrium. This could look as simple as serving on the PTA and being a voice of calm and reason when the meetings get heated, or it could look like serving in outreach ministries to provide for the real, everyday needs of neighbors. 

Further Reading: 

Genesis 1:1-31

Rest Assured: What the Creation Story Was Intended to Reveal About Trusting God by Rachel Booth Smith

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Highlights

• James 3:1 reveals the serious responsibility carried by Bible teachers and pastors.
• Church leaders are held to a higher standard because they influence others spiritually.
• Moral failures in ministry should lead believers to prayer, not cynicism.
• False teaching can create confusion and spiritual harm within the church.
• Faithful pastors need consistent prayer and support from their congregations.
• Sound biblical teaching protects believers from deception.
• Church leaders face unique spiritual attacks and temptations.
• Christians can strengthen their local church by praying for those who shepherd and teach.

Join the Conversation

How has a faithful pastor, elder, or Bible teacher impacted your spiritual growth? What are practical ways believers can encourage and pray for church leaders facing the challenges of ministry?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

The High Standard of Church Leaders 

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV).

It seems that over the last couple of years, there has been much exposure and shaking in the church regarding leaders who have fallen or gotten caught in scandal and lies. When the news of another pastor’s moral failure makes its way into the public eye, is your first reaction one of sarcasm and jadedness, or does it cause you to weep and hit your knees in prayer? It seems easier to get angry or grow cynical when those in the pulpit fall into grave sin and disappoint those who have attributed much of their spiritual growth from their teaching. Instead of wagging our fingers or shaking our heads in disappointment, it should truly break our hearts when leaders in the church fall.

There is a stern warning found in the book of James that should cause us pause and reflect upon the great and weighty responsibility that pastors carry as teachers of God’s Word:

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV).

This verse begins a chapter in the book of James that focuses on the importance of the tongue and its ability to either bring encouragement and growth or hostility and destruction. We will all be held accountable for the words we speak, but for those who teach the Bible, there is a higher standard. With a higher standard comes a stronger judgment from God. This should motivate us to pray for teachers, especially those who pastor our own local church. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

In America (and perhaps even around the world, thanks to television and social media), the gospel of Jesus Christ has become extremely muddied by false teaching full of false gospels, New Age/occult/pagan practices, lying signs and wonders, and distractions from worldly desires that are all leading many to false Christs.

For almost half of our marriage, my husband and I were among those believers who were believing lies from the result of the twisting of scripture and emotional, mental, and spiritual manipulation from leaders in ministry whom we trusted. By God’s grace, we were rescued from this deception and now attend a sound and Biblical church that has been such a blessing to our family. Every week, the elders preach the Word of God with such conviction and clarity, and are unashamed about the gospel. Although we finally feel “safe,” we know that these men of God are susceptible to the same temptations as we are, and instead of growing comfortable or letting our guard down, we must fiercely pray for the men in our lives who teach God’s Holy Word because Satan has put a giant target on their backs. The enemy knows how much damage can be done to the Body of Christ if God’s Word is abused or distorted, but the same is true for the carriers of that message; A teacher’s life is held to a higher standard because the Lord uses teachers to help us understand who He is. The weighty responsibility and calling of bringing truth to the sheep of God is one no one should have to bear alone. Let us shoulder Kingdom responsibility with our elders by making it a priority to daily pray for the teachers and pastors who have much influence on our spiritual well-being. 

In the age we live in, we can know personal details of public figures very quickly and easily. It seems there is always a new Christian leader who has given in to fleshly temptation and taken advantage of the trust of their sheep. When you discover this shocking news of another moral failing, are you tempted to harden your heart or grow cynical towards the church? It should cause us heartache and wake us up to the reality that the enemy wants to cause destruction among God’s people. These moral failings cause distrust among sheep, but they also hurt our witness to the world when they see the hypocrisy and corruption within the visible church.

We must ask the Lord to give us a burden to pray for church leaders, but more importantly, the leaders of our very own church who have given their lives to shepherd souls and teach others about God and His ways. We are called to make disciples and need to be equipped by God’s Word to do that. God has called teachers and pastors to a higher standard to equip the Body for the work of the ministry by teaching us what God’s Word says. May we be quick to lift them up every day, knowing the seriousness of their high calling as teachers of God’s Holy Word, and thank the Lord for their role in your life personally, as someone who keeps watch over your soul. 

Further Reading:

1 Timothy 3:1-13

Titus 1:7-9

1 Peter 5:1-4

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Highlights

• God’s plans are greater than anything we can fully imagine.
• Grief and loss do not cancel God’s purpose for your life.
• 1 Corinthians 2:9 offers hope during painful seasons.
• God welcomes us to bring our sorrow and pain to Him.
• Complex grief can feel overwhelming, but God remains near.
• Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works through suffering.
• Pain can become part of a testimony that encourages others.
• Trusting God allows hope to grow even in heartbreak.

Join the Conversation

How has God carried you through seasons of grief or disappointment? What helps you continue trusting His plans even when life feels uncertain?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

God Has Wonderful Plans in Store for You
By: Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

Over the past year, I have come across many social media posts noting that 2016 was 10 years ago. My friends have shared posts reflecting upon their lives a decade ago; how much they have changed, what they have accomplished, and how much happier they are now. While it is great to see my friends flourishing in life, my heart breaks every time I am reminded of 2016.

2016 was the year my mom passed away. Every time I see the “decade challenge” or “decade glow-up,” I am once again crushed with the reality that my mom has been gone for ten years. Some days, it feels like she has been gone for only a few weeks, and other days, it feels like she has been gone for a century. The pain of her absence has only increased over the years. 

Upon restarting therapy, I discovered I have complex grief. Complex grief is different from regular grief because the latter does not endure for years; instead, there is an ending point, and you are able to make peace with the death of your loved one. However, with complex grief, it is impossible for you to move forward; you are paralyzed by their death, and you feel like your life has ended. Complex grief is remarkably common if you were dependent on the person who passed away.

Perhaps you are walking through a similar season; a loved one passed away, and you are overcome with dread, grief, and pain. Rest at the foot of the cross and find solace in the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30). He will never make you feel guilty for mourning the loss of your loved one. Whether it's been a few days or a few decades, God understands the pain you are experiencing today. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

During these times, it is important to reflect upon our future with Christ. Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Although we may be struggling now, this darkness will not endure forever. God has wonderful plans for our lives – plans that we may not even know about yet. 

Rather than fearing the worst, trust God. No mind in all history has articulated the plans God has for those who love Him. As His followers, we can surrender our pain, grief, and agony to Him. God will bring light back into our lives, surround us with His love, and show us the plans He has for our lives. Lean into God’s amazing work today and trust Him with the process (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Your grief may continue for the rest of your life, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy the wonderful plans God has for you. He may even use this present pain to encourage you to help others, such as supporting those who have also lost loved ones, building up the family of God, or praying for those who are in end-of-life care. The plans He has for you are amazing; do not give up now, your life has just begun. 

Are you ready to take hold of the wonderful plans God has for your life? What do you think God has in store for you? 

Further Reading:

Jeremiah 29:11

Proverbs 16:9

Romans 8:28

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Highlights

• God always fulfills what He promises in His perfect timing.
• Isaiah 46:11 reveals the power and certainty of God’s plans.
• Waiting seasons can strengthen faith and dependence on God.
• Fear and striving often create unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works all things for good.
• Jesus is the ultimate proof of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
• Trusting God brings peace even before circumstances change.

Join the Conversation

What promise from God are you currently holding onto during this season of waiting? How has God shown His faithfulness to you in moments when you doubted the outcome?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

God Will Do What He Says
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“... What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.” – Isaiah 46:11, NIV

Years ago, I faced a lot of competition for a particular job I wanted. It was so competitive that I wondered whether or not I should even try. But after I prayed about whether I should go for it, I got a strong sense of peace and confidence about doing so. It was a long process! I had to develop a complex creative presentation and go through several interviews with various groups of people. Along the way, I doubted whether or not I could really get the job. I put myself through a lot of unnecessary stress worrying about the outcome. Finally, though, I turned my worries into prayers. After praying regularly about the job, I sensed that God would make a way for me to get it. Sure enough, God did open the door to that job for me. If I had trusted that God would bring that about after I’d prayed the first time, I would have saved myself all that stress I didn’t actually have to go through while waiting. 

In Isaiah 46:11, God assures us that he really will do what he says he’ll do in our lives. 

If God has spoken a truth over your life – such as that he loves you, that he’ll never leave you, or that he’ll meet all of your needs – you can really count on God doing that. It’s something you can be sure God will do! If God planned it, he is currently doing the work behind the scenes to make it happen. Just because you can’t see the result yet, because it’s not yet God’s timing for it to happen, doesn’t mean God has abandoned his work on it for you. 

This verse has real authority behind it. God tells us clearly that he will bring about what he says and that he will do what he has planned. The focus is entirely on God’s power, and God has unlimited power to do whatever he chooses to do. We never have to worry that God won’t be able to keep his promises to us. No matter what, God always keeps his promises. 

We can also be sure that none of our mistakes will ruin God’s work in our lives. God tells us in Romans 8:28 that all things will work together for our good. God can take all of our broken pieces and incorporate them into the plans he established for us before we were even born. No matter what, God will continue to work to accomplish good purposes for our lives. 

Jesus is the ultimate proof that what God says in Isaiah 46:11 is true. Thousands of years before Jesus was born, God said he would send a Savior. But as people waited for that to happen, generation after generation passed. People started to doubt that God would really do what he said he would do. 

At just the right time, though, God brought about just what he had planned and said he would do. Jesus came to Earth at exactly the best time in history to save our world from sin. Since God was faithful to fulfill the massive promise of sending us a Savior, you can trust God to fulfill the promises he has made to you personally. You can stop exhausting yourself trying to force doors open or worrying that you’ve been forgotten. You can breathe. 

God always tells the truth. If God said it, it’s coming. If he planned it, it’s happening. Your job isn’t to make it happen; your job is to trust the One who is already doing it. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how you can trust God to do what he says he will do, reflect on these questions: 

• What’s one promise you’re currently waiting for God to fulfill? 
• In what ways are you currently tempted to doubt God’s promises while you wait, and how can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness regularly?
• Looking back, when has God brought about a plan in your life that you once thought was impossible? 
• Are you exhausted from trying to force a result in your own strength rather than trusting God’s timing? 
• When you think about how God always tells the truth and how he never fails, how does that change your level of peace? 

Further Reading:
Numbers 23:19
Joshua 21:45
Philippians 1:6
Psalm 33:11
Hebrews 10:23

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Highlights

• Isaiah 55 teaches that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
• True joy is not dependent on circumstances, but on trusting God.
• God’s promises and plans never fail or return empty.
• Believers can experience peace even when they do not understand God’s timing.
• Joy grows when we surrender control and place our trust in the Lord.
• God remains loving, faithful, and sovereign through every season.

Join the Conversation

What situation in your life feels difficult to trust God with right now? How can surrendering control help you experience greater joy and peace in this season?

Continue the conversation and share your thoughts with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Our Promise of Joy 

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:

“For you will go out with joy
And be led in peace;
The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you,
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12 NASB)

Could you use some joy in your life right now? Have circumstances discouraged you, causing you to wonder where God is or why He allows what He does? 

It’s difficult, at times, to understand God, but according to Scripture, His thoughts are not like ours, and His ways are not like ours either. The Bible says we’re foolish to think we can ever fully understand the mind and ways of God. 

We can tend to think we have Him figured out, and then He seems to act out of character by allowing something that we don’t understand. 

But, my friend, God is always consistent with Who He is – loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, and faithful to the ends of the earth. So, if it seems like God is disappointing you, failing you, or abandoning you, you must not have the whole picture yet. And spoiler alert: you might not see the whole picture this side of heaven. 

It occurred to me as I was reading through Isaiah 55:8-12 that God was not only telling His people, through the prophet Isaiah, to trust His ways and His timing, but He was giving them the formula for joy. 

He wasn’t just saying, “Joy will someday be yours as you trust Me.” He was saying joy was a result of understanding Who He is and that His ways are sometimes unexplainable.

In Isaiah 55:8-11, God offers these encouraging, comforting, and (for me, they were life-changing) words: 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, 

Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts. 

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, 

And do not return there without watering the earth

And making it bear and sprout, 

And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty, 

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” NASB).

Those four verses of Scripture assure us that even though we don’t always understand God’s thoughts and His ways, He is still God and He can still bring something good out of what He is allowing. And therefore, as we trust His ways and His timing, we can “go out with joy.” 

Even when we can’t see it all yet. 

Joy isn’t automatic. And joy certainly isn’t connected to our circumstances. Rather, joy is the result of understanding that God’s ways are so far above our own. God was telling His people, in verses 8-11, that His thoughts were not just different than theirs, but higher than theirs, and His ways were better than theirs, fuller than theirs, accomplishing so much more than theirs. And therefore, joy was theirs as they accepted that God’s ways and timing are different, but so much better. And He can be trusted.

The wonderful thing about this promise of joy in Isaiah 55:12 is that it follows that comforting passage, assuring us that God’s ways are not like our own. He doesn’t mess up. He doesn’t miss a thing. And He is always working on our behalf, as we trust and honor Him. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Can you trust His ways, my friend, regardless of your circumstances? In addition to this comfort in Isaiah 55:8-12, we are assured in Psalm 18:30 that all God’s ways are perfect. And in addition to His perfect methods and timing, “He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.”

Trust this God whose ways are higher, better, and more eternal than yours. And experience the joy that comes from being able to say, “I don’t understand. But my trust is in Him.” 

Further Reading:
Psalm 121

For more on trusting God with your whole heart, see my newest book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. 

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This devotional reminds readers that sanctification is a lifelong process. Though dying to self is difficult, it leads to deeper fellowship with Christ, greater spiritual growth, and the abundant life Jesus promises to those who follow Him faithfully.

Highlights

• Philippians 3:10 reveals Paul’s desire to become more like Christ through surrender.
• Following Jesus requires daily humility, sacrifice, and obedience.
• Selflessness in everyday life reflects Christ’s servant-hearted example.
• Jesus modeled dependence on the Father through prayer and submission.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to deny the flesh and choose God’s way.
• Trials and hardships can become opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctification.
• True life is found when believers surrender their lives fully to Christ.

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Full Transcript Below:

We Must Die Daily

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). 

As a mom and wife, I am given countless opportunities to set aside my own wants and to sacrifice my love, time, and attention to my husband and children's needs. Pouring yourself out like that on a daily basis can sometimes be physically exhausting; I find myself praying for supernatural strength often! Yet, at the end of the day, even though I am tempted to wonder where my “me time” is, my heart is always full. 

This is when I begin to see more clearly what the Apostle Paul meant when he said: “I die daily.”

The Biblical principle of dying to yourself has always been true, but I didn’t always live it or even understand it. Becoming a stay-at-home mom has challenged me in more ways than I can count in the area of putting others before myself, and I am always learning and finding that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. 

As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow Him. That was Paul’s mission in life – to imitate Christ. And it is what he and the rest of the apostles literally gave their lives to preach to the world through their words and actions. We may not ever get the honor to literally die for Jesus Christ because of our faith in Him, but by God’s grace, we can imitate His selflessness every day.

The apostle Paul emphasizes his great desire to join Christ in His suffering and become like Christ in his daily dying of self:

“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV).

Intersecting Faith and Life: 

To be able to imitate Christ and enjoy this kind of fellowship with Him, we must look to Jesus as our example. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, He still leaned upon God the Father for everything He said and did while He walked this earth. Jesus would rise early to pray and seek God for His will for the day.

In addition to seeking God in prayer, Jesus obediently submitted Himself to the will of the Father, even unto death. Each day, we are faced with the temptation to satisfy our flesh and go outside the boundaries of God’s perfect will. We discover what that will is when we read the Bible and study it for ourselves to learn God’s ways. We are not perfect, but thankfully, Jesus was, and because of His sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit as born-again believers. 

The characteristics of Jesus’ death should be the characteristics of our lives: humility, sacrifice, and glory to God through disciple-making. Ultimately, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others (Mark 10:45). Jesus ministered to thousands upon thousands of people during His time here on earth. John 22 tells us that if all the things Jesus did were written down, the entire world could not contain the books that would be written! Dying daily definitely isn’t easy, but it is worth it because Jesus promises us that whoever loses his life will find it and find it abundantly (Matthew 10:39, John 10:10)!

But remember, we cannot die daily in our own strength, friends. The Holy Spirit is who empowers us to choose God’s way through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). With each passing day, by God’s grace, we mature and cultivate a life worth dying for, a life found in Christ alone! Living like Christ’s dying is a continual process of humility and sacrifice. May God empower us to die daily and choose others above ourselves.

Our flesh wants nothing to do with denying it of anything. We don’t want to experience suffering. But it is in those moments of dying to self that you become more like Christ. What are the difficulties and trials you are currently facing? Ask the Lord to help you embrace those trials and sufferings so that you may grow closer to Him. Let us seek to look like Christ’s dying by learning how to be humble and sacrificial. Instead of resisting those difficult times, ask the Lord to help you to find great opportunities for sanctification to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus and lean into His grace through the trial.

Further Reading:

2 Corinthians 4:10-11

Luke 9:23-27

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This devotional encourages Christians to stop carrying pain alone and instead seek refuge in the Lord. God does not dismiss our hurt or ignore injustice. He sees every wound, strengthens weary hearts, and offers healing to those who draw near to Him. Even when circumstances remain difficult, His presence steadies us and renews our faith.

Highlights

• Psalm 73 honestly addresses discouragement over injustice and evil.
• Comparing our suffering to others’ success can lead to bitterness and despair.
• Rumination and isolation often pull us further away from God’s peace.
• Asaph found clarity only after intentionally entering God’s presence.
• God offers refuge, healing, and perspective in seasons of pain.
• Justice may seem delayed, but God remains faithful and sovereign.
• Drawing near to God strengthens faith and quiets fear.

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Full Transcript Below:

When We Feel Discouraged by the Evil in Our World
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - Psalm 73:2-3 (NIV)

Some time ago, I met with a sweet woman trying to heal from some deep emotional wounds. Because of past harm, she struggled to trust others and feel safe in relationships. Relatively new in her faith and transformation journey, she was just beginning to make sense of her emotions and inner world. As her understanding grew, so did her anger. This multiplied when she learned the person who’d most harmed her had slandered her to others, causing some to misjudge her and others to withdraw completely. She felt like she would never break free from her pain and bitterness. Worse, her offender didn’t seem to suffer any consequences for her actions. The person actually seemed to be thriving. 

Have you been there? Watching someone else treat others with ruthless cruelty, and not only get away with it, but benefit from your pain and the wreckage they caused? 

We can all probably think of situations in which injustice left us deeply wounded, wondering why God allowed us to experience such pain. We’ve also probably watched others seem to get away with horrendous behavior, while our suffering only increases. 

This was precisely how Asaph, the royal musician who penned Psalm 73, felt. We don’t know when he wrote this passage. But if this is the same Asaph who served during the time of King David, he may have been watching the betrayal David experienced at the hands of his son. Or perhaps the wickedness he refers to hits closer to home. His words might also stem from a more existential reflection on considering the world at large. 

At times, it does seem like the wealthy, powerful, and unscrupulous thrive, with little worries or pain, while we fall into one crisis after another. And in those seasons when someone else’s success seems to mock our pain, it’s easy to question the heart, promises, and plans of God. Unfortunately, if we cease tending to our souls, our sorrow can turn to disillusionment and eventually bitterness. 

Our inner angst can turn us from, rather than to, the One who knows us fully, loves us deeply, and is always working on our behalf. 

When we sense ourselves tiptoeing toward disillusionment and despair, we can follow Asaph’s example, as revealed in verses 16-17. Initially, he attempted to make sense of his circumstances on his own (v. 16). This only increased his inner angst. But then, in the next verse, we read:

“… till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (NIV). 

He intentionally turned to God. I don’t know how far he needed to travel to reach the Temple. But this required effort and determination. It also meant setting aside whatever other tasks he wanted to complete that day. 

When we’re hurting, frightened, or struggling with doubt, it’s easy to get stuck in our heads as we rehearse all the evils we’ve experienced or seen. The more we ruminate on what feels hard and uncertain, the more powerless and discouraged, and potentially, even abandoned, we feel. And our mind rarely remains focused on the inciting incident. Often, one negative thought leads to another, then another, until we’re overwhelmed. 

And like I said earlier, unmitigated introspection can pull us further from God, which only increases our fear or despair. 

But the converse occurs, as well. When we turn to God, seek His presence, and authentically engage with Him, He meets us in the intensity of our emotions and speaks clarity to our confusion, truth to our doubts, and surrounds us with His love. 

Did you catch how the Lord did this for Asaph? In God’s sanctuary, the place in which His presence dwelt, He gained faith-building understanding. Yes, the wicked seemed to thrive without any concerns or consequences. But justice would come, and Asaph would experience God’s goodness. 

Notice how he ended his poetic prayer. In verses 23-26, we read: 

Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

And then, in verse 28: 

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

Intersecting Life & Faith:

I don’t know what you’re going through currently, what feels heavy and unfair and unjust. But I do know God sees you, loves you, and is for you. He won’t abandon you in your pain, nor will He allow the wicked to thrive forever. He brings justice, healing, hope, and refuge. 

If you’re feeling disillusioned by someone else’s sinful behavior, bring your emotions, unfiltered, to God and trust Him to meet and to heal you there. To shield and uphold you in His love. 

Before you sign off, if this episode hit a tender place in your soul and you’re struggling to make sense of some relational patterns that are leading to more anxiety than joy, visit the Faith Over Fear podcast to listen to my conversation with Jennifer Renee Watson on the threads of people pleasing and how to gain the confidence to tend to your soul—when others try to beat you down. That episode is titled "When People Take Advantage of Your Kindness: Biblical Help for People Pleasing."

Further Reading:

Psalm 37:1-7

Romans 12:19

Psalm 94:1-3

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Through relatable storytelling and biblical encouragement, this devotional challenges believers to overcome fear, embrace authenticity, and confidently witness to others about God’s faithfulness. Whether through answered prayer, peace during hardship, or everyday moments of hope, your story can help others discover the living presence of Jesus Christ.

Highlights

• Why your personal testimony carries spiritual impact
• The significance of the 500 witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection
• How authenticity builds credibility when sharing faith
• Why Christians don’t need all the answers to witness effectively
• Overcoming fear and hesitation when talking about Jesus
• Simple ways to share the hope of Christ in everyday conversations
• How your story can encourage others to seek God personally

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Full Transcript Below:

Your Witness Matters
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” – 1 Corinthians 15:6, NIV 

When I was first learning about journalism – as an editor for my high school’s newspaper – I read a story that my fellow student Scott submitted and marveled at all the great quotes he had included. But none of those quotes featured names. They were all followed by the phrase “one student said.” So, I asked Scott to attribute the quotes. It was then that he revealed the “one student” was himself! I had to explain to him that he couldn’t just make up the quotes he wanted to feature in the story. Scott learned about the importance of authenticity and credibility that day, and I had to laugh that he had even considered we might run his story without proper attribution. 

I love reading the Bible’s stories of Jesus’ appearances to many different people after his resurrection. One of my favorite reports is in 1 Corinthians 15:6, which mentions that the resurrected Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at once – and that many of those people were still living at the time this verse was written, so those who read it could seek them out and hear their own stories of witnessing Jesus personally. All of those witnesses together offer credible evidence that Jesus really was resurrected from the dead and visited many people afterward.

You are also a witness to the fact that Jesus is alive. While you didn’t see him appear physically during biblical times, you’ve seen Jesus at work in your life. You’ve experienced how Jesus answered your prayers in all sorts of ways, such as by sending you guidance, giving you peace, or encouraging you. By sharing your stories of witnessing Jesus’ work in your life, you can help other people discover that Jesus is still living and active. 

Sometimes you may hesitate to share your stories because you’re afraid someone will ask a hard theological question you can‘t answer. But look back at that group of 500 people. They weren’t experts; they were witnesses. A witness’s job isn’t to be the judge, the jury, or the lawyer. A witness’s only job is to say: “This is what I saw, and this is what happened to me.” 

When you dare to share honest stories about how Jesus meets you in your struggles, you give others permission to be honest, too. Your authenticity can inspire others to walk closer to Jesus themselves. 

This verse mentions that most of those 500 witnesses were “still living.” This was an open invitation for skeptics to go and investigate by talking to them directly about their experiences with the resurrected Jesus. Today, you are the “still living” proof for the people in your own life. You’re the witness in your office, in your gym, in your family group chat, and wherever else you can share your stories of Jesus at work in your life. 

Jesus wants you to share his Gospel message in fresh ways whenever you have opportunities to do so. Just sharing simple ways that Jesus has given you hope lately or answered a specific prayer to help you can make a significant positive difference in other people’s lives. You don’t have to give people a sermon. Just witness authentically how Jesus is working in your life.

No one else can tell your stories of what Jesus is doing in your life. If you stay silent, some credible reports of God’s goodness stay hidden. But if you witness to others about how you’ve seen Jesus, you can point many people toward hope. 

So, go ahead and share what you’ve seen. You never know whose life might be changed by your witness! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how important it is for you to share your authentic stories of faith in God, reflect on these questions: 

• When was a time you saw Jesus at work in your life that you haven’t yet shared with anyone? 
• What’s the biggest fear that holds you back from talking about your faith with others? How can you overcome that fear, with God’s help? 
• Who in your life right now needs to hear you witness about the hope that Jesus offers? How can you share a story with that person about how Jesus has given you hope? 
• How does the idea of being a witness – who just says what you’ve seen – put less pressure on you than being a teacher or preacher? 
• What credible evidence can people see that shows them Jesus is alive and active in your life right now? 

Further Reading:
Acts 1:8
1 Peter 3:15
Psalm 107:2
Revelation 12:11
Mark 5:19

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Through water damage, construction messes, and an unexpected remodel, God revealed His wisdom, provision, and perfect timing. This devotional encourages Christians to surrender their own timelines, trust God in the waiting, and believe He can bring beauty out of chaos when we choose obedience over impatience.

Highlights

• Why waiting on God can protect us from unnecessary hardship
• The importance of listening to godly counsel and spiritual leadership
• How delays can become unexpected blessings
• God’s ability to restore beauty from life’s messes and disruptions
• Trusting God’s timing instead of forcing our own plans
• A reminder that God’s “no” or “wait” often leads to something better
• Finding peace through obedience, patience, and prayer

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Full Transcript Below:

God Always Knows Best
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

How many times do you and I have something on our minds, or on our wish lists, that we fail to ask God for, and we just rush ahead and try to get it for ourselves? 

I remember when my daughter and I got in our heads that we wanted to replace our carpet downstairs with wood laminate flooring. We believed it would be better for my husband, who suffered allergies now and then from our beloved cat, Mowgli. And we so wanted the upgrade to get rid of our old, smelly carpet. 

We also wanted to update the overall look of our condo, so we went to a home improvement store and admired granite and marble countertops that could replace the old tile and grungy grout in our kitchen. The cost of the countertops was so high, though, that we figured we didn’t truly need them. So, my daughter and I decided to just push hard for the new flooring. 

Yet, my husband insisted that we wait. “We don’t know if we might end up paying taxes this year,” he said, “so let’s wait until after April.”

“But we have the money in savings,” I countered. “And you’d love it, Dad,” my daughter chimed in. 

Yet my husband was insistent.  "I'm just not feeling at peace about it,” he said. “Please wait and trust me on this.” 

I was so convinced we should have that flooring, I whined about it to God in prayer the next morning. It was very clear what God was saying to my heart during my prayer time: Listen to your husband. Follow his lead. 

I didn’t bother arguing with God. He usually won’t budge on things. So, I waited it out and forgot about the flooring. Until a few months later, when we discovered wet carpet from a slab leak underneath our kitchen floor and entryway! The insurance company was called. Dryers were put in our living room to dry out the floors and help mitigate what they hoped wouldn’t turn into mold. Then, contractors came and rerouted our water lines from the ground into the walls of our condo. The place was an absolute mess. But part of the remodel included not only replacing the carpet in the living room and entry way and up the stairs, but the option to include flooring instead at less of a cost than the carpet, leaving excess funds to replace our countertops, which had to be redone after a tile broke when the contractors were repairing the lower cupboards underneath the countertops. 

Over the next few months, we ended up with all-new wood flooring downstairs, beautiful new granite countertops, and a kitchen repaint at practically no expense to us. 

Had I rushed ahead and not waited on my husband and God for that wood flooring, we would’ve paid a few thousand dollars for it, only to have it all ripped up a month later and reinstalled again after the leak. By waiting when my husband said, “Let’s wait,” and by listening to God when He said, “Listen to your husband,” we didn’t pay anything except a small deductible for what turned out to be a $15,000 remodel of the downstairs in our home. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How many times might God have something far better for us than what was on our own wish list and timeline? Trust Him for what He wants to do in your life in His way and in His time. Trust Him in the messes, like slab leaks, reconstruction, and water damage repair. He has a way of restoring and bringing beauty out of the chaos. And as Matthew 7:11 says, He loves to give gifts to His children who not only ask Him, but wait upon Him. 

Thank You, Lord, that You can accomplish far more when I pray about a situation and wait upon You than I can when I argue or try to work things out for myself. Lord, You always know best, and I truly want Your best, not my idea of what’s best. Teach me to wait upon Your plan and Your timing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 

Further Reading:

Psalm 84:11 

For daily help and inspiration to wait upon God, see Cindi McMenamin’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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Through personal testimony and biblical encouragement, this devotional explores spiritual discernment, obedience, and learning to recognize God’s voice amid fear and uncertainty. It highlights how Scripture, prayer, and Christian community help believers test what they hear and grow more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. As we mature spiritually, the Holy Spirit becomes not only our Comforter but also the One who silences lies and strengthens our identity in Christ.

Highlights

• The Holy Spirit often speaks peace into moments filled with fear and confusion.
• God’s voice will always align with Scripture and His character.
• Spiritual maturity grows through consistent prayer, obedience, and time in God’s Word.
• Fear and negative thinking lose power when replaced with biblical truth.
• Christian community helps believers discern and confirm God’s leading.
• God—not circumstances or diagnoses—holds authority over our lives and future.
• Listening to the Holy Spirit requires intentional stillness and spiritual attentiveness.

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Full Transcript Below:

Listen to the Holy Spirit
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” - Psalm 37:23

A couple of years ago, I started a new medication. This medication had side effects, one of which was nausea, and I had a lot of it. In addition, I felt it was affecting my throat, as I kept feeling a lump there. Because I have had hypothyroidism for many years, my doctor wanted to check to see if it was causing harm to my thyroid, and she wanted to see if it was cancer. She ordered an ultrasound to check it. 

No cancer! But the test results revealed I probably had an autoimmune disease that had gone undiagnosed for some time. This was difficult news to hear, to say the least. After I visited with the doctor, I got into my car and drove to the grocery store. Just as I was getting into the car after getting some groceries, I hit my head on the rearview mirror. I bawled my eyes out for the next half hour in my car. A myriad of thoughts ran through my head:

I won’t live long enough to see my kids grow up or their grandkids. 

God didn’t care about my health.  

God didn’t care about me. 

All I had done was for nothing. 

After I had my emotional meltdown, I went back into the store. Walking down the aisle, I sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart: “I tell you when you’re done. Doctors don’t tell you when you are done, I tell you when you are done.” Immediately, all those lies that filled my head were gone.  

Because I regularly practice listening for the Holy Spirit, I was in tune and aware enough of how God speaks to me that when He spoke, I knew it was Him. I not only knew from my previous encounters with the Spirit, but also being anchored in God’s word, that when I tested the words I heard, they aligned with Scripture. 

Those words inspired me not to give up. I changed my diet and tweaked my exercise routine. I started taking supplements, upped my water intake—anything I could do to live as healthily as possible.

If you are unsure whether you are hearing from the Holy Spirit, ask yourself these questions: As you read Scripture, does a verse speak to your soul in a way it hasn’t before (especially if you’ve read the scripture before)? Do you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you during your prayer time? If he does, write down what you believe he is saying. 

If you have experienced either of these things, test what you are hearing with others you trust (they can be in your church or not). Community is key to sharpening your ability to hear from the Holy Spirit. 

When we mature in our spiritual walks, we rely more on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's voice becomes clearer to us the more we listen to it and obey what it says. Not only is it important to listen to the Holy Spirit, but it also helps to dispel the lies that Satan plants in our minds. Just as I believed the lie that my life was over simply because of a doctor's diagnosis, the Holy Spirit had more to say to me on that subject. The minute I heard those words in the spirit, all those lies disappeared. I was able to replace the truth of the above verse with the lies that my life would be cut short. 

Are you someone who hears from the Holy Spirit? Have you had encounters like this where the words you hear from him align with Scripture, changing not only your life but the lives of those who hear them? Vow to be more attuned to the spirit. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you in ways that only you will understand. 

When you hear those words, be obedient to do as they say. When we align our minds and hearts with the Holy Spirit, we solidify our identity in Christ and can respond to the still, small voice in our lives.

Father, let us listen to you. Make your voice unmistakable in our lives. Let us be people who are known to obey you rather than the lies in our minds. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you heard from the Holy Spirit? What did he say? Were you obedient to what you heard?

Further Reading:

John 14:26

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This devotional highlights how the Israelites repeatedly witnessed God’s miraculous provision and deliverance, yet often forgot His faithfulness when new challenges arose. Through intentional reflection and remembrance, Christians can strengthen their faith, overcome fear, and build deeper trust in God’s character. Remembering God’s past faithfulness becomes a powerful way to steady the heart, encourage future generations, and remain anchored in hope during uncertain times.

Highlights

• Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens faith during difficult seasons.
• Fear and anxiety often grow when believers forget God’s past provision.
• Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to reflect on His works and promises.
• The Israelites struggled because they continually forgot God’s deliverance.
• God remains faithful even when His people are fearful or weak in faith.
• Reflecting on God’s past provision helps believers trust Him in present trials.
• Intentional remembrance builds peace, hope, and spiritual endurance.

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Full Transcript Below:

How Remembering God’s Faithfulness Rebuilds Your Faith
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old. —Psalm 78:2

Lately, life has felt heavy and chaotic, hasn’t it? Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning backward, upside down, and inside out, and frankly, there’s not much I can do about it. I can’t fix our economy or prevent the next recession. I can’t undo the division and polarization plaguing our nation. I can’t solve my loved one’s problems or prevent their pain. And when everything hits simultaneously, or my hardship continues for any length of time, I temporarily lose sight of the power, promises, and love of Christ. 

Such forgetfulness is dangerous in times of crisis, because it tempts me to rely on myself and seek control. But I’ve created enough messes to know the foolishness of any so-called solutions not provided by Christ. 

Thankfully, He never leaves me to navigate life’s challenges alone. I watched Him resurrect my marriage when it seemed dead. He’s provided for us in miraculous ways and guided us through confusion and uncertainty. My life has become a living testimony of His grace. A grace that, when remembered and reflected upon, deepens my faith, strengthens my obedience, and purifies my love for the One who never leaves my side.

I see this strategic interaction all throughout Scripture. We humans excel at falling into messes; the Lord excels at pulling us out and setting us on a new, brighter, freer path. This is the message Asaph, the prophet and royal musician who penned Psalm 78, conveyed. He wanted the Israelites to consider God’s faithfulness to His often faithless and rebellious people. He asked them to listen, and then to repeat the lessons he taught, as a way to encourage their souls, yes. But also to build faith into the next generation. To help insulate them from falling into the same self-defeating traps as the older generation (vs 6-8). 

Scripture records some of the most shocking examples in Exodus, a historical narrative recounting the people’s liberation from slavery and oppression and journey to the Promised Land. They should’ve completed this 200 to 400-mile trek within ten days, a few weeks max. But when it came time to enter their new, God-given land, they refused, out of fear. 

This, after having witnessed the Lord’s miraculous intervention numerous times. Consider how their story began—an entire population, held captive, powerless, for centuries. They had no recourse, no voice, and likely assumed things would never get better. How could they, a weak and beaten-down people group, possibly break free from the most powerful ruler in the ancient world at that time?

That’s also why God’s rescue would’ve made such an impact. He infused hope into a seemingly hopeless situation, proving His power over the most oppressive and established systems and history’s most vicious tyrants. But then, soon after their liberation, they found themselves trapped again, this time with a large body of water on one side and a skilled, armed, and trained military advancing on the other. 

Understandably, the people panicked. They deemed their circumstances hopeless. But again, God came through, parted the water so they could pass across on dry ground, then swept their cruel abusers into the sea. 

Again and again, God’s people found themselves in dire situations. And again and again, God came through, proving His love. Demonstrating His attentive care. 

In each instance, He presented them with an opportunity to deepen their faith, build greater trust in their Maker, and establish a more secure connection with Him. 

Sadly, they never seemed to accept His beautiful invitation—because they refused to learn from their past. Instead, they remained reactive, fearful, anxious, and in repeated chaos with themselves, one another, and their Lord. 

Asaph challenged the later generations to consider their ancestors’ self-defeating patterns so that they could learn to live differently, with more faith and less fear. And he did so by highlighting God’s faithfulness, often displayed when His people behaved most faithlessly. 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Each day, God offers us the same lesson. He invites us to engage in intentional reflection, where we periodically pause to recall evidence of His love and examples of His care. This remembering strengthens our faith and our attachment to our Savior. As we consistently draw closer to Him, listen for His life parables, and fortify our souls with truth, He steadies us. He enables us to stand firm, immovable, regardless of how shaky the ground beneath us feels. 

How might intentionally remembering God’s power, promises, presence, and provision increase your faith and peace and decrease your anxiety for whatever difficulties you might face? Perhaps journal on one instance each day. In a year’s time, you’ll have 365 accounts of His faithful care for you and those you love. 

Further Reading:
Joshua 4:6-7
Psalm 105:1-5
Psalm 145:4-7

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This devotional encourages believers to guard their hearts against comparison and refocus their attention on Christ rather than worldly standards. Scripture reminds Christians that God faithfully provides what they truly need, and lasting peace comes from trusting His provision and sovereignty. Through gratitude, repentance, and renewing the mind with God’s Word, believers can experience the joy and freedom of godly contentment instead of chasing temporary fulfillment through comparison and materialism.

Highlights

• Godliness with contentment brings lasting spiritual gain.
• Social media comparison can fuel envy, jealousy, and dissatisfaction.
• Comparison often reveals deeper struggles with trust and gratitude.
• True fulfillment is found in Christ, not worldly success or appearances.
• God faithfully provides what His children truly need.
• Renewing the mind with Scripture helps guard the heart from discontentment.
• Gratitude and faith lead to greater peace, joy, and contentment.

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Full Transcript Below:

The Great Gain of Godly Contentment

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). 

Has interaction on social media ever created a heaviness in your heart, perhaps leading you to compare yourself to others? In my life, I seem to get this cloud that forms over me when I scroll certain social media influencers' profiles. You know, the ones from somewhere in the Midwest with a thriving business, beautiful children, Magnolia-inspired farmhouse decor covering the pristine photos of their adorable home...and the lighting! Perfect lighting in these pictures… every single one of them! Absolutely stunning natural light in these posts! And I want to imitate it, but not because I am inspired, but because, quite frankly, I am jealous of these strangers on the internet! The cloud that looms over my head is this heaviness that I need to make my life look like this. I start to think I need what they have, and a feeling of "not enough" starts to creep up in my heart.

Recently, the Lord has been showing me through this restlessness how discontented I have become through social media, and that is something I am working through with the Holy Spirit on how I can guard my heart from these types of entanglements that bring distraction and discontentment. My eyes have drifted upon lesser things, and it has affected my heart in a great way. Comparison that leads to envy and jealousy has been a trap of the enemy since creation. The motive behind Adam and Eve’s disobedience was comparison, which led to covetousness, which led to pride, which led to selfishness, which led to ungratefulness for what God had already provided (all rooted in fear).

Are you in fear? Then you are not in faith, believing God at His Word and fully trusting Him that He has given you exactly what you need. Anything that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). When we compare ourselves with another, we are saying we would do a better job planning out our lives than our Creator, the sovereign Most High, acting like Satan who fell and caused Adam and Eve to fall. Whoa, that is a dangerous place to be!

When we are wrestling with these heart issues and sin, we often need a perspective shift, and this won’t come from social media, but the Word of God is what will bring clarity when our minds and hearts become clouded with worldliness that causes us to become jealous of others. 

The Apostle Paul reminds his spiritual son Timothy in his first letter to him to keep his mind on eternal and spiritual matters:

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Our Heavenly Father ensures that birds are fed, surely, He will take care of us! If we have food and clothing, we truly don’t need anything else; All else is comfort and gifts from our Father. Any material blessing beyond food and clothing that the Lord graces us with should cause us to worship and rejoice in thankfulness for His rich mercy and love towards us as His children. 

We are all guilty of comparing our lives to someone else’s at some point and allowing it to spark jealousy. Where have your eyes wandered that may be creating jealousy? The only way out is to repent and renew your mind with the Word of God. Instead of fixating on others’ lives, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and His Word. If you cling to Him and abide in Him, you will remain full of His love, joy, and peace- the only things that will bring true fulfillment and contentment. You won’t want anything other than what He has given you; His perfect, eternal promises and tender, Fatherly care for you will be more than enough. Let’s lift our gaze and thank Him for what He has already so richly provided for us in Christ Jesus. 

Further Reading:

Philippians 4:11-13

Matthew 6:25-34

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This devotional reminds readers that spiritual maturity begins with honest reflection and repentance. The Apostle Paul openly acknowledged his battle with sin, showing believers the importance of recognizing personal weaknesses instead of excusing them. Through humility, accountability, and dependence on God, Christians can stop getting in their own way and begin pursuing the righteous life God calls them to live.

Highlights

• Romans 7 reveals the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit.
• Self-awareness is the first step toward personal and spiritual growth.
• Pride can prevent believers from recognizing harmful behaviors.
• Accountability helps sharpen and strengthen Christian character.
• Excusing sinful habits leads to self-sabotage and spiritual stagnation.
• Humility allows believers to receive correction and grow in wisdom.
• God calls Christians to actively confront and reject sinful patterns.

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Full Transcript Below:

Are You Getting in Your Own Way?

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

Bible Reading:
“For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.” (Romans 7:18-19, CSB)

There’s a certain question we should ask ourselves every now and again: Am I getting in my own way?

When we don’t get the outcomes we want in life, blaming our circumstances and other people comes naturally enough. What doesn’t happen as frequently as it should is looking at the man in the mirror.

Recently, I remember talking to a fellow young man about our desire for marriage. Well, we went out to lunch with women from our church. Something we both wanted. For one reason or another, this getting-to-know-you experience led him to talk about an extremely embarrassing incident. Now, who in their right mind would share that on a first date?

Or take, for instance, a buddy of mine who is encountering deep financial strain. The more anyone tries to encourage him, the more he pushes back with a 'woe-is-me' attitude. He seems to want more negativity to fuel what he already exhibits.

These guys are not alone. I’ve battled with my own negative thinking and dwelling. Perhaps you, too, are sabotaging your own success. So, ask yourself, “Am I getting in my own way?”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

After you ask yourself this important question, the answer should be yes. If not, the following steps are especially for you.

Build self-awareness.

The reason Paul was able to write those particular verses in Romans is that he developed some measure of self-awareness. He may not have completely understood why he behaved the way he did, aside from citing his sinful nature, but he understood something was wrong and wrote about it. He acknowledged the problem, and acknowledgment is the first step to finding a solution.

If you want to build self-awareness in your own life, spend some time pausing and reflecting. Yes, this does mean sitting with your thoughts and not your phone. Question yourself about why you do certain things and not others. The better you know yourself, the more you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Develop humility. 

Humility is underrated and uncommon. So many of us think we have it, yet fail to recognize just how prideful we are. A good way to measure this virtue is to observe how you handle people who disagree with you. Not just the non-believers, but those people you perceive as less (or more) Christian than you. Have they ever proven you wrong about something? When did that last happen? Is it good that you haven’t been wrong since?

Have people around you to call you out.

Having agreement is nice, but if iron is to sharpen iron, then disagreement is essential. Encouraging one another is nice, but we can do so at the expense of others. Instead of seeking to appease those around us, let’s hold each other accountable and do our best to help others reflect Christ.

If you know you’re a sinner, act like it.

Some of us will openly call ourselves sinners in the abstract on any given Sunday, but on other days of the week, we justify our sinful behavior. People know that they practice poor communication, but don’t change it. Overeat but don’t change it. Say that they’re lazy, but don’t change it.

Does God take sin seriously? If you say yes, don’t say, "He made you that way." Recognize that He hates sin, and try your best to hate it as well. Hate the self-sabotage and do something righteous instead. 

Further Reading (and Listening):

“Wanna Be Happy?” by Kirk Franklin

Galatians 5:17

James 1:14-15

Matthew 26:41

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Resources:

• Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness.

https://ontheground.samaritanspurse.org/podcast/fighting-spiritual-battles-human-trafficking-in-berlin

“We want to stand for the Gospel. We want to stand for Jesus … And we want to show in our programs and projects what it's like to be with Him; to be living with Jesus.” –Marina Nobiling

Before coming to Christ, Marina said she was not merely neutral towards God, she was an enemy. Marina was in bondage—she battled an eating disorder and anxiety for years to the point of planning to take her own life. But when Marina had an encounter with the Lord, everything changed.

“And I had a voice in my head: ‘I want you to live. And you can do it with my help’ … Itwas beyond any doubt clear. That's Jesus. My whole life I had the wrong thinking. That's not true. God exists.” – Marina Nobiling

Marina went from believing that the Gospel was an old superstition to knocking on the door of the nearest church, asking to be baptized. She was on fire for God. Marina now takes this compassion to the streets of Berlin, ministering to women who are trapped in prostitution. She remembers what it was like to be in bondage and desires for others like her to be free; to be transformed by the love of Christ.

Life can be hard, and Marina still struggles, but she has something to turn to that cannot be shaken: God’s Word. Marina created a “first aid kit” with Psalms and Scriptures that speak to her when she is fighting lies or feeling weighed down by fears. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:1, reminds her that she belongs to the Lord—nothing can take that away.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1, ESV

If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visitSamaritansPurse.org.

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Using the story of Israel’s return from exile, this devotional highlights how the people grieved over the consequences of their sin while also experiencing the overwhelming grace and provision of God. Though the rubble of brokenness remained, God wanted His people to rebuild from a place of hope rather than condemnation. In the same way, believers today can trust that God is patiently healing, transforming, and restoring them through His grace.

Highlights

• Shame often keeps believers trapped in cycles of fear and self-condemnation.
• Self-awareness is an important step toward healing and spiritual growth.
• God’s grace meets believers in the middle of their brokenness and failures.
• Nehemiah 8 reminds us that “the joy of the Lord” is our strength.
• Biblical joy comes from knowing God is present, forgiving, and restoring.
• God does not want His children rebuilding their lives from shame.
• Healing and transformation often happen gradually through God’s grace.

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Full Transcript Below:

How God’s Grace Breaks the Cycle of Shame
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:9-10

Do you ever lie in bed, replaying your every unkind word or hurtful deed from the day? Do memories of past sins and regrets seize your mind and steal your peace? Do you find yourself looking back with sorrow at the damage your unfiltered words, angry outbursts, or triggered responses caused, longing for a do-over, but also fearful that you’ll forever fall into these unhelpful patterns? 

You’re not alone. People often state that the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. There’s truth to that, likely because we so long to live and love like Jesus. Yet, we often fall short, and not for lack of trying. 

The other day, I sat with a friend broken by a relational conflict she feared would irrevocably fracture the connection she’d been working to build. Her voice quivered as she said, “I don’t know why I act this way. In the moment, my perspective feels valid, and all I can see is how the other person hurt me. And suddenly, I question their character and intent. Self-isolating thoughts start playing through my mind, like, “She doesn’t really care about you.” “She wants something from you.” “He thinks you’re too much.” “You’re annoying him.” “She’s judging you.” “Why work through this when she’s just going to bail on the relationship anyway?”

My friend’s hunched shoulders and the dark shadows beneath her eyes gave evidence to her sleepless night and the heavy weight of shame she carried. 

A tear slid down her cheek. With a deep breath, she brushed it away. “But then, later,” she said, “I see that I overreacted and made things worse. I see the pattern, but I don’t know how to break it.”

Have you been there? The journey toward wholeness and holiness is rarely comfortable or quick. Yes, God holds the power to transform us with a whisper or glance. In my experience, however, He molds my soul gradually, alerting me to an issue, allowing me to see the fallout of my choices, to grieve my brokenness and sin, before He reveals the steps toward victory. 

Speaking from experience, I shared a statement that encouraged me when I was just beginning my healing journey. “Self-awareness is the first step to change. You can’t heal what you don’t see or won’t acknowledge.” 

Listening, my friend gave a slight nod and offered a half-laugh, half-huff. “Ignorance is bliss?” she asked.  

To which I replied, “Temporarily, perhaps. But it’s often when we’re staring at the rubble we’ve helped create that we’re most able to see, and rest in, God’s all-encompassing grace. To gain strength from His grace.” 

That’s the message today’s passage conveys. Seventy years after what scholars call the Babylonian exile, an event caused by ancient Israel’s long-standing spiritual rebellion, the Lord brought them back to their homeland to rebuild what their sin had destroyed. He sent them with His abundant provision—gold, silver, animals, priests to lead their faith, and numerous workers to repair Jerusalem’s walls and their sacred temple. 

Scripture tells us that:

“The whole company numbered 42,360, besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 245 men and women singers. There were 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys” (Ezra 2:66, NIV).

In short, the Lord showered them with blessings and tangible evidence of His favor. And they celebrated. They celebrated the work He enabled them to do, the provisions He provided, and the forgiveness He granted. 

But this didn’t erase the grief they felt at all that had been lost. The Scripture their religious leaders read brought praise… and a deep awareness of their sin and all it had cost. 

Seeing their weeping, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Lord’s priests spoke today’s passage, encouraging them to receive and find joy in God’s grace. 

Biblical joy goes much deeper than a temporary emotion based on our circumstances. It’s the deep awareness of God’s grace—knowing He’s with us, transforming us, rewriting our story, and working all things, our greatest failures included, for our good and His glory. 

This might not fix the damage we’ve caused. The ancient Israelites still had to clear away the rubble that once formed their homeland, to rebuild the fractured walls and restore the destroyed temple. 

But God wanted them to do so as His beloved, empowered, and absolved children, not from a place of shame. 

Shame is exhausting, heavy, and defeating. Grace brings hope, joy, and strength. It lifts the burdens we carry and plants us more firmly in God’s firm yet gentle embrace. 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

I sometimes wonder if shame functions as a defense mechanism or a subconscious fail-safe. Is there a part of us that believes our inner critic protects us from future harm by keeping our unwanted behaviors in check? 

It’s also a powerful tool of the enemy strategically lobbed to hold us captive. 

Regardless, through Christ, we always have a way out. Our sins don’t repel Him; instead, He draws close, with arms open wide—nailed to the cross. We honor the sacrifice He made by learning to receive, in our innermost wounded places, the forgiveness for which He paid such a high price. 

That takes time, healing, prayer, and regularly connecting with Him; sitting in His presence. But the more we do so, take in His truth, and rest in His love, the weaker our shame, the greater our joy, and the more enduring our strength.   

If you battle shame over a present struggle or past sins, express this to God, and ask Him to break your shame. Then, keep your soul oriented to Him, your spiritual ears attuned to His voice, and your figurative feet ready to follow, trusting Him to lead you step by step, in His perfect timing. 

Further Reading:
2 Corinthians 7:910
Isaiah 57:14-15
Habakkuk 3:19

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This devotional encourages believers to carefully examine the seeds they are planting through their speech, attitudes, priorities, and daily decisions. Seeds of selfishness, bitterness, and careless behavior eventually produce painful consequences, while seeds planted through the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead to peace, kindness, spiritual growth, and life-giving relationships. God calls His people to intentionally plant seeds that reflect His character and trust Him for a fruitful harvest in His perfect timing.

Highlights

• Every word and action plants seeds that will eventually grow.
• Galatians 6 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping.
• Careless words can produce bitterness and damaged relationships.
• Habits and priorities shape the future harvest of our lives.
• Planting for selfish gain leads to regret and devastation.
• Planting through the Holy Spirit produces peace, kindness, and self-control.
• Spiritual growth often happens slowly before visible fruit appears.

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Full Transcript Below:

What Kind of Seeds Will You Plant?
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit.” – Galatians 6:7-8, CEB 

When I first started gardening, the first seed packets I bought were for cucumbers. Our family enjoyed eating cucumbers, and I’d heard that cucumbers were easy to grow. Buying a bunch of cucumber seeds and planting them seemed to be a “no-brainer” decision in the spring. But in the summer, when our cucumbers appeared, I was shocked to see that they didn’t look – or taste – like anything I expected. Instead of the smooth and sweet cucumbers I’d hoped to slice up for our salads, I’d grown what seemed to be cucumber monsters. They were huge, covered in sharp spikes. Biting into their thick, spiky skin was challenging, and when we did, we got a bitter taste that was quite simply gross! It turned out that I’d planted a variety of cucumbers that were usually made into pickles before being eaten – not even close to the variety I usually bought from the grocery store to eat fresh. I wish I had paid more attention to exactly what kind of seeds I planted. 

Seeds always grow into something. That’s exactly what the Bible points out in Galatians 6:7-8, which compares people’s words and actions to seeds. The choices we all make every day are planting something that will grow to become something that we – and God – either like or don’t like. 

You plant seeds with your words. The way you speak to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, or even yourself matters. Harsh, careless words plant seeds of pain that can distance you from people. Gentle, encouraging words plant seeds of trust that can lead to closer relationships. You may think a careless comment is small and unimportant, but seeds don’t look impressive at first either. Over time, though, they grow into something much bigger. 

You also plant seeds with your actions. The priorities you set and the habits you practice day by day will all grow into results you’ll eventually see. If you consistently choose whatever works best for you without considering the other people in your life, you’re planting seeds for your own benefit, just like this Bible passage describes. Those seeds may promise you easy results, but they often grow into situations that leave you feeling bitterness and regret. 

On the other hand, if you seek God’s guidance for your decisions, you’re planting for the benefit of the Spirit. Those choices may not be easy. In fact, they can be challenging to make. But God promises that the choices you make along with him will lead to good results. 

There’s often a gap between planting and harvesting. That gap can fool you. During that time, you might start to think that it doesn’t matter what you say or do, because you can’t yet see anything bad happening from your choices. But growth is happening under the surface. Roots are forming, and a direction is being set. 

So, pay attention now to the words and actions you’re choosing. Just like with the cucumbers, it’s much easier to choose the right seeds at the beginning than to deal with a bitter harvest later. Before you speak, you can pause and think about what might grow from your words. Before you act, you can consider what might grow from what you decide to do. 

When you “plant for the benefit of the Spirit,” you line yourself up with God’s life-giving work. You can then start to see fruit like peace, patience, kindness, and self-control growing in you and around you. As a result, your life will taste less bitter, and you can taste the goodness God wants you to enjoy. 

Today – and every day – you have a choice. You’re holding seed packets in your hands that will grow into something, depending on the words and actions you choose. So, choose carefully. Ask God to help you plant what leads to life. Then trust that, in time, the harvest will come and you’ll see that your decisions were worth making. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider what you want to grow in your life, reflect on these questions: 

• What kinds of seeds have you been planting recently with your words and actions?
• Are there any habits in your life that might lead to a bitter harvest if they continue?
• Where do you sense God inviting you to plant for the benefit of the Spirit instead of yourself?
• What’s a conversation or situation coming up where you can choose to plant better seeds now than you have in the past?
• How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to plant the best seeds now for a good future harvest in a relationship with someone you love? 

Further Reading:
Hosea 10:12
James 3:18
Galatians 5:22-23
Matthew 12:34
Proverbs 18:21

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This devotional reminds Christians that although conflict, hurt, and misunderstanding are inevitable in relationships, isolation is not the answer. Throughout Scripture, from Adam and Eve to the early church in Acts, God consistently calls His people to worship, grow, encourage, and persevere together. Community strengthens faith, provides accountability, and reflects the love of Christ as believers extend grace and forgiveness to one another despite imperfections.

Highlights