The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Do you feel like you're constantly fighting worry, fear, and anxiety instead of living with the confidence God promises? Romans 8:37 reminds us that through Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors. Yet when life's challenges feel overwhelming, it's easy to see yourself as a victim of your circumstances rather than an overcomer through Christ. The difference between being a worrier and a warrior comes down to where you place your confidence. A worrier tries to face every battle through personal strength and understanding, while a warrior trusts God to provide the strength, wisdom, and direction needed to overcome fear and uncertainty.

Highlights

Understand what it means to be more than a conqueror: Explore Romans 8:37 and the victory believers have through the love of Jesus Christ.

Recognize the difference between a worrier and a warrior: Learn how trusting God changes the way you respond to fear, insecurity, and uncertainty.

Understand the spiritual battle behind worry: Discover why Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggles involve more than the people and circumstances we can see.

Replace anxious thoughts with biblical truth: Use God's promises to challenge fear, doubt, and the belief that you cannot overcome difficult situations.

Renew your mind through Scripture: Explore Romans 12:2 and how changing your thought patterns can transform your perspective.

Rely on God's strength instead of your own: Find encouragement in Romans 8:31 and Psalm 28:7 when you feel unprepared or overwhelmed.

Choose faith over fear: Learn how prayer and confidence in Christ can help you move from feeling like a victim to living as an overcomer.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

More Than a Conqueror
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NIV).  

The writer of Romans 8 told us about our victory in Christ. He elaborated on our victory over sin, through Christ Jesus, and celebrated with us that there is no condemnation for those of us who are trusting in Christ Jesus for our salvation. 

But do you feel victorious today?  Would you consider yourself a conqueror in all things, as verse 37 states?  Or do you see yourself more as a failure or, at best, one who survives? 

Life gives us plenty to fear, to worry about, to become anxious over. And yet Scripture gives us every indication that worry and fear are unnecessary when we suit up in our identity as a warrior and an overcomer in Christ. 

Notice I said warrior, not worrier 

A worrier is one who tries to fight battles of fear, insecurity, and doubt on one’s own. A warrior, on the other hand, lets God fight those battles through him or her.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us "we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies [like the person or situation that is making your life miserable], but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places" [like the unseen thoughts, fears and frustrations that cloud your judgment, persuade you to worry, and tempt you to stress out]. 

But you are not destined to succumb to the battle. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

Here's how you can tell if you're a worrier or a warrior:

A worriersays: "I'm so nervous about this situation. I've never done anything like this before.”
A warriorsays: "God has gone before me into this situation, so I have nothing to fear."

A worriersays: "There's no hope."
A warriorsays: "My hope is in the Lord..."

A worriersays: "What if something bad happens?"
A warriorsays: "God causes all things (even the bad things) to work for good to those who love Him" (Romans 8:28).

A worriersays: "I'm not strong enough. Surely I will fail."
A warriorsays: "The Lord is my strength" (Psalm 28:7) and "If God is for me, who can be against me?" (Romans 8:31).

Did you notice the primary difference between a worrier and a warrior? The worrier looks at the world and one’s circumstances through physical eyes. They see (or don’t see), and they fear. 

The warrior is looking in the Word and has God's response for every situation he or she encounters. They see with spiritual eyes from God’s perspective—the perspective of a victor, an overcomer, a conqueror. 

Romans 12:2 tells us "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

To conform to this world is to worry like every other person in the world.

To be transformed by the renewing of your mind is to think differently—as a warrior thinks, as a warrior who knows where their strength is, where the power is, and to Whom they belong.

So which one are you? A worrier or a warrior? A victim or an overcomer? A worrier can turn into a warrior at any time. A victim can suddenly be an overcomer. Your transformation is just a prayer away. 

Lord God, grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with power through Your Spirit inwardly (Ephesians 3:16-17) so that I can be a person of faith, not fear—a warrior, not a worrier, an overcomer, not a victim. It’s in the powerful, victorious, overcoming name of Jesus that I pray this. Amen. 

Will you join me today in the ranks as a warrior? 

Further Reading:
Ephesians 6:10-18

For more on becoming a warrior, not a worrier, see Cindi’s book, 10 Secrets to Becoming a Worry-Free Mom.

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

Looking for a simple way to focus during prayer and meditation? Lighting a candle during your devotional time can help quiet distractions, settle your thoughts, and remind you of God’s presence. When stress, fear, or discouragement makes it difficult to feel close to God, the gentle glow of a candle can serve as a meaningful reminder that His light shines even in your darkest moments. Psalm 18:28 declares that God lights our candles and brightens our darkness, offering hope when we feel overwhelmed. Rather than trying to find strength or peace on your own, you can turn to God as the source of wisdom, comfort, and spiritual light.

Highlights

Use candlelight to focus during prayer: Learn how a simple visual reminder can help quiet distractions and center your thoughts on God.

Find hope in Psalm 18:28: Discover the reassurance that God brings light into your darkness rather than expecting you to overcome every struggle alone.

Create meaningful devotional habits: Explore how lighting a candle during morning prayer or evening reflection can make time with God more intentional.

Ask God for wisdom, peace, and encouragement: Bring your specific needs to Him through honest, focused prayer.

Release worry before bedtime: Use a quiet candlelit moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness and entrust your concerns to Jesus.

Remember that God’s light is greater than darkness: Find encouragement when facing fear, sadness, doubt, or overwhelming circumstances.

Share God’s light with others: Consider how the peace and hope you receive from God can encourage people who are walking through difficult seasons.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Light Candles with God

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Surely, You will light my candle. The LORD, my God, will lighten my darkness.” – Psalm 18:28, RGT

I often light candles at home to remind myself of God’s presence with me. During my morningprayer and meditation times, looking at a candle’s flame helps me focus on how God enlightens me. After a stressful day, enjoying the glow from a candle helps me receive God’s peace. Anytime I need a fresh dose of hope, I can look at a candle and remember that God’s light is strong enough to dispel any darkness in my life.

Have you ever tried using candles during your devotional times with God? It’s simple to do, and can make a significant difference in your ability to focus on the light God is shining into your life.

Sometimes it’s hard to focus on communicating with God during prayer and meditation. Your mind can quickly drift to your busy schedule, your long to-do list, and all the situations you’re worried about right now. Having a candle in front of you can help center your thoughts on just one important thing: the light of God that’s right there with you. As you light a candle and watch the small flame spark to life, you can let go of distractions by thinking of them burning away from you while your mind clears. Then, as you look into the candle to physically focus your eyes on it, you can spirituallyfocus your attention on God’s presence with you.

In Psalm 18:28, the psalmist shares a wonderful promise: God himself lights your candles and brightens your darkness. This verse shows that God doesn’t expect you to produce your own light when you feel discouraged by the darkness in this fallen world. Instead, God promises to bring his light directly to you. God is the ultimate source of all enlightenment, peace, and hope. You can rely on God to light your candles by giving you whatever you need in prayer.

As you watch the candlelight during your devotional time, you can pray a simple prayer like this: “God, please shine your light on me today. Give me wisdom for my choices. Send me your powerful peace. Encourage me with the hope I need. Thank you; amen.” Talk with God about the specific ways you need enlightenment, peace, and hope on that particular day. Ask God to help the people you know who need those same blessings as they face challenges in their own lives. Let the bright candle flame remind you thatJesus, the Light of the World, loves hearing your prayers and answering them.

At bedtime, you can dim the lights in your room and sit near a glowing candle. Take a few deep, calm breaths. Look at the gentle light and let it inspire you to release the situations you’re worried about to Jesus. Thank him for watching over you, for helping you with those situations, and for sending his peace to you. Let the soft glow of candlelight remind you that God never gets tired and that God’s light shines on you throughout the night.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by doubt, fear, or sadness, you can light a candle as a simple yet significant act of faith. Darkness can feel overwhelming, but even a tiny flame shines through a dark room. As you focus your eyes on the light, remind yourself that God’s love and power are far greater than any challenge you face. No matter how dark a situation appears, God’s light always wins. Just like a candle’s light will overcome the darkness in a room physically,God’s light will overcome darkness in your life spiritually.

Lighting candles can help you return to God anytime, anywhere. Let candles draw you closer to the source of all light, who loves you!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how using candles can help you focus on God and the light he’s shining into your life, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

John 8:12

Psalm 119:105

Matthew 5:16

2 Corinthians 4:6

1 John 1:5

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

What should you do when God doesn’t answer your prayers the way you hoped? When a door closes, a relationship doesn’t work out, or a long-awaited opportunity never comes, it’s natural to feel disappointed and question God’s plan. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Even when we cannot understand why He says “no” or asks us to wait, He sees the bigger picture of our lives. Learning to trust God with unanswered prayers means surrendering our expectations, bringing our disappointment honestly to Him, and believing that His wisdom reaches beyond what we can see in the moment.

Highlights

Trust God when He says no: Understand why a closed door doesn’t necessarily mean God has abandoned you or forgotten your prayers.

See unanswered prayers from a new perspective: Discover how God may be protecting you from a path you cannot yet see clearly.

Surrender your expectations to God: Learn to release your grip on a specific outcome and trust His wisdom with your future.

Find encouragement in Paul’s transformation: Explore how God turned Saul, a persecutor of Christians, into one of the early Church’s most influential apostles (Acts 9).

Remember that God’s grace is sufficient: Reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and the reminder that God’s power can work through weakness, even when He doesn’t remove a struggle.

Practice gratitude during disappointment: Consider how thanking God for closed doors can help you grow in faith while you wait for clarity.

Pray for a trusting heart: Ask God to change your heart and strengthen your faith, even if He doesn’t change your circumstances.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

Thanking God for the Prayers He Answered Differently

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither 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” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV).

I’ve always been a storyteller. I love classic period dramas where the protagonist gets their happily-ever-after and the villains get what they deserve.

After I graduated high school, I prayed for a door to open that I thought would be the right one for me in that season. I filled dozens of pages in my prayer journal, begging God to open this door.

Would God answer my prayers the way I wanted?

Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at my naivety.

Was I disappointed when God closed that door and led me in a different direction?
Absolutely.

I didn’t understand why God said “no” when I prayed so hard and for so long.

All I could see in that moment was what I thought was best. But looking back, I am so grateful that God didn’t answer the way I’d wanted Him to.

If God had given me what I wanted when I wanted it, I would’ve missed out on so much. He had different plans for me, adventures to embark on, callings to pursue, and people to meet that never would’ve happened had He said “yes” back then.

While I thought I knew what was best, I see now that it was God’s protection that closed the door.

What are you praying for today? Even when we pray for something good, we may find that God answers differently than what we’d hoped for. When He says “no” or “wait,” His higher perspective sees the whole story while we only see the page we’re on.

Think of what you are praying for most in this season, maybe a career, a relationship, or a change in your circumstances. What if God says “no”?

What is your initial response?

I’m not talking about the response we know we should have. We know we should trust the Lord and be grateful for the doors God has shut for our protection. But do we thank God when He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want?

Honestly ask yourself these questions.

To be transparent with you, sometimes I struggle with anger when God tells me “No.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Recently, God showed me that I’m clinging to something I’m praying for far too tightly. I know God is the only One Who can change my circumstances, and I felt a twinge of distrust as I realized that God might not answer my prayers the way I want.

If this door closes, I know I should praise Him anyway and be grateful for His protection. My prayer is that He’ll change my heart even if He doesn’t change my circumstances. But I need God’s help to trust Him as I navigate this current season.

What if God says “no”? 

Will I trust He will work everything together for my good (Romans 8:28) even if the answer is not what I’ve asked for?

When I look back on my life and the miraculous “yeses” God gave me, I know God will open every door that He wants me to walk through. I’ve seen Him do it countless times and know He will do it again. It doesn’t matter how impossible something seems; God can make a way where there is no way.

I’ve also seen how the “no’s” were blessings in disguise. How the prayers I prayed fresh out of high school, when met with a “no,” turned out to be one of the greatest blessings in my life at that time.

Consider Paul, originally called Saul, for instance. He was zealous and persecuted Christians. I imagine many believers in the early Church prayed either for him or about him. Perhaps they expected God to stop their persecutor and to remove him.

Instead, God did what seemed impossible: He transformed the persecutor into a preacher.

God met him on the road to Damascus and flipped his future on its head (Acts 9). God allowed Paul to become temporarily blind so that his spiritual eyes would be opened to the Lord. Paul then went on to become one of the most influential apostles in the early Church.

I’m sure people were shocked when Paul became zealous to share the good news of Jesus. No one could’ve changed his heart, not even Paul himself. God alone was the only one who instigated a heart change.

Paul later writes in 2 Corinthians 12 of a thorn he begs God to remove for Him. God responds instead, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9).

Sometimes, God answers our prayers the way we want, but other times, He doesn’t. But even when we receive a “no,” we can thank God and trust that His ways are higher than ours and His thoughts greater than anything we could ever imagine.

Pray with me: Dear Father God, thank You for the times You answer differently. Please help me to be grateful for each “no” and each redirection. Please help me to trust that Your grace is sufficient for me in my weakness. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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

Through a powerful story about a painting called Peace in the Midst of the Storm and a personal experience of finding unexpected shelter during a rainstorm, this devotional explores how God brings peace in difficult seasons. Sometimes He changes our circumstances, and other times He calms our hearts through His presence while the storm continues. Jesus acknowledges in John 16:33 that we will face trouble in this world, but He also offers the lasting peace that comes from knowing He has overcome it. Discover how to trust God for protection, recognize His care in everyday moments, and find reassurance when you need peace the most.

Highlights

Understand what biblical peace really means: Learn why true peace is not the absence of hardship but the security of knowing God is with you through it.

Find refuge in God during difficult seasons: Explore Psalm 46:1 and its reminder that God is always present to provide strength and help in times of trouble.

Trust God when life feels chaotic: Discover how God can calm the storms around you or bring calm to your heart while you face them.

Recognize God’s unexpected provision: Reflect on a personal story of finding shelter during a sudden rainstorm and seeing God’s care in an ordinary moment.

Remember Jesus’ promise of peace: Find encouragement in John 16:33, where Jesus acknowledges life’s troubles while reminding us of His victory over the world.

Turn to God when fear takes over: Consider how prayer and trust in His presence can help you face uncertainty without feeling alone.

Reflect on songs about God’s peace and protection: Explore “Sometimes He Calms the Storm,” “A Secret Place,” and “Peace” as musical reminders of God’s comfort during life’s storms.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

When God Calms You

By Alexis A. Goring 

Bible Reading:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the storms of life? Do you desperately seek refuge only to not find relief? If so, then this message is for you. 

There’s a story about a king who hosted a contest for artists. They were asked to paint a picture that represents peace. While I haven’t seen the original artwork from the king’s contest, I learned about a modern-day artist, Jack E. Dawson, who heard the story and was inspired to paint a picture of peace. “Artist Jack E. Dawson did not enter or win an actual art contest for his famous painting ‘Peace in the Midst of the Storm’; rather, he was inspired to paint it after hearing a traditional parable about a king's art contest. Dawson heard a story years prior during a church revival about a king who held a contest for artists to paint the best representation of ‘peace.’ While most artists submitted calm lakes, sunsets, and peaceful meadows, the winning painting depicted a harsh, roaring waterfall, a stormy sky with lightning, and a rugged cliff. Upon closer inspection, a tiny bird was tucked safely in a nest within a crack in the rock behind the rushing water. The king explained that true peace is not the absence of noise, trouble, or hardship, but rather being completely calm and secure in the middle of chaos.”

What can we learn from this? I believe this story and painting teach us that God can calm us and shelter us in the midst of raging storms. Like the song by Scott Krippayne says (and I paraphrase): God will either calm the storm around us, or He will calm us with His Presence in the storm. Just like the painting of a bird being sheltered in the storm, we too are safe with God in the storms of life.

I remember when I was in college, I had to walk a few miles to an assignment for class. I usually checked the weather before walking anywhere, but that day I didn’t. So, I was totally unprepared for the rainstorm that poured down at the time I had to return to the dorm where I lived as a student. Accepting that I’d be completely waterlogged by the time I reached my destination, I focused on walking slowly so I wouldn’t slip on the wet pavement of the sidewalks. After walking carefully for a few minutes, the rain began to soak my clothes. But before I was completely drenched in water, a small bus slowly pulled up beside me. The door opened, and without hesitation, I entered the bus and thanked the driver for the ride that was going to provide shelter for me in this storm. He drove me back to the front entrance of the dorm where I was staying, keeping the conversation about the weather lighthearted during the entire five-minute ride. I thanked him again as I exited the bus and walked a few steps into the dorm, where I was now completely safe from the storm. Looking back on that day, I sensed God in it. 

God knew that I needed shelter and safety, so He provided it. The same God who did that for me then can do that and more for you now. Whether you are going through a physical storm outdoors with rain drenching you, thunder booming that’s scaring you, and lightning flashing before your eyes…or you’re experiencing the trials and tribulations of life, I encourage you to remember that you are not alone. Jesus Christ tells us He is with us in John 16:33 (NIV). He says, “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.”

If you’d like to see the famous, modern-day painting representing peace and learn more about it in the words of the artist, visit Jack E. Dawson’s website.

In closing, I’d like for you to listen to and reflect on these three songs:

Song of Reflection #1: “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2: “A Secret Place” by Karen Clark Sheard. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #3: “Peace” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it HERE.Intersecting Faith & Life:

The next time you feel afraid while experiencing a storm, and you need shelter, will you ask God to provide refuge? How does it feel to know that Jesus Christ can give you perfect peace in the midst of any storm?

Further Reading:
Ephesians 2:14
Philippians 4:7
John 14:27
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 26:3

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

Gratitude is more than thanking God for your blessings—it also means thanking the people He uses to bring love, encouragement, and support into your life. When someone offers kindness, helps you through a difficult season, or inspires you to grow, their actions can reflect God’s love at work. Yet it’s easy to appreciate people silently without ever telling them how much they mean to us. Philippians 1:3 offers a powerful example of putting gratitude into words, reminding us to thank God for the people who have made a difference in our lives and to express that appreciation directly to them.

Highlights

Recognize God as the source of love: Learn to see the kindness of others as one way God’s love reaches into your life.

Thank the people God uses to bless you: Discover why gratitude should extend beyond prayer to the people who encourage, support, and help you.

Learn from Paul’s example in Philippians 1:3: See how Paul expressed thankfulness for others even while facing loneliness and hardship in prison.

Understand the power of appreciation: A sincere thank-you can encourage someone who feels overlooked, tired, or unsure whether their efforts matter.

Build stronger relationships through gratitude: Expressing appreciation can deepen trust, strengthen friendships, and help relationships grow.

Notice God’s goodness in everyday life: Practicing gratitude can redirect your attention from stress and problems toward the blessings around you.

Put biblical gratitude into action: Find simple ways to thank family members, friends, coworkers, and others who have made a positive difference in your life.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Thank God and People Too

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3, NIV

I visited my high school journalism teacher, Margo Tyree, years after high school – when I was working as a professional newspaper reporter. God had worked through Mrs. Tyree to show me my career path. Not only that, but Mrs. Tyree encouraged me to overcome my shyness and grow to become more courageous and confident. She also taught me important journalism practices and inspired me to do my very best work. So, I returned to my old classroom to thank her and speak to her class about what it was like to work as a journalist. I also thanked God that day (and many other days) for bringing such a caring teacher into my life.

God is the ultimate source of everything good in the universe. Every single act of love begins with God. When a friend is kind to you, for example, that kindness is ultimately a reflection of God’s love reaching out to you. Recognizing God at work in those experiences helps you remember where your blessings come from.

Most of the time, God chooses to work through his people. God’s love flows through people’s lives, inspiring them to help, listen, or share when other people need something. When people step up to care for you because of love, they’re serving because it was God who led them to do so. Wherever real love is in action, God is the reason, becauseGod is the source of all love.

Because God works through people to bless us, it’s very important that we don’t stop at thanking God alone. We should also thank those people, too! It’s easy to assume people know we appreciate them, but even if they do, we can bless them powerfully by writing or speaking words of gratitude to them.Putting gratitude into action matters.

In Philippians 1:3, the Apostle Paul shows us how to put gratitude into action well. He was sitting in a dark, lonely prison cell. But when he thought of his friends in the church at Philippi, he felt grateful. Paul made sure to tell his friends directly: “I thank my God every time I remember you.” He said he was so thankful for them that every single time he remembered them, he thanked God for letting them be part of his life.

Think about how much good it does when you thank someone. When you let someone know you appreciate their kindness, you give them a wonderful gift. You encourage them to keep doing good things toshine God’s light into the darkness of this fallen world, where lots of people don’t feel appreciated. Many people around you work quietly every single day without knowing if anyone actually cares about the good work they’re trying to do. They might feel tired and discouraged. When you thank them for the positive difference they’ve made in your life, you can remind them that their efforts are truly seen and valued.

Expressing gratitude also changes you. When you make a habit of looking for things to thank people for, you’ll then startnoticing the wonder of God’s work in your life instead of focusing on your problems and stress. Gratitude can turn your ordinary relationships into close, lasting friendships built on love and trust.

Today, look around at the people God has placed in your life. Thank God for sending them to walk beside you, and then take the next step: go tell those people how much they mean to you. Send a text, write a short note, give them a call, or visit them in person to thank them for who they are and for what you appreciate about what they’ve done. By thanking God and thanking people too, you can help God’s love flow through your life and into other people’s lives!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why it’s important to thank God for the kind people in your life and to thank those people too, reflect on these questions:

Who is one person in your life that God has used to encourage or help you recently? 

Further Reading:

Philemon 1:4

Ephesians 1:16

Romans 1:8

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Colossians 3:15

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

How do you respond when someone else receives the blessing you’ve been praying for? You can be genuinely happy for a friend’s success while quietly wrestling with jealousy, disappointment, or grief over an unanswered prayer. These complicated emotions don’t mean you want others to fail; they may reveal how deeply you long for something yourself. In Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua receives the wisdom and responsibility to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ years of faithful service. Their story reminds us that God’s plans don’t look the same for everyone, and another person’s blessing doesn’t mean God has forgotten you.

Highlights

Learn how to respond when a friend or loved one receives a blessing you have been praying for.

Understand why jealousy and disappointment can coexist with genuine happiness for someone else.

Explore Moses and Joshua’s story in Deuteronomy 34 and what it teaches about faithful service, leadership, and God’s plans.

Discover how to resist comparison and celebrate others without viewing their success as your own failure.

Find encouragement in the truth that God has not forgotten you, even when your prayers seem unanswered.

Reflect on how God’s plans may differ from your expectations and exceed what you can currently imagine.

Consider how to trust God’s faithfulness while continuing to pray, hope, and encourage others through their blessings.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

When Someone Else Receives the Blessing You Wanted

By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:

 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. - Deuteronomy 34: 9 NIV

“Laura, I have the best news! Call me as soon as you can!” My friend's cheerful voice played through the speaker on my phone. My heart sank; I knew exactly what she was going to tell me. And well, I was happy for her, truly, but there was a twinge of jealousy? Grief? Annoyance? Maybe.

I dialed her number and braced myself to receive the news. “GUESS WHAT? They accepted my book proposal; I am going to be a published author,” she exclaimed. “I am so excited for you. I know this is something you have desired for a while, and I am glad that the Lord has provided this opportunity,” I responded.

Ok, I know what you are thinking: “That’s not a very genuine response.” But here’s the deal: I was actually extremely happy for my friend. It’s just that, well, I wanted to receive that blessing too. Have you ever felt that way?

Recently, in Bible study, we studied Deuteronomy 34, where we see Moses passing down the leadership role to Joshua. The main takeaways from our lesson were the value of mentorship, the importance of pouring into the next generation to lead, and a highlight of Moses’ lifetime of faithfulness. And while those are timeless truths, I couldn’t help but be caught up in the fact that Moses, after all his work, wasn't going to enter the Promised Land.

Let me give you a little back story. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. It wasn’t an easy task; these people were a bunch of complainers (Numbers 11:1), often questioned Moses (Numbers 14:4), and even worshiped other gods at times (Exodus 32:1). Yet, through all of this, including a 40-year detour in the wilderness, Moses not only stuck with the people, but he also sacrificed and served them well. Moses was faithful, not always flawless, but remained obedient to what God commanded him to do.

There was, however, one incident where Moses decided to go against what the Lord commanded. There was a water shortage, and Moses went before the Lord asking for help. The Lord told Moses to gather people and speak over the rock. Moses did bring the people together, but instead of just speaking to the rock, he struck it twice with his staff. Water gushes out, but the Lord, because of Moses' disobedience, says that he will not enter the promised land (Numbers 21:1-13).

Fast-forward to our key verse, Deuteronomy 34:9, where we see Moses blessing Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the promised land. Bearing in mind Moses’ history, I can’t help but wonder whether he felt a bit remorseful about Joshua receiving the blessing to enter the land of milk and honey. The Promised Land was the end goal for these people, so naturally, Moses would have thought he would be a part of that experience. Instead, Moses is about to die; he will never set foot in the land that will be a blessing to God’s people. As I meditated on these verses, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, enlightening a truth I’d never noticed before about this passage. While Moses didn’t enter the earthly Promised Land, he did enter the eternal Promised Land. What I deemed a slight, a missed blessing, God had something better. 

In full transparency, it still stings that my friend received the blessings I, too, desired. But I cling to the truth that God is faithful, and oftentimes the way He answers our prayers and blesses us is far better than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I can cheer on my friend and know that God hasn’t forgotten me, and He hasn’t forgotten you either.

Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you ever find it difficult to be happy for others who receive the blessing you wanted? How does knowing that God often answers our desires and prayers better than we imagined give you encouragement today?

Further Reading:
A Prayer to Be Happy When God Is Generous to Others

Deuteronomy 34

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Is fear a sign of unbelief, and what does the Bible teach about trusting God when you feel afraid? In Mark 4:40, Jesus asks His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” His question invites us to examine how fear can affect our trust in God, especially when we face uncertainty, illness, financial pressure, or worries about the future. Although fear is a natural human response, it doesn’t have to control our lives or define our relationship with God. Scripture reminds us that He is present in our struggles, strengthens us in our weakness, and invites us to bring our doubts honestly to Him.

Highlights

Explore Jesus’ question in Mark 4:40 and what it reveals about the relationship between fear and faith.

Recognize how worries about health, finances, relationships, and the future can challenge your trust in God.

Learn from the father in Mark 9:21-24 how to bring both faith and doubt honestly to Jesus.

Find encouragement in God’s promises to remain with you, strengthen you, and help you through difficult circumstances.

Discover how prayer can help you surrender anxiety and grow in confidence in God’s care.

Understand the difference between being controlled by fear and maintaining a reverent respect for God.

Reflect on ways to choose faith over fear and ask God to strengthen your trust when doubts arise.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

Is There a Connection Between Fear and Unbelief?

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” - Mark 4:40

Fear… It’s pretty much everywhere we look today. There is fear of food recalls, fear of viruses, fear of job losses, fear of getting married, fear of getting divorced, fear of having children, fear of becoming homeless, fear of violent weather, fear of natural disasters, fear of traveling to foreign lands, fear of terrorists, fear of losing everything, and even fear of growing old.

Still, as 2 Timothy 1:7 assures us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

In Mark 4:40, Jesus connects the disciples’ fear in the boat with a lack of faith. So, is there a connection between fear and unbelief?

Is Fear an Indication of Unbelief in Our Lives?

As Christians, fear shouldn't have a place in our lives. In Mark 4:40, Jesus relates fear to a lack of faith, two things we don't usually think of as being connected. Yet, He connects the disciples’ fear while in the boat, even with Him right there beside them, to their lack of faith.

Most believers don't think of being afraid as having anything to do with our faith in God. Yet, if we are truly trusting God with our lives, it seems that fearfulness may be related to a lack of trust in Him.

Believing God is taking care of us and will continue to do so is based on our faith in Him. So, when we are fearful of what might come next, the Bible seems to connect that fear with unbelief and a lack of faith.

But as Deuteronomy 31:8 assures us, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Is Fear Connected to Unbelief?

In Mark 9:21-24, a father with a demon-possessed son came to Jesus, asking if He could heal his son:

“Jesus asked the boy’s father, ‘How long has he been like this?’

‘From childhood,’ he answered. ‘It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’

‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’

Immediately, the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”

So, do we need to examine ourselves when we struggle to believe that God will protect us, heal us, and provide for us? Even when we know He can, could we be harboring an underlying fear and unbelief that He won't?

Yet, during fearful times, the Lord assures and comforts us in Isaiah 41:10, saying, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Still, when God answers our prayers, are we often surprised that He actually answered them, even though we knew He could? If so, we may be harboring unbelief in our lives.

Only One Fear That’s Valid

Jesus does, however, point out the one thing people have a valid reason to fear: God's judgment. He explains in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Again, in Luke 12:5, Jesus says, “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

The enemy of our souls is trying to keep us in fear of everything around us, so much so that we lose sight of the one fear that truly matters: the fear of God and the consequences of rejecting Jesus.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If fear is trying to be your companion 24/7, ask God to help you resist it and believe that He is watching over you. If you're praying but not expecting God to answer, ask Him to help you overcome any unbelief in your life.

Further Reading:
Choosing Faith Over Fear

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In Mark 10:14, Jesus welcomes children and reminds His followers that the kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Him like little children. As adults, it’s easy to let worry, disappointment, and the pressures of life harden our hearts and weaken our sense of wonder. But God invites us to remember that we are His children and that we can approach Him with the same trust, openness, and dependence that a child has toward a loving parent.

Highlights

Discover what Jesus teaches about childlike faith in Mark 10:14 and why children are an example of trust and dependence on God.

Explore how adult responsibilities, anxiety, and difficult circumstances can cause you to lose your sense of wonder.

Learn how simple activities, outdoor adventures, and time spent enjoying creation can help restore everyday joy.

Understand how trusting God like a child can strengthen your faith when circumstances seem impossible.

Find practical ways to make life less self-focused by serving others, giving generously, and encouraging people in your community.

Discover how honest prayer and complete surrender can help you approach God as a loving Father.

Reflect on one meaningful way to restore your childlike wonder and grow in faith, joy, and trust in Jesus.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

Restore Your Childlike Wonder
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:

“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Mark 10:14

As I wrote in my dad's 80th-birthday card, I wanted to commemorate the milestone. I thought of 80 reasons why I love him. Immediately, I began recalling happy childhood memories. As I composed my list, which took me less than an hour, I realized something: I may not have had the fanciest possessions, gone on the fanciest vacations, or had the biggest home of my classmates, but I had a good childhood. My dad often took me to the park in the evenings, took me to McDonald's, or even just spent time talking with me. Those memories make up most of my childhood, and I was able to keep my childlike wonder. 

In contrast to today's childhoods, where many kids’ innocence is stolen and their young, formative years are exposed to adult material, I was able to keep my innocence about many adult topics. My parents protected me and did the best they could to be the best role models. Additionally, even when my parents didn't have much money, we often had the latest fad or toy. 

Today, I look fondly on those toys and fads. When times get tough, I often want to revert to being a kid, in a simpler time when I had no cares in the world, could play and be a child, and live life as fully as possible. We all want to remember our childhoods in this way. 

Similarly, God wants us to live in this way today. He doesn't want us to look upon life with anxiety or anger. Instead, he wants us to reclaim that childlike wonder, reminding ourselves that our identity is solidified in him and that we are his children. Part of experiencing freedom in Christ is to trust God with our whole hearts. 

Recall some of your favorite pastimes as a child. Did you enjoy coloring in a coloring book? Did you like riding a bike? Did you enjoy skipping rope or playing frisbee? Nothing is stopping you from enjoying those things today. Invest in an adult exercise rope, buy a frisbee, and have some fun. Spend time outside just playing catch with a loved one. Go to the beach and take a walk. 

Enjoy nature to the fullest. When you enjoy all the things that God has created, it will help you reclaim your childlike wonder. Set aside time each day to take your mind off your cares and focus on simpler, more fun activities. 

God wants us to live like kids. However, tough circumstances can harden our hearts and make us think about ourselves rather than others. When you live life for others, it is a life well lived. What can you do for others to make life less about you? Can you donate money to a worthy cause? Can you give to those who are in need? Make some cards and send them to the local Senior Center. 

How do you need to reclaim your childlike wonder? How can you come to Jesus like a child? Perhaps that means trusting him explicitly, even in situations that look impossible for God to redeem. Maybe it means giving him all you have during your prayer time, pouring your heart out to him, and asking him to help you as a good father does. Whatever you choose, Jesus wants us to come to him like a little child. When we lower our inhibitions and trust him completely, God shines most in our lives.

Father, let us remember that we are your children. Just because we are adults does not mean we need to lose that childlike wonder. Let us come to you as we did when we were children. Let us come to you in full trust and surrender. Let us believe that you will turn every situation around for our good and that you have ultimate control of our lives. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is one way you can come to faith like a child? 

Further Reading:
Matthew 19:14

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Does Halloween bring up feelings of fear, anxiety, or painful memories? Whether you feel uneasy about the holiday’s darker themes or have experienced frightening situations in the past, God offers comfort and strength when fear feels overwhelming. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Scripture reminds us that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline—not timidity. As Christians, we can bring our fears to Jesus and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us toward greater peace. We can also recognize that everyone has different experiences with Halloween and respond to others with compassion rather than judgment.

Highlights

Explore what 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches about overcoming fear through God’s power, love, and self-discipline.

Understand how difficult childhood experiences or painful memories can shape your feelings about Halloween.

Discover why showing compassion for others’ experiences is an important part of responding with Christian love.

Learn how prayer, Bible study, and time with the Holy Spirit can strengthen your trust in God.

Find reassurance that you don’t have to celebrate Halloween if it causes fear, anxiety, or distress.

Consider peaceful, enjoyable alternatives to Halloween celebrations, from fall activities to spending time with friends.

Reflect on how to surrender your fears to God and rely on His strength throughout Halloween and every season of life.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

Surrendering Fear to God This Halloween
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). 

Halloween can instill fear in our hearts for many reasons. When I was a kid, I wasn't ever scared of Halloween because my mom made it light-hearted and fun; there was never any gore, blood, or horror. As I grew older, I started associating Halloween with autumn and the changing seasons rather than with anything scary or dark. Halloween was a time for hayrides, apple picking, and pumpkin-themed recipes, not scary events.

As I was talking to a friend about my plans for Halloween, she suddenly shuddered at the word “Halloween.” “I don't like Halloween; it’s too scary,” she said to me. I told her I knew a lot of people regard Halloween as a scary holiday, but you can make it whimsical, fun, and family-friendly. Despite my explanation, my friend continued to paint a picture of Halloween as evil. 

She proceeded to share her Halloween experience with me, which included her parents turning their house into a haunted house for several months, displaying scary decorations outside that terrified her as a kid, and her older siblings dabbling in witchcraft on Halloween. Immediately, I understood her fear associated with Halloween. For me, Halloween was all fun and games, but for her, it was traumatizing. 

We all need to leave room for those with different lived experiences than ours. I told my friend that it was okay; we didn't have to do anything special for Halloween. Instead, we could go to the movies or shop at the mall. My friend happily agreed, thankful to have moved past the difficult subject. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If Halloween is a holiday that fills your heart with fear, look to Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). From the moment we place faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives inside us. This is known as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 

Once the Holy Spirit indwells you, He will never leave. He guides, instructs, and convicts you. From the Bible, we also learn that He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Perhaps you have already seen this to be true in your own life. Don't allow fear to dictate your life anymore; surrender every feeling to the Lord.

He can transform a heart of fear into a heart of trust. You can cultivate trust in Jesus by spending time with Him in Bible study and prayer. The more you get to know Him, the stronger your trust will become. Whether it is Halloween, Christmas, or New Year's, you will not give in to fear. It is a beautiful blessing to know the Lord and to have the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Talk with the Holy Spirit when you are afraid and ask Him to help you see His power, love, and self-discipline in your own life. You may be surprised as to how He will answer your prayer. Never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit in your life; He can transform a fearful heart into a lionheart. 

Surrender your fear to God today. However, know that it is okay if you don't want to celebrate Halloween. If Halloween brings up too many dark memories, you can bypass this holiday altogether. Do something else on Halloween, such as going to a pottery class, taking a day trip, or having a friend’s night where you all go see a movie. Replacing scary things at Halloween with fun events will radically change how you view this fall holiday. 

Remind yourself that fear does not dictate your life. Your life belongs to Jesus, and He will strengthen you through every storm (Isaiah 41:10). Continue to rely on the Holy Spirit, cultivate trust in God, and embrace the fall season rather than the scary parts of Halloween. 

Do you associate Halloween with fear? What are some ways you can take 2 Timothy 1:7 to heart? The Holy Spirit lives inside you right now. How might you get to know Him better this autumn? 

Further Reading:

Deuteronomy 31:6

Joshua 1:9

Psalm 56:3

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

Can you keep your faith strong when life brings disappointment, loss, uncertainty, or unexpected challenges? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Yet, just as the seasons change, our trust in God can sometimes fluctuate with our circumstances. When hardship leaves you discouraged or success tempts you to rely on yourself, God invites you to draw closer to Him and remain grounded in His promises. A faith that survives life’s first frost doesn’t depend on favorable circumstances; it rests on the unchanging character and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

Highlights

Understand what Hebrews 11:1 teaches about trusting God when you cannot see what lies ahead.

Discover why changing circumstances can cause faith to fluctuate and how drawing near to God strengthens your trust in Him.

Learn the five characteristics of surviving faith: focusing on Jesus, remaining steadfast, holding onto hope, sharing your faith, and praying continually.

Explore how fixing your eyes on Christ helps you resist distractions and stay grounded in God’s truth.

Find encouragement in God’s unchanging faithfulness, even during seasons when your own faith feels weak.

Discover how sharing your faith with others can encourage spiritual growth and strengthen your walk with God.

Reflect on practical ways to deepen your faith and remain steadfast through every season of life.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

A Faith That Survives the First Frost 

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  - Hebrews 11:1

What kind of faith do we have? Does it hold fast and deepen through the seasons of life? Or, does it change like the weather? Do darker, colder days send a chill over our hearts and send us downward, with our circumstances, disappointments, failures, and losses? Likewise, do great successes and joy cause us to feel like we’re doing pretty well on our own?

What causes us to take our eyes off Jesus? Do we let unexpected life events make our faith waiver, or do we stay steadfast and draw nearer to God?

In times of distress as well as joy, James 4:8 urges, “Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

If we find our faith changing and falling off like leaves after autumn’s first frost, we’ll want to survey our hearts and minds and see what’s leading our belief and trust in God to fluctuate like the blowing wind.

As James 1:6-8 warns, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” 

Faith That Fluctuates

Jesus recognizes how, in some, faith fluctuates, asking in Luke 18:8, “…However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

The world has a way of wearing people’s faith down. Jesus explains how that happens in Matthew 24:12, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

As Hebrews 3:12 warns believers, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”

Even so, as 2 Timothy 2:13 explains, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”

5 Characteristics of Surviving Faith

So what kind of faith survives through the first frost and beyond? The following is a description of the five characteristics it takes. 

Surviving faith sets its mind on Jesus. Locking our gaze on Jesus keeps our hearts and minds set on Him. As Colossians 3:2 urges, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

As well, Hebrews 12:2 urges, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Surviving faith stays steadfast. It’s our choice when it comes to standing firm and staying steadfast in our faith. Colossians 1:23 describes what we need to do: 

“If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard, and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

Surviving faith holds onto hope. Holding onto hope keeps us from swerving back and forth in our faith. As Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Surviving faith spreads to others. When our faith survives, it can’t stay contained within us because there is too much life in it to keep silent. Faith that survives finds ways to share with others, even while we’re still growing in it. 

Acts 18:25 tells us of a passionate Jewish teacher in Ephesus named Apollos, who couldn’t keep his faith quiet, even though he was still learning and growing in his relationship with God. “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.”

Surviving faith prays continually. A faith that keeps praying, takes us through the seasons of life, as Paul urges in Ephesians 6:18, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Does your faith waiver at times? If so, commit to building a surviving faith that weathers the first frost and much more. 

Further Reading:

A Prayer to Deepen and Strengthen Your Faith

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

How can Christians respond when the world glorifies evil and celebrates things that go against God’s goodness? Romans 12:21 offers a powerful answer: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” In a culture where dishonesty, selfishness, revenge, and spiritual darkness can seem increasingly common, believers are called to stand firm in their faith and reflect the light of Jesus Christ. Choosing goodness isn’t always popular or easy, especially when others respond with hostility or encourage you to compromise your values. But God can give you the courage and wisdom to make choices that honor Him, even when you stand apart from the crowd.

Highlights

Explore what Romans 12:21 teaches about overcoming evil with good instead of allowing darkness to shape your actions.

Discover how to reflect God’s goodness when the world celebrates dishonesty, selfishness, or spiritual darkness.

Learn to respond to hurtful words with kindness, dishonesty with truth, and selfishness with generosity.

Understand how everyday choices can demonstrate God’s love and bring hope to people who are struggling.

Find encouragement to forgive others and break cycles of anger, resentment, and revenge.

Discover how prayer and the Holy Spirit can strengthen you to resist harmful influences and remain faithful to God.

Reflect on practical ways to choose goodness, protect your heart, and shine Christ’s light in your daily life.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

When the World Glorifies Darkness, Choose What Is Good 

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21, NIV

While visiting an independent bookstore, I browsed the spirituality section and was disappointed to see lots of books about spiritual darkness and very few about God and the light of hope he shines into our fallen world. I considered just leaving without saying anything. But I felt like I should try to have a conversation with the woman at the front desk. So, I silently prayed for courage. Then, I told her that I had been looking for books on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and other related topics. She rolled her eyes and suggested that I visit a Christian bookstore in the area. But I sensed that I should ask her some questions about the selections in the store. Why so many books about the dark side of the spiritual world, like the occult, but so few about God’s goodness? Why sell books about demons but not about holy angels? It turns out that she was the store owner and manager. Even though my questions and tone of voice were polite, an angry expression flashed across her face and she blurted out: “I just stock what sells the most. If you want something else, then go somewhere else.” After I nodded and walked out, I prayed for God to reach out to her and shine light into the darkness that surrounded her so she could see the value of what’s good.

In Romans 12:21, the Bible urges you to fight back against being overcome by evil and instead to overcome evil with good.

Physically, if a room is completely dark, you can drive away the darkness by turning on a light. Even a small flashlight or candle flame cuts right through the darkness. Spiritually, if people in this fallen world around you are glorifying evil, you can overcome that by making choices that reflect God’s goodness.

Choosing what’s good may be unpopular sometimes, but it’s always worth it. When you choose goodness even though others around you are choosing spiritual darkness, you welcome God’s power to flow through your life freely. God will empower you to make the good choices he leads you to make day by day. When someone speaks hurtful words to you, God will give you the strength you need to answer with kindness. When others tell lies to get ahead, God will help you tell the truth. When people around you are selfish, God will empower you to be generous. The more you seek God’s guidance for your decisions, the more God will give you the power to follow through with those decisions well.

Every day, you face choices. You choose how you treat your family, friends, coworkers, and strangers who are unkind. You choose what you watch, what you talk about, and how you respond when you’re treated unfairly. The world will too often tell you to put yourself first, hold grudges, and seek revenge when you’re hurt. But God calls you to be a light in this dark place.

You might think your good choices don’t matter very much in this world that’s full of other people glorifying evil. But never underestimate the power of a good action you do with love. Doing something kind for people can make them feel loved. Speaking honestly to people can bring hope that breaks through their confusion or suffering. Choosing to forgive people for their mistakes can break a cycle of anger that’s lasted for a long time. When you choose what’s good, you show the world what God’s love in action looks like.

So, don’t let the darkness around you change who you are on the inside. Pray for help from God’s Holy Spirit and stand strong in the Holy Spirit’s power as you make your decisions every day. As you choose what’s good, God will use your light to make a real and positive difference in the lives of those around you!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to choose what’s good even when the world around you is glorifying evil, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

3 John 1:11

Deuteronomy 30:15

Psalm 34:14

Matthew 5:16

Amos 5:14-15

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Discover how to trade superstition for steady faith by focusing on Jesus rather than the religious practices and objects that remind us of Him. Through the story of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19, explore why invoking Jesus’ name is not a formula for getting what we want and why spiritual growth comes from knowing and trusting Him. Whether you keep a cross nearby, read Scripture daily, or rely on familiar prayers for comfort, consider how these practices can deepen your relationship with God instead of becoming substitutes for it. Learn practical ways to build authentic faith, trust in Christ’s victory over darkness, and pursue a closer walk with the Lord.

Highlights

Understand the difference between genuine Christian faith and superstition rooted in religious objects or rituals.

Explore Acts 19 and the account of the sons of Sceva to discover why Jesus’ name is not a magical formula.

Recognize that the power of salvation and victory over darkness comes from Jesus Christ Himself.

Learn how crosses, Bibles, prayer, and other spiritual practices can serve as reminders of faith without replacing a relationship with God.

Reflect on whether any religious habits have become ways of seeking control or protection rather than trusting the Lord.

Discover why authentic spiritual growth comes from knowing Jesus and relying on His finished work on the cross.

Consider practical ways to invest in your relationship with God and develop a steady, sincere faith.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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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:

Trading Superstition for Steady Faith
By: Sophia Bricker

Bible Reading:
“When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17, NIV).

A card and a cross. Those were the two items I regularly kept with me during my first year of middle school, or junior high as it is sometimes known. The card bore the picture of Saint Patrick with a blessing printed on the back, which I kept in my pocket or bag while at school. But the cross? I wore it every day regardless of outfit or occasion. Like the card, it was Celtic-inspired, an Irish pewter cross with a clover in the middle.  

To many, this could have looked like an attestation to faith. Far from it. At the time, I did not know or follow Christ. Instead, I found comfort in the strength that these items seemed to hold, as if the presence of the card or necklace could protect me. I was bullied relentlessly in middle school, so perhaps the superstitious possession of these items was a grasp at safety. Regardless, the items held great power in my mind. I had mistaken a symbol for the truth being symbolized. 

Only later did I learn that the power of the cross, or the example of a saint’s life, comes only because of the crucified and resurrected Christ. 

Some Jewish people did something similar during the early days of the church. In the book of Acts, we read about itinerant exorcists, the sons of Sceva, attempting to invoke the name of Jesus through Paul's name to drive out demons. Undoubtedly, they had heard about the power of Christ to free people from the control of spirits and so assumed that merely saying His name would work to drive away the demons. They were mistaken. 

One day, the evil spirit replied to the men attempting to drive him out: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15, NIV). Instead of leaving victorious that day over the realms of darkness, as they had attempted, they were left beaten and bloodied (Acts 19:16). Their experience showed that Jesus’ name is not a magical word that can be wielded for man’s purposes. Superstition cannot replace true faith. 

One day, every knee will bow to the name of our Lord Jesus, creatures and spirits alike (Philippians 2:9-11). Even now, demons tremble at the power of the Savior. The lack is not in Christ, for He has defeated the powers of darkness, making a spectacle of them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). But the power is in the Person, not the name alone. Paul and the other apostles could drive out spirits and perform miracles only because of Jesus–they knew the Lord and had trusted in the salvation He died to give. 

Of course, today, we are not likely to attempt to invoke the name of Christ in the matter of demon possession. Those in other parts of the world who face more concrete spiritual attacks know that the strength to combat the works of Satan comes from Christ, not the act of speaking words. However, we could still fall into the trap of thinking that certain rituals or objects provide us with safety. Even prayer can be used in this way, when we think the Lord will be more likely to hear us for our many words (Matthew 6:6-8). 

Let us not make the mistake of confusing the symbols for the truth symbolized. A wooden cross or crucifix hanging on our wall is a strong reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice; yet it alone, divorced from the Person of the Savior, has no power to save. The Bible we keep by our bedsides contains the precious promises of God; It does not convey the promises merely by our owning a copy of Scripture. Similarly, we could study beautiful paintings of believers following Christ throughout history, but doing so would not automatically make us grow in sanctification. Symbols and spiritual rhythms have their place as long as we do not mistake them for the real things: Jesus and our relationship with Him. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Is there anything in your life that has taken a superstitious turn––prayer, Bible reading, keeping religious items? Of course, these things are good and right, but anything can be used incorrectly if treated as a talisman to guard against harm. What might you do today to trade this superstition for steady faith?   

What are some practical steps you can take this week to invest in your relationship with the Lord, as you would a friend?

Further Reading:
Mark 3:10-12
Acts 8:9-25
Acts 16:16-18
Philippians 2:5-11
Hebrews 2:5-18

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Is protecting your peace selfish, or is it biblical? When daily demands, stress, conflict, and constant noise leave you feeling exhausted, setting healthy boundaries can feel uncomfortable. But the Bible shows that protecting your peace can be a way to care for your spiritual well-being and reconnect with God. In Luke 5:16, Jesus regularly withdrew to quiet places to pray, demonstrating that even amid a demanding ministry, time alone with the Father mattered. Rather than allowing busyness, fear, or other people’s expectations to control your life, you can follow Jesus’ example by making room for prayer, rest, and a heart grounded in God’s presence.

Highlights

Discover why protecting your peace is biblical and how Jesus modeled solitude and prayer in Luke 5:16.

Learn how quiet time with God can restore your spirit, refocus your heart, and help you carry life’s burdens.

Explore how Jesus sleeping during a storm demonstrates trust in God even when circumstances feel frightening.

Understand how rest can become an opportunity to exercise faith rather than give in to worry.

See how Jesus’ silence before false accusations reveals the strength of responding with wisdom instead of reacting in anger.

Identify healthy boundaries that help you communicate clearly and protect your spiritual and emotional well-being.

Reflect on practical ways to reconnect with God, surrender your fears, and cultivate peace in stressful seasons.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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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:

3 Reasons "Protecting Your Peace" Isn't Selfish, It's Biblical

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

– Luke 5:16, NIV 

“Protecting my peace” is a popular saying these days. Possibly because in a world that’s developing at warp speed, peace feels harder to find, and nearly impossible to guard and honor. Sometimes “I’m protecting my peace” is the only way you and I know how to say, “I’m exhausted and can’t think straight,” or even “I need to figure out a sleep schedule.” 

But beyond any scattered desires to turn down noise or declutter, protecting the gift of peace that Jesus provides is far more than simple self-care. It’s a sacred practice that invites you to experience a peace that surpasses understanding. And to help you grasp the importance of protecting this peace, here are three of many reasons Jesus modeled it in the Bible.

Jesus chose peace to reconnect with God.

Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This tiny-but-mighty eight-word bit of scripture proves that even God prioritizes peaceful solitude—so you can, too. Jesus encourages you to remove yourself from crowded, overstimulating, demanding places, to go somewhere alone.

Following Jesus’ example, you can use this alone time to recenter yourself and reconnect your heart to God’s will. When the only sound is your prayer or your breath, you may more easily sense his supernatural presence. Here, you can ask God to refill your empty spirit and tend to your weary soul. Protect this habit of going to a quiet place to pray, because it reminds you that you can rely on God to lift your heavy burdens.

Jesus still slept amid the storm.

If you wonder whether getting enough sleep is important for your faith journey, just look to Jesus’ example in the book of Mark. In the middle of a “furious squall” while waves careened over their boat, Mark 4:38-40 says:

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

I love that Jesus lives out what he teaches. His burning question to disciples who were panicking and wondering if God even cares was, “Do you still have no faith?” I like to believe that this is Jesus’ best living proof of Psalm 4:8, which says, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." 

When you don’t allow yourself the peace of sleep because you choose to fret, you’re missing out on an opportunity to exercise your faith. 

Jesus held onto the truth in silence, instead of being triggered into a fight.

In the book of Matthew, when Jesus is being cruelly and falsely accused in front of Pilate, Jesus chooses not to fight back. Matthew 27:12-14 describes the scene:

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.

Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?”

But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

In a violent and evil event such as this, Jesus knew his accusers had no genuine desire to know the truth. He knew launching into any verbal defense would not change their hearts. Remaining silent is a bold demonstration of something I always like to say to my kids: “The truth is your strength.” 

Jesus demonstrates that he had no ego to defend. So he remains at peace and allows his accusers to expose their maniacal malice. He refuses to get riled up by a trial rigged against him. His silence proves that remaining peaceful is courageous protection of inner resolve. 

So if you ever feel your calm getting tossed around by demands, circumstances, or lies, know that God is offering you a way out. You can choose to protect the peace he gives you.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you think about ways you can reconnect with God and reorient your heart toward faith (instead of fear or anger), consider these questions:

Further Reading:

Hebrews 13:5 

John 2:24-25

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:19 

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

Discover how the Holy Spirit’s intercession offers hope when you feel too weary, discouraged, or heartbroken to pray. God knows you intimately and understands what you need before you can express it. Even when your only prayer is a quiet plea for help, you can trust that He is present and attentive to your pain. Learn how to bring your deepest emotions and hardest struggles to God without fear or shame, deepen your relationship with Him during difficult seasons, and rest in the assurance that you are never alone. When words fail, God’s love and the Spirit’s intercession remain.

Highlights

Understand what Romans 8:26-27 teaches about the Holy Spirit interceding for us in our weakness.

Find comfort in knowing God hears you even when you cannot find the words to pray.

Discover how the Holy Spirit helps carry your deepest needs to God when life’s trials feel overwhelming.

Remember that God remains present even when He feels distant during difficult seasons.

Learn why you can bring your deepest emotions, fears, and struggles to God without pretending to have everything together.

Find encouragement to trust God through financial stress, family difficulties, illness, and other ongoing hardships.

Reflect on what you have struggled to bring to God and take a step toward Him in honest, heartfelt prayer.

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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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:

The Lord Intercedes for Us
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” - Romans 8:26-27

It was a summer of trial. It was one thing after another, with no end in sight. My husband and I prayed together and clung to God's promises. We read the Word and hoped God would lessen the trials and be a little more merciful. But it never stopped. My husband’s income became volatile. My daughter’s car died, right after her hours were dramatically reduced at her job. My son moved away with no opportunity to see him in the near future. It was all too much. For several months afterward, trials kept coming hard and fast; they were actually comical. Each week brought something new to our home that we had to fix. One night, as I got into bed, I considered praying. However, I had no words to pray. 

Instead, I repeated the word “help” in my mind. The tears streamed down my face and onto my pillow; I remembered this verse in that moment. This is what it's like for the Holy Spirit to intervene for us with wordless groans. The Spirit knows exactly what we need even when we cannot articulate or formulate the words to pray in an intelligible language. When I’ve been in so much pain due to illness, I’ll groan to find relief from the pain. This is why the Spirit groans—to help find us relief from our pain. 

The good news is that because God knows us intimately and knows everything about us, he already knows what we need before we express it. The genius of the gospel is that we don't need to have the right words or say exactly what we need to express. Even when we don't pray and ask for exactly what we need, the Holy Spirit’s love and omniscience carry our requests to His ears. 

Isn’t it nice to know we don’t have to have it all together to have an intimate relationship with God? We have all gone through difficult trials in our lives. But some seasons seem harder than others. When it feels as if God is being relentless and allowing trials to transform our character, we can take solace in knowing that we don't need to pray the right words—or even pray any words at all. All we need to do is come to the Spirit with a contrite heart, and he will do the rest.

Is there something that you have not taken the time to pray for? 

Is there something that you've not brought to God because it's simply too difficult for you to express? Perhaps you have a wayward child, a difficult relationship, or some other hardship that is preventing you from having an intimate relationship with God. Everyone goes through dry spiritual times. Simply because God feels distant does not mean he is. Instead, he is always present with us. Even if we cannot feel his presence, we can take comfort in knowing he is with us, knows exactly what we need, and his Spirit intercedes for us. 

Don’t be afraid to bring to God your deepest, darkest feelings. It is not unknown to God. In fact, it is downright silly to hide our deepest feelings from God because he knows us so intimately—he even knows how many hairs are on our heads! God wants us to come to him with our feelings because he loves us. He never asks us to be perfect to be a part of God’s kingdom. 

Father, thank you for knowing us intimately. Thank you for sending your Spirit to be our advocate, even in times of great trial. Take comfort in knowing that you are interceding for us with groans that only God can hear and understand. Remind us that God will answer our deepest groanings. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is an area of your life that you have difficulty bringing to God? Take a moment to bring it to Him now. 

Further Reading:

Matthew 26:49

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How do you overcome fear and anxiety when something frightening or uncertain happens? Whether you’re worried about your health, struggling with work stress, facing relationship challenges, or fearing for someone you love, anxious thoughts can quickly replace peace with panic. Isaiah 41:10 offers a powerful reminder that you don’t have to face frightening circumstances alone: God promises to be with you, strengthen you, help you, and uphold you. When fear threatens to take control, His presence gives you a place to turn for comfort, courage, and hope.

Highlights

What Isaiah 41:10 teaches about trusting God when fear and uncertainty overwhelm you

How fear can affect your thoughts, emotions, and ability to experience God’s peace

Practical ways to respond to anxiety about work, health, family, and relationships through prayer and faith

Why you don’t have to face frightening circumstances or difficult decisions in your own strength

How remembering God’s past faithfulness can strengthen your confidence in His promises

Ways to redirect fearful thoughts by focusing on Scripture, prayer, and God’s constant presence

Reflection questions to help you identify your biggest fears and learn to place your worries in God’s hands

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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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:

What to Do When Fear Knocks on Your Door

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” – Isaiah 41:10, GNT

When my husband Russ called me from his hotel room in China, fear started to creep up in my mind. Russ was traveling alone on a business trip, waiting for a Monday meeting, when he told me he was feeling sick and wasn’t sure where to find medical care in a country where he didn’t speak the language. I urged him to ask someone at his hotel’s front desk for help, but before I could even finish my sentence, he said he had to lie down – and then our phone call got cut off. Try as I might, I couldn’t get back in touch with him. Immediately, fear knocked on my door, filling my mind with terrifying thoughts that Russ could die all alone halfway across the world. As I felt overwhelming fear, I had a choice: either give in to panic or turn to God. I chose to respond with prayer and trust byletting go of my worries and placing my husbandinto the hands of God, who was right there with him in that hotel room.

Fear has a way of showing up unexpectedly and uninvited. It demands your complete attention, trying to distract you from God’s love and replace your peace with panic. When fear knocks on your door, it wants to control your thoughts and feelings so much that you may be convinced you’re helpless against fear. But you don’t have to open the door to fear and let it take over your life. You havea powerful, loving Heavenly Father who promises to stand with you through every scary situation, no matter how intimidating the situation appears to be.

Where does fear knock on the door of your life and try to creep in?

Maybe it happens at work, where you face the threat of layoffs, a stressful workload, or a high-stakes project that you don’t know how to handle well. Fear might tell you that your future at your job is ruined. You can overcome that fear with faith by remembering that God is your ultimate provider. Instead of letting panic control your workday, you can take well-being breaks throughout the day to pray, asking God to give you what you need and guide you to the best opportunities.

Or, maybe fear knocks when it comes to your health or the health of someone you love. A troubling symptom or an agonizing wait for test results can make your world feel like it’s spinning out of control. When anxious thoughts of fear creep into your mind, you can fight back with faith byfighting anxiety with God’s help. You can choose to place your body and your loved ones into God’s compassionate hands, since God is the ultimate healer and he cares.

Your relationships can also bring overwhelming fear into your life. You might be terrified of losing a marriage, dealing with a broken friendship, or worrying constantly about your children. When you feel powerless to fix a person or a situation, fear tries to convince you to hold on tighter out of desperation. But if you have faith that God will help you in scary relationship situations, you can overcome that fear andlet go for your well-being and the well-being of everyone involved.

God doesn’t expect you to face these scary situations in your own human strength. In Isaiah 41:10, God reminds you that you never have to be afraid because he’s always right beside you. He promises to make you strong, help you, protect you, and save you!

So, when fear tries to distract you, redirect your focus back to God’s promises. Talk to God in prayer and trust God to do everything he promises to do in this powerful verse. No matter how scary it is when fear knocks on your door, you never have to fight the battle alone.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to respond when fear knocks on your door, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Psalm 56:3

2 Timothy 1:7

Psalm 23:4

Philippians 4:6-7

Joshua 1:9

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

Instead of preparing your heart for disappointment by always imagining the worst, you can learn to approach uncertainty with faith and biblical hope. God’s promises remind you that He remains present in difficult circumstances and can bring good from situations you don’t understand. Through prayer, Scripture, and intentionally shifting your thoughts toward what God can do, you can begin to break cycles of anxious thinking and find greater peace in the present. Discover how to replace fearful expectations with hope, trust God with your future, and encourage others through the joy and peace He provides.

Highlights

What anticipatory anxiety is and how worrying about what might happen can affect your peace

How Romans 15:13 encourages believers to trust God for joy, peace, and overflowing hope

Why expecting the worst can become a habit—and how to begin choosing hope instead

How biblical promises like Romans 8:28 can help you trust God when you cannot control the outcome

What David’s confidence in Psalm 27:13 teaches us about expecting to see God’s goodness during difficult times

Practical ways to use Scripture and prayer to redirect anxious thoughts and strengthen your hope

How trusting the God of hope can help you experience greater peace and encourage others through your faith

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Focus on the Best That Could Happen Instead of the Worst

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

– Romans 15:13, NIV 

I wish I were the only one who struggles with what a former counselor of mine called “anticipatory anxiety” or “feeling physical and mental consequences from something that hasn’t happened yet or might not happen at all.” But if this were true, and I was the only person prone to overthinking and overstressing, there wouldn’t be so many reminders in the Bible to “cast our cares,” and “not worry,” and “fear not.”  

The one who made each one of us knows that fearing what might not even happen can upset anyone’s equilibrium. This inclination to auto-traumatize potential outcomes can dig a familiar rut. I’ve even heard people say it feels safer or more comfortable to “not get their hopes up.” 

But what if it were just as possible... to be intentionally hopeful? 

What if you and I could decide, in the middle of our rising fear and discomfort, to always ask, “What’s the best that could happen?” Instead of expecting the worst—because we’re trying to dull any disappointment we might endure if hopes are dashed—there’s also the biblical option to believe in better days ahead. Even to expect miracles. 

You see, even though David was cornered by enemies who were plotting to destroy him, he proclaims in  Psalm 27:13—

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Here’s the reality: you can’t control everything. But you can control your own choices. You can choose to trust Romans 8:28, which promises, “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” And as you trust in God’s ability to bring forth good things from all of our combined circumstances, you can also give yourself this valuable pep talk found in Romans 15:13—

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are you noticing the energy in this verse? Not just “fill you with a bit of joy” or even “fill you to the brim.” But to fill you with all joy and peace so that you overflow with hope. This kind of experience can transform your day, and even inspire others to choose hope, too. Best of all, none of this is accomplished by your power alone. When you trust in God, the power of the Holy Spirit can generate hope in such abundance that it spills out into your own and others’ lives. 

Pay attention here, too, to who fills you with joy and peace. Not your work plan or your accomplishments. Not your bestie or your spouse. The one who provides the joy and peace you need is the God of hope. 

It becomes clear, after parsing through Romans 15:13, that your only part is to trust in him. Trust in all his promises, such as Jeremiah 29:11— 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is yours to claim, too. God wrote you a love letter so you would tuck what is possible, divine, and true in your heart and know it well. Especially during times you may feel tempted to look for the worst possible outcome, instead of what his goodness can make happen. Why not try it today? After all, what’s the best that could happen?

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Knowing that God desires you to feel hopeful rather than fearful can help pull you out of the rut we all get stuck in sometimes. Try writing down or memorizing verses like these during challenging times:

Further Reading:
Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Hope – The Crosswalk Devotional

A Prayer to Not Fret in Confusing Times – Your Daily Prayer

Hope Bible Verses – biblestudytools.com

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God doesn’t always provide immediate relief, but His presence and power remain constant even when life feels out of control. When you’re facing uncertainty, remembering how God has carried you through past hardships can strengthen your faith and help you trust Him with today’s struggles. Rather than focusing only on when your circumstances will change, you can grow closer to Jesus by learning who He is and relying on His strength. Discover how to find peace amid anxiety, trust God when answers seem delayed, and build a resilient faith that holds firm through life’s fiercest storms.

Highlights

What Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:41 teaches us about His power and authority

Why God doesn’t always provide immediate relief when we face fear, anxiety, and difficult circumstances

How life’s storms can reveal doubts and strengthen our understanding of who Jesus truly is

Why remembering God’s faithfulness in past struggles can help you trust Him through present challenges

How to rely on Christ for lasting peace instead of depending only on changes in your circumstances

Why God can use difficult seasons to deepen your faith, develop perseverance, and strengthen your spiritual foundation

Practical ways to turn to Jesus in moments of fear and find comfort in His unchanging character and presence

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

Encountering the God Able to Calm Our Fiercest Storms
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” - Mark 4:41

Often, when difficulties hit, I want immediate rescue. In the past, when God didn’t respond as I’d hoped, I tended to feel frustrated or abandoned. At times, I even accused Him of ignoring me when I most needed Him. Yet, looking back on our history, I’m able to see how often He used my most challenging circumstances for my good: to liberate me from a harmful behavior, heal a wound, or deepen my faith.

While I occasionally still slip into old, panicked responses, this after-event realization strengthens my soul. I’m better able to pause and reflect on all the times He’s rescued me from past storms and what this reveals regarding His power, nature, and heart. I increasingly go from, “Who is this God, who commands even the winds and waves,” to, “This is the One who holds all of Creation, myself included, in His hands.”

In the passage surrounding today’s verse, Jesus was teaching the disciples this same truth. This was relatively early in His earthly ministry, and therefore early in His relationship with these men who chose to abandon whatever dreams and goals they held previously because they believed He offered something better. 

Although they didn’t yet understand what that meant, and in fact, were operating on false assumptions that kept them from knowing and therefore trusting in Christ’s true nature. They’d accepted Him as the long-promised Messiah, yet their comprehension of what that meant, and what He came to do, remained far too small. They wanted temporary solutions and comfort and freedom from circumstantial oppression (largely, at the hands of the Romans and the religious elite). 

But Jesus was doing a much deeper work that would anchor them through all of life’s hardships. And He used the storm recorded in Mark 4 to do so by first making them aware of their need and the fear this evoked. 

Consider, He timed His rescue intentionally, with His loving gaze focused on the work He was doing in their souls. He allowed them to feel the full weight of the situation, not out of callousness or rebuke, but rather to allow the doubts and lies lurking in their souls to rise to their awareness. 

Imagine if your doctor knew how to give you medication without you realizing it for an illness you didn’t know you had. This would affect you physically, in preventing whatever distress you might experience as your disease progressed, but it wouldn’t deepen your trust in his care. If anything, that might convince you that you didn’t need his intervention. In contrast, your confidence in him is likely to significantly increase if the successful treatment comes after you’ve felt the full weight of your condition and your longing for relief. 

Jesus could’ve easily prevented the storm recorded in Mark 4. He could’ve had the disciples wait to enter that boat until after it passed, or never asked them to cross the lake in the first place.

But then, they never would’ve reached the place where they exclaimed, with awestruck amazement, “Who is this Man who holds authority over even the wind and waves?!”

Again, they knew, before climbing into the boat, that He was the long-promised Messiah. They didn’t realize, however, how insufficient their view of Him in that role was. He was providing an expanded and much more faith-anchoring perspective. To stand strong for all that lay ahead, they needed to recognize Him as more than the Father’s chosen servant or yet another divinely empowered prophet. They needed to see Him as He truly was, and is, God the Son, Co-Creator, in human form. 

Through the storm, He also forced them to confront a core need for safety, which only He could fully meet. In this, He was teaching them to rely on Him, rather than themselves, which ultimately positioned them for strength. 

Notice, also, His rescue didn’t arrive a moment too late. When all hope seemed lost, and all their fighting against the external chaos left them physically and emotionally spent, He arose and brought enduring, supernatural calm. 

This helped develop their endurance and inner grit. The next time they landed in a terrifying situation, they could look back on how He’d carried them through that frightening night and trust that He could, and would, do so again. 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

God doesn’t change. The same Savior who remained with the disciples in their fear remains with us in ours as well. The same Messiah who knew precisely when to calm the winds and waves understands when our rescue will impact us most as well. His delays might feel frustrating, and at times, deeply unsettling, and that’s okay. He understands our overwhelm, and He longs to comfort us in today’s challenges. But He does so with His gaze fixed on building a faith that, progressively, brings lasting peace. 

We reach that place, in part, by turning to Him in crisis, asking for the help we need, but also reminding ourselves of the heart and ways of the One providing it. Because of that, not circumstantial relief is how we develop the rock-solid faith that allows us to thrive, regardless of what life throws at us. 

This is a topic with which I’m highly passionate, because it has provided me more relief in my anxiety than temporary “rescue” ever has. And, to build these important truths into my soul, I spent much of August discussing some of God’s most comforting divine attributes. I invite you to peruse my Instagram page to glean from some of those reels and posts. Just Google my name, Jennifer Slattery, to find me and more of my faith-building content. 

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

Following God doesn’t always mean taking the easiest path. Sometimes faith requires perseverance when you’re tired, uncertain, or unable to see how things will work out. Yet true worship is about more than singing songs or gathering with other believers. It’s a daily choice to honor God, trust His promises, and remain faithful even when the journey feels long and the destination seems far away.

When circumstances test your faith, God invites you to keep drawing near to Him through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and praise. Worship can become an expression of trust when you don’t have all the answers or when following God costs you something. Rather than allowing exhaustion, disappointment, or uncertainty to pull you away from Him, you can learn to recognize His faithfulness along the way. Discover how to persevere in your walk with God, worship Him through challenging seasons, and find renewed strength by keeping your heart focused on His presence.

Highlights

Why worship sometimes requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to trust God through uncertainty

How following God faithfully can mean choosing the difficult path instead of the easiest one

Ways to worship God when you feel tired, discouraged, or unsure of what lies ahead

Why worship involves daily trust and obedience, not just singing or attending church

How prayer and Scripture can strengthen your faith during a long or challenging season

How to recognize God’s faithfulness even when you haven’t reached your destination

Practical ways to keep your heart focused on God and continue following Him when the journey feels difficult

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

You Don’t Have to Fear What Hides in the Dark 

By Deidre Braley 

Bible Reading:
Since the children have flesh and blood, (Jesus) too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. - Hebrews 2:14-15

Our children have become afraid of the dark. Our daughter sleeps with her door open now, to let in a crack of light, and many nights after bedtime, our son wanders out of his room and calls down the stairs for me. 

“I’m scared,” he will say, bleary-eyed and slumping. In the cocoon of his room, he imagines the beasts he has read about in his books. He hears noises he can’t identify. He looks outward, and all he can see is darkness, and he shudders to think of whatever lies hidden within it. 

Downstairs in the kitchen, all the lights are on, and it still smells like whatever we had for dinner. I am packing lunches, presetting coffee, and wiping down counters. Everything is in order. In this brightly lit space, his fears feel distant, improbable. I am watching over him, and I am certain no beasties will get him tonight. But as I lead him back up the stairs, through the dark hallway, and into his bed once more, it is as though I am seven years old again, too. I see the shadows. I know what it’s like to lie awake, afraid of what hides in the dark. So I lay beside him for a while, then I rub his back and tuck the covers up under his chin, to make sure nothing can get to him there. 

And when I wake up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with existential dread and worries about looming disaster and grief, I am no different than my children: in the darkness of my room and my limited understanding, these threats feel as real as real can be. There is no doubt about it—the human experience can be terribly frightening. 

What I like to remember during these times is myself as a parent, standing in the brightly lit kitchen, knowing that even if my child is feeling afraid in his particular room, I am presiding over the whole house, and that he is safe and that everything is in order. Though he may not sense it when the lights are turned off in his own bedroom, he is actually surrounded on all sides by light and love and security.  

I think it is the same with God and us. 

But we are not justcontained within his care and the light of his goodness. Because God did not choose to stay in the brightly lit space, where our fears were distant and removed from his

reality. Jesus—God in the flesh—came to dwell with humanity and was, as it says in Hebrews, the “pioneer of their salvation” (2:10). He engaged with the darkness and wrestled with the power of death—that darkness that haunts us mortals and keeps us lying wide-eyed and terrified in our bedrooms at night—and came out on the other side gripping the keys to death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). He entered into our greatest nightmare with us so that we wouldn’t have to leave in fear of what hides in the dark all our lives. In doing so, he showed us that he has the final say, that he holds the ultimate power, and that we are children who are surrounded by his light. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

In the book of Revelation, John records what the new creation looked like in the vision he received from God. He writes: 

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.” (21:23-25) 

One day we will live in a place where there is no longer any darkness to fear—no beasts hiding in the dark and no dread of the future looming beyond what we can see. Though we long for that place now, we already have a God who is, by his very nature, light and life and love. His glory is already radiant. His power is already all-encompassing. And his presence is already here, through his Spirit dwelling with us. So the next time you wake up in the night and your mind begins to race with worries, try this prayer: 

God, I am so afraid, and everything feels so dark. But I know that you are God of theliving, and that you are also God of the light. Please come into this darkness with me andilluminate it with your presence. Please help me to see my circumstances from yourstandpoint: in a brightly lit place, totally surrounded by light. Amen. 

Further Reading:
Hebrews 2
Revelation 21

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

What do you do when worshiping God requires sacrifice, patience, or a long journey through difficult circumstances? Following God doesn’t always mean taking the easiest path. Sometimes faith requires perseverance when you’re tired, uncertain, or unable to see how things will work out. Yet true worship is about more than singing songs or gathering with other believers. It’s a daily choice to honor God, trust His promises, and remain faithful even when the journey feels long and the destination seems far away.

When circumstances test your faith, God invites you to keep drawing near to Him through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and praise. Worship can become an expression of trust when you don’t have all the answers or when following God costs you something. Rather than allowing exhaustion, disappointment, or uncertainty to pull you away from Him, you can learn to recognize His faithfulness along the way. Discover how to persevere in your walk with God, worship Him through challenging seasons, and find renewed strength by keeping your heart focused on His presence.

Highlights

Why worship sometimes requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to trust God through uncertainty

How following God faithfully can mean choosing the difficult path instead of the easiest one

Ways to worship God when you feel tired, discouraged, or unsure of what lies ahead

Why worship involves daily trust and obedience, not just singing or attending church

How prayer and Scripture can strengthen your faith during a long or challenging season

How to recognize God’s faithfulness even when you haven’t reached your destination

Practical ways to keep your heart focused on God and continue following Him when the journey feels difficult

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

When Worship Requires a Long Journey

By Hannah L. Benson

Bible Reading:
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV).

When we think of Christmas, we often think of Christmas carols, a baby lying in a manger, shepherds in the field, and wise men bearing gifts to the King of the Jews.

But the first Christmas wasn’t as “silent” and “calm” as the carols lead us to believe.

Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph endured what may have been a roughly ninety-mile journey to Bethlehem, according to historical geography. And miles away in the east, another journey began, one that would require months of travel across harsh terrain before these travelers ever laid eyes on the King.

We don’t know how long the Magi traveled before they arrived in Bethlehem. But Scripture offers an interesting clue: when King Herod inquired about the star’s appearance and eventually ordered the execution of male children in the region, he targeted boys two years old and younger (Matthew 2:16). This means Jesus was likely a toddler already living in a house (Matthew 2:11), suggesting the wise men’s search was not an easy, brief journey, but a relentless, long-term pursuit.

The wise men were well-versed in astronomy and had no doubt studied the stars and signs in the sky. It’s also possible they were familiar with Jewish prophecy and the rumblings of the coming Messiah. Either way, the moment they saw the star rise in the east, they knew something amazing had happened and that the long-awaited King of the Jews had been born.

We often think of the end of the Magi’s journey, the moment when they fell on their faces before Jesus, worshiped Him, and presented Him with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

But we rarely consider the months, or perhaps years, spent traversing desert expanses and rocky terrain. While the book of Matthew doesn’t detail their route, we can infer from historians that day after day, they likely would have faced scorching heat, freezing nights, the constant threat of bandits, and the fatigue of an exhausting journey.

Think about it. These wise men traveled across the perilous desert. No doubt they knew one wrong turn could cost them both their lives and the treasures they carried.

But no matter what they encountered, God protected them. By the time they arrived at the house where the young King stayed, their treasures were intact, ready to be offered in worship.

Imagine their immense joy when they finally arrived where Jesus was. When the star went before them and then rested over the place, Scripture records that they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:9-10 ESV).⁠

What must it have been like to feel that joy course through their veins as the moment they had pursued for so long finally arrived?

It’s likely these were wealthy and influential men who chose to humble themselves by traveling to see a King, at the time still a young child.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I don’t know what you are going through today. Perhaps you feel like you’re traveling through the proverbial desert or fighting to survive.

I wonder if the wise men ever felt like giving up. Surely, the journey was laborious. Did they ever wonder if they would make it in time, if the trek was worth the difficulty?

While it may have been difficult, the wise men chose to keep moving forward, trusting that what they would find at the end of their journey would make it all worth it.

And once they laid their eyes on Jesus and fell on their knees before the King of the Jews, I’m sure they didn’t think about how hard it was to get there.

While we aren’t traveling across a physical desert, our lives as believers are a journey of their own. Keep moving forward. The road may be long and wearying, but the prize waiting at the end, Jesus Himself, makes every single step worth it.

Pray with me: Dear Father God, I feel like I’m on a long journey today, and I’m struggling to keep going. Please help me to worship You even when it’s hard and to keep pressing onward to see Your face at the end of this race. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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

God’s love for you remains secure. Romans 8:38-39 offers one of the Bible’s most powerful promises: nothing in all creation can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus. No hardship, spiritual power, present struggle, or future uncertainty is greater than His unshakable love.

God’s love isn’t something you have to earn through perfect behavior or constant achievement. Even when you fail, He invites you to come to Him with a repentant heart and receive His grace and forgiveness. When rejection or fear makes you question your worth, remembering God’s faithfulness can help you find renewed hope, peace, and belonging in Christ. Discover how to trust His unchanging love through difficult circumstances, release the fear that you’re not good enough, and rest in the assurance that your future remains in the hands of a loving God.

Highlights

What Romans 8:38-39 reveals about the unbreakable love of God in Christ Jesus

How rejection, loneliness, guilt, and shame can cause you to question whether God still loves you

Why God’s love isn’t something you have to earn through perfection or good works

How to approach God with repentance and receive His grace and forgiveness after making mistakes

Why present struggles and future uncertainties cannot separate believers from God’s loving care

How remembering God’s past faithfulness can strengthen your confidence in His presence today

Practical ways to replace fear and feelings of unworthiness with gratitude for God’s steadfast, eternal love

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

– Romans 8:38-39, NIV 

If you’ve ever felt unloved or abandoned by anyone here on earth, it can be quite discouraging how quickly it can have you believing that maybe even God rejects you. When people are mean or hurtful, or broken relationships leave you feeling as though you don’t belong anywhere, you might assume that God is also far removed. 

Or maybe, there’s a general sense of paranoia that the whole world is turning wicked and God will surely abandon it. This worry can tempt you to distance your heart and wallow in dread.

It’s also possible that when you or I have hurt someone else, or hurt ourselves, we can be afraid to bring our mistakes to God for fear of losing his love. 

For times like these, or any time you’re battling loneliness, fear, guilt, or shame, Romans 8:38-39 is a balm of truth.

This compassionate and eye-opening portion of the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome serves as a promise. Paul wants all believers to know that no life event, timing, distance, external force, spiritual powers, or even death can tear you out of God’s loving care. His embrace is unshakable and eternal. 

As an aside, I don’t believe Paul intends these verses as a “pass” to allow evil or sin free rein. He isn’t simply stating, “God stays no matter what you do, so do whatever you want.” He is, however, painting an amazing portrait of an ever-present love, vast enough to send his only son to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). And he says he is “convinced” of it—because he experienced God’s radical and transformative mercy firsthand.

The truth is: God never rejects you. Even when you inevitably sin, he is always inviting you to run to Him with a repentant heart and know that he will receive and forgive you. He offers constant, unchanging love that doesn’t waver. 

This “love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” also doesn’t require impossible perfection, but rather delights in the way you’re made. You don’t have to perform for God or keep earning his love. He knows and sees everything about you, and loves you anyway. 

Paul also includes “neither the present nor the future” in his list of things you may fear will separate you from God. This means you can trust God to be with you today, and every tomorrow. No matter what is happening now, or what transpires in your future financial status, family plans, health, or anything you hold dear, God’s love for you is secure.

You can also take comfort in knowing that absolutely no evil power in this world is greater than God. In fact, 1 John 4:4 reminds you: “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Furthermore, John 16:33 explains that Christ has already overcome the world.

So if you’re ever feeling unlovable, unworthy, or lonely, and are wondering if God still loves you, hold on to Romans 8:38-39. God’s love isn’t based on your fallibility or your accomplishments. It’s a gift of His grace that’s unstoppable because you are in Christ. As a believer, God has grafted you into the vine of Christ, so you can branch out confidently by the power of his unbreakable love.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The next time you start feeling like God only loves you when you’re perfect, try recalling a time when God pulled you through any disaster. Remember, as you look back, a sign from God that showed you that he was holding and loving you. As you focus on his steady love, you can offer a prayer of thanks and gratitude for a God that’s bigger, more powerful, and more loving than “anything else in all creation.”

Further Reading:

Psalm 136:26

Jeremiah 31:3

Zephaniah 3:17

John 3:16

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

In this Bonus Episode of "On The Ground"| Service has the ability to radically change us. God can use serving others to mold and shape our hearts to look more like His. This is what happened in Angie’s life—a volunteer Kristy met while on the ground in Mississippi. Hear how the Lord is using Angie’s testimony to show others that they are never too far from Him.

Jason Taft, an assistant director with Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief, met Angie in Mississippi after a tornado tore through the southern part of the state. He was amazed by her skills on the skid-steer, but even more amazed by her story.

Angie has known about God her entire life, but she has not always walked with Him. Her upbringing was hard, and her adult life has been marked by many trials and disappointments. When twin tornadoes came through her town, Angie went out and served with U.S. Disaster Relief. She kept going back, day after day. 

In her private life, Angie was in active alcoholism and plagued by grief. But when she was serving, she was not drinking. Angie continually cried out to the Lord for help. About a year later, God delivered her from alcohol.

Service was the catalyst that the Lord used to change Angie's heart. And now she gets to serve all over the country, using her abilities and sharing her story with homeowners and fellow volunteers. Angie tells Kristy about a particular moment on a deployment when her testimony blessed a room full of volunteers. 

“And I believe that God is going to use all of us … And if people will just be brave enough to tell [their] story—it gets raw, but I'm living proof that God can do anything.” – Angie Polk

If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.

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

Difficult seasons can leave you feeling weary, unproductive, or uncertain about what God is doing in your life. Jeremiah 17:7-8 offers a powerful reminder that those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted beside water, with roots that remain strong even when the heat and drought come. Your circumstances may look bleak, but a season that feels fruitless doesn’t mean your faith has stopped growing or that God has abandoned you.

Trusting God isn’t about pretending hardship doesn’t hurt or forcing yourself to feel hopeful. It’s choosing to rely on His character and sovereignty even when you cannot see the outcome. Like a tree growing deeper roots through winter, your relationship with God can strengthen through quiet seasons of prayer, Scripture, and dependence on Him. Discover how to stop measuring your spiritual growth by visible accomplishments, find encouragement in God’s promises, and trust that He can produce lasting fruit in your life—even when all you see are bare branches.

Highlights

What Jeremiah 17:7-8 teaches about trusting God when life feels uncertain, painful, or unproductive

Why a difficult season doesn’t mean your faith is failing or God has stopped working in your life

How to choose trust in God’s character and sovereignty when your circumstances feel out of control

What bare winter branches teach us about growing deeper spiritual roots during seasons of hardship

How prayer, Scripture, and quiet time with God can strengthen your faith when you feel weary

Why spiritual growth isn’t always visible and how God can use trials to develop lasting faith

Reflection questions to help you recognize where God is inviting you to trust Him and grow beneath the surface

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

What Bare Branches Can Teach Us about Trust 

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” - Jeremiah 17:7

Every season, I take a quick snapshot of the tree in our front yard. We’ve only lived in our house for a few years, but this tree was obviously planted a decade or more ago. It looms over half of our yard and into the neighbor's yard. I take a picture because as the earth rotates and the weather shifts from cold to warm and then back again, my tree changes. I love every single season of this tree! It is the same tree year-round, but it looks different depending on the weather! 

The cycles of trees are not new to those of us who live in a climate that has all four seasons. We know that in the spring, small buds appear and green begins to grow. In summer, trees are filled with flowers and fruit. As fall moves in with colder winds and rain, the tree’s leaves change color and drop to the earth. Winter strips the tree of all color and beauty. 

Snow might make the tree look magical, but let’s be honest. This sweet tree in my front yard is not the prettiest during the winter when the branches are barren. As I think about my tree, I can’t help but think of Jeremiah’s tree in the Old Testament. Jeremiah was a prophet filled with sorrow and heartache. He preached during a time of political turmoil and spiritual idolatry. The nation of Judah was on the brink of collapse. Israel had already fallen. The prophet foresees the destruction of the beautiful city of Jerusalem and tries to warn the people. In the midst of his voice of condemnation, we find pockets of hope.

In the middle of Jeremiah 17, we read about a tree.  For several chapters, Jeremiah has spoken up about the coming famine, sword, and pestilence waiting for God’s people. Because of their own sin (Jeremiah 17:1-4), they will now have to face the consequences and punishment. For centuries, God has been patient and kind with them, but now He must punish evil. God says that if they return to Him, he will rescue them, but instead, we read that they want to trust in their own abilities and help from outside the people of Israel (Jeremiah 17:5-6).

Still, even though doom is coming, God makes a way for His people to find grace, mercy, and hope! Jeremiah 17:7-8 says: 

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord.

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Maybe you feel like your world is in turmoil, filled with unknowns, heartaches, grief, and loneliness. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the hardest struggles of my life, I can’t even fathom how fruit or flowers can grow in my life. There have been periods of weeks, months, and yes, even years, where I have been so weary that my life feels so unproductive. 

I get up, do the bare minimum, and fall into bed each night with not much to show. My house remains messy, my Bible gets dusty on the nightstand, and prayer feels so hollow. How can Jeremiah promise that if we trust the Lord, we will not be anxious, cease to bear fruit, and never fail to have green leaves? How is this even possible during times that feel so barren? 

When life is turned inside out, and grief lies like a heavy fog, none of that feels true. Can I tell you a secret? In God’s kingdom and His economy, times of hardship can actually produce fruit! 

Notice that first Jeremiah says, “trust in the Lord” twice! That isn’t a typo, but an emphasis. During what might seem like fruitless seasons, our only job is to trust. Friend, let me encourage you that trust is not a feeling but a choice. When everything around us is out of control, God’s sovereignty is not. We trust both God’s character and we trust His control. 

The next part of verse seven and verse eight tells us what will happen when we trust. I love that all of these things are not something we muster up or have to do. Remember, all God is asking from us is trust. The original Hebrew word for “trust” means to be bold, confident, and secure. Because we place our faith in God, we have roots, green leaves, and fruit. 

The roots are the most important thing about trees. Strong roots anchor the tree so that winds and storms don’t topple it. The roots also provide nutrition. During the winter and cold months, when the branches are bare, the roots are still growing. The tree doesn’t have to provide nutrients to the leaves and fruit, so all of its energy is spent on growing deeper roots. During our winter seasons, as we trust God and lean into Him for strength, reading the Word and praying, we find that our faith is still growing! 

On the outside, it might look as if we are barren, empty, and nonproductive. But times of quiet, simple communion with God actually bring about the most productive fruit! Charles Spurgeon said, “Storms help to make the sailors sturdy, and trials help to make Christians strong in faith."

Do not look at your time with “barren branches” as unfruitful. God is working in your life. Just because you can’t see how, you can trust that your tree is by the living waters of God. Psalm 1:3 says that those who delight in God’s Word and meditate on it will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Some seasons of life look fruitful; others feel like bare branches. But God may be doing His deepest work in places you can see. Instead of measuring this season by what you are accomplishing, consider where your roots are growing. Where is God asking you to trust Him right now? What might He be growing beneath the surface that you cannot yet see?

Further Reading:
Psalm 1:1-3
John 15:4-5
Colossians 2:6-7
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
James 1:2-4

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it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what might happen next. Fear of the unknown can leave you mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, and struggling to find peace in the present. In John 15:4-5, Jesus reminds us to remain in Him because we can do nothing apart from Him. Abiding in Christ means staying connected to Jesus, trusting His guidance, and relying on His strength instead of trying to manage every uncertainty on your own.

You don’t have to figure out tomorrow to faithfully follow God today. When anxiety and fear begin to take over, prayer, Scripture, and focusing on Christ can help redirect your thoughts and remind you of His presence. Rather than carrying the weight of every possible outcome, you can ask Jesus to guide your next step and trust Him with what you cannot control. Discover how abiding in Christ can help you release future worries, find peace in difficult seasons, and live each day with greater faith, freedom, and confidence in God’s direction.

Highlights

What it means to abide in Jesus and why John 15:4-5 calls us to depend on Him

How fear of the future can create anxiety and make difficult circumstances feel overwhelming

Why following Christ one day at a time can help you release worries about what you cannot control

How prayer and focusing on heavenly things can redirect your thoughts toward God’s peace and presence

What the disciples’ decision to follow Jesus teaches us about trusting God when the future is uncertain

Practical ways to invite Jesus to guide your daily decisions instead of trying to solve every problem at once

How remaining connected to Christ can strengthen your faith and help you face life’s challenges with greater peace

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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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:

Abide in Him

By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you... Apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:4-5

This past year, I went through a season of nothing but trials and difficult circumstances, which left me overwhelmed as new situations hit me every week. Although I wish I could say that was the only time in my life I felt overwhelmed, it was just one of many. As someone who struggles to live in the present, it was especially difficult not to worry about the future. As I thought about all the difficult things I had to face, a myriad of thoughts ran through my mind:

What if I can't cope with life?

What if an additional bad consequence comes my way?

What if there's a situation that I can't handle?

These roaming thoughts caused a physical reaction in my body. My hands shook when I awoke in the morning. My heart beat fast and often went throughout the day with nausea and headaches. My physical body manifested the inner turmoil I wrestled with in my mind. As I brought these circumstances to the Lord and poured out my feelings to him, I felt God speak to my soul. Then saw a picture in my mind of Jesus walking ahead of me. Jesus spoke two words to me and then began walking:

Follow me. 

In that moment, I let go of all the things in the future that worried me. Instead, I focused on my current circumstances. I didn't think about tomorrow or what else might come my way. Instead, I allowed Jesus to order my steps. I felt that if I followed Jesus and took it day by day, I could get through every situation that plagued my mind.

These same two words he told me are the same two words he gave his disciples. In that moment, his disciples had a choice: continue living in their old life of comfort and predictability or drop their nets and follow him into a life of complete unknown. The disciples dropped their nets at once and followed Jesus. Because of their faith, God used them to do extraordinary things for the Kingdom.

Additionally, I tried to think about heavenly things. Rather than earthly things. I thought about what heaven would be like and envisioned Jesus on his throne alongside his father. When I dwelled on those thoughts rather than my problems, my body stopped shaking, my heart stopped beating fast, and the nausea subsided. 

This is a great practice for any of us who struggle with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. Ask Jesus what he wants you to do for that day and that day only. Don't worry about tomorrow, next week, or next month. Don’t worry about the things you cannot control today. As I practiced abiding in Christ and letting Him order my steps, life felt less overwhelming. I was able to tackle many situations, and my emotional state of anxiety was quickly replaced with peace.

Do you wish you could live a life in a constant state of abiding in Christ? Do you wish you could live a life with more freedom and less anxiety and fear about the future? Abiding in Christ lets us do that. When we choose to give our every waking moment to him, we can achieve the freedom from fear we desire because that’s what God wants for us. Believe it or not, when we live in fear, that is not God’s will for us. 

What do you need to do to abide in Christ today? If Jesus appeared to you today, what would you have to let go of to follow him? What stops you from doing that right now, even if God did not ask you to let it go today? 

Abide in Jesus. Let him order your daily steps. He will never lead you astray.

Lord, help us to walk in step with you. Remind us that you already know the end of the story. By choosing to live in the present and letting you order our steps, we no longer need to worry about the future. We can accomplish the tasks you have for us simply because we are abiding in you. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you live in a state of fear of the future? How would forgetting your fear and following Christ change that? 

Further Reading:

Philippians 3:13

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Sometimes the choices that lead us away from God don’t seem harmful at first. Ignoring spiritual conviction, reacting out of anger, compromising our values, or relying on our own understanding can gradually create patterns we later regret. Judges 3:6-7 reveals how the Israelites drifted from God through a series of compromises until they forgot the Lord and turned to other gods. Their story offers a powerful warning about the consequences of ignoring God’s guidance and underestimating the influence of our everyday decisions.

Breaking destructive patterns begins with strengthening your relationship with Jesus and learning to trust His heart for you. When anxiety, insecurity, or the desire for acceptance influences your choices, it can be tempting to seek peace and belonging in places that ultimately pull you away from God. Through prayer, obedience, and daily dependence on Christ, you can recognize unhealthy patterns before they take root, respond more wisely in difficult situations, and find lasting peace in His presence. Discover how to guard your heart, resist spiritual compromise, and choose the life God desires for you.

Highlights

How seemingly small compromises can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and spiritual drift

What the Israelites’ choices in Judges 3:6-7 teach us about the consequences of ignoring God’s commands

Why anger, insecurity, fear, and the desire for acceptance can lead to decisions we later regret

How ignoring the Holy Spirit’s conviction can affect our relationships, choices, and spiritual well-being

Why destructive patterns often develop gradually, with one compromise leading to another

How to strengthen your relationship with Jesus so you’re less likely to seek peace and fulfillment in unhealthy ways

Practical ways to seek God’s wisdom, guard your heart, and choose obedience even when compromise seems easier

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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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:

Guarding Our Hearts Against Self-Sabotaging Behaviors
By Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. - Judges 3:6-7

Sometimes I have little control over the things that make me most anxious or cause me pain and regret. But I’ve also created or intensified issues because I ignored the Lord’s gentle conviction, His leading, or didn’t take the time to seek His guidance. I might have shared, in previous devotions, how Christ empowered me to show grace to an angry and often explosive teenager we fostered. But I don’t believe I’ve yet shared all the times when I, the so-called adult in the room, reacted poorly to the youth’s trauma response or got sucked into an argument that brought immediate regret. Because I didn’t heed Christ’s warning or invitation, before the conflict, to tend to my soul. 

Thankfully, the Lord always responds to my failings with grace. But that doesn’t negate the damage I caused from living with my spiritual eyes and ears closed. 

Ancient Israel’s history reveals the same pattern.

The Lord had well prepared them for this season, long before the fallout hit. This occurred decades after He liberated His people from Egyptian oppression, faithfully led them through the wilderness, and into the land He’d long promised them. But shortly before they stepped into Canaan, God reminded them of all the ways He’d cared for them in the past and presented them with what seems like an easy choice. If they remained true to Him, things would go well. If they rebelled against Him, they’d experience hardship rather than the covenantal blessings laid out in Deuteronomy 28-30.

He invited them to choose life; instead, they chose death—by doing one of the very things He warned them against. 

They united their souls, in marriage, with the wicked people groups that the Israelites failed, partially in fear and partially from greed, to drive from the land. 

They chose death, likely believing they were choosing life. Relationships, connection, family—and likely, peace with the militant people groups surrounding them. 

In the moment, their actions probably seemed inconsequential. Maybe they believed their faith was strong enough to withstand compromise. Or, perhaps they thought the men and women they married offered something the Lord could not or would not—security, belonging, acceptance, and peace.

Regardless, it’s safe to say, they didn’t realize or consider where their actions might lead and the intense pain they and their families, children included, would endure. 

Though, their journey toward rebellion didn’t begin with their wedding. Our sinful behaviors rarely emerge in isolation. Most often, one compromise leads to another, then another, until we find ourselves frighteningly far from God, our source of godliness and self-control. 

Notice the progression Scripture records. First, the people failed to obey God’s command to drive the people from the land. Then, they built their homes among them and slowly, but steadily, began to assimilate with their culture, until, eventually, they and the Canaanites became essentially indistinguishable. Although they called themselves God’s chosen people, they lived as His enemies. As verse 7 states, they “forgot” as in rejected, the Lord, and turned instead to a religion rooted in demonic deception. 

Intersecting Life & Faith:

We humans, haven’t changed much in the generations since. We’re still prone to wander from the Lord, and to downplay the seriousness of our choices. I suspect this stems from our inability to understand and trust Christ’s heart. It’s easy to question the benefits of obedience when we’re not convinced that He truly has our best interests in mind. In the spiritual void this creates, following our wisdom and desires seems not only reasonable, but like the best course of action.

The best anecdote for sin, then, is cultivating a deeper connection with the Lord and allowing Him to meet those needs we might otherwise try to satisfy in self-destructive ways. 

He alone knows what most makes us feel alive, has the power to provide us with peace and joy, and the desire to do so. 

He’s already chosen us, and daily, He invites us to choose Him in return. 

And so, my question is, will we?

Further Reading:
John 15:4-5
Hebrews 2:1
James 1:14-15

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

As a new season begins, it’s easy to carry old fears, unhealthy habits, and painful memories into the future without realizing how much they affect your peace. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that wisdom and understanding are worth pursuing above everything else. God invites you to reflect on what you’ve experienced, recognize what He has taught you, and release the burdens you were never meant to carry forever.

Preparing for a new season isn’t just about decluttering your home or organizing your calendar. It’s also an opportunity to examine your heart, strengthen your faith, and seek God’s wisdom for the road ahead. Through prayer and reflection, you can learn to hold on to the lessons from difficult seasons without continuing to carry their worry. Discover how to surrender yesterday’s burdens to Jesus, recognize the blessings in your life, and move forward with greater clarity, gratitude, and confidence in God’s direction.

Highlights

Why reflecting on past seasons can help you recognize what is weighing down your heart and mind

What Proverbs 4:7 teaches about pursuing God’s wisdom above material possessions and regrets

How to release past worries to Jesus while holding on to the valuable lessons you’ve learned

Practical ways to declutter your home, calendar, habits, and spiritual life as a new season begins

Questions to help you identify your priorities, recognize meaningful relationships, and understand what brings lasting peace

How prayer and gratitude can help you appreciate God’s blessings and prepare for what comes next

Why moving forward in faith means keeping your eyes on the future rather than remaining stuck in the past

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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:

What Are You Carrying into the Next Season?

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

— Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

As a Christian, I'm very familiar with the truth that Jesus’ yoke is light. That taking his teachings to heart and living by them is liberating. He offers each of us the continual opportunity to cast our cares on him and trust him for the outcome. I know this can relieve me of weighty mental and spiritual burdens. 

Yet I still have to make myself stop and take inventory. Because I can collect a lot of worries along my way. I can wind up choosing to carry around some unnecessary things season after season, or year after year ... because I haven't learned to let go of their memory. What’s more, their buildup can start to control the way I’m living now. 

Have you ever noticed this habit in yourself? It’s natural. Each of us accumulates experiences that wind up causing a multitude of effects in our lives and hearts. However, thanks to new mercies, tomorrow is always a new day, and a new year is always ahead. 

Wherever and however you live, you may encounter seasons when it feels right to examine your life spiritually and physically to prepare for the months ahead. In any of these time passages, you may decide to declutter your home, your calendar, your perspective, or your heart. Even though life up to now may have cost you time, money, or peace, Proverbs 4:7 advises that the best thing to bring forward with you is the wisdom you find in it all. 

This isn’t to say you can’t own boxes of seasonal decorations or keep special items. It’s to encourage you to explore what might be weighing you down, and then decide what you’ll carry. Parsing through all you’ve gathered seasonally is a practical way to discern wisdom. You can then lay things of the past at the feet of Jesus, and move forward enlightened.

You can also look to the book of Proverbs for direction. A large portion of this treasury was authored by King Solomon to teach us the value of wisdom. He asserts that wisdom is “the principal thing” to gain in life and urges it above all else. 

I find it interesting that a leader who likely had amassed a family and a comfortable life doesn’t advise you and me to hold on to things, riches, or regrets. In fact, he says that wisdom is worth the cost of all you have. Throughout Proverbs 4, King Solomon explains that the wisdom you gain (otherwise known as the valuable lessons that are maturing you) can guard your heart, keep you on the right path, and protect you from ruin. 

So, what has this past season taught you about what you value most? Have there been special places, people, or purchases that have entered your life or continue to shape you? Have you noticed a habit or commitment that’s making a positive impact? What does all of this show you about what kind of life brings you peace, and what kind of person you desire to be? 

As you look forward to what’s next on your calendar, I hope you make time to answer questions like these for yourself. And then you can, as Proverbs 4:25 advises, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you,” and keep on learning. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As a new season approaches, consider these ideas:

Further Reading:

Isaiah 43:18-19

2 Corinthians 5:17

Romans 12:2

Philippians 3:13-14

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How do you praise God when life hurts, prayers seem unanswered, or circumstances feel overwhelming? It’s often easy to worship God when life is going well, but praising Him through grief, disappointment, fear, and uncertainty requires a deeper kind of faith. Hebrews 13:15 calls Christians to offer God a continual sacrifice of praise through Jesus—not because every situation feels good, but because God remains worthy of our trust and worship in every season.

A sacrifice of praise means choosing to turn toward God even when your emotions make worship difficult. Through prayer, Scripture, and songs of worship, you can bring your pain to God rather than facing your struggles alone. The story of Job reminds us that we may not always understand why suffering happens, but we can continue trusting God’s character and faithfulness. When you shift your focus from the size of your problems to the greatness of God, praise can help strengthen your faith, renew your perspective, and remind you that His presence is with you through every storm.

Highlights

What Hebrews 13:15 means when it calls believers to offer a continual sacrifice of praise

Why praising God during pain and uncertainty requires intentional faith

How Job’s response to suffering demonstrates trust in God during devastating circumstances

Practical ways to worship God when you feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or distant from Him

How praise can shift your focus from your problems to God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness

Why you can trust God even when you don’t understand why He allows difficult seasons

How prayer, worship, and praise songs can encourage you to persevere and find renewed hope in Christ

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Do you want to listen ad-free?

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Full Transcript Below:

The Power of Praise

By Alexis A. Goring 

Bible Reading:
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” - Hebrews 13:15 (NLT)

Lately, God has been teaching me to worship Him through tough times and praise Him through my problems. He is teaching me how to turn my pain into prayers because He is always listening and He has all the resources I need.

God led me to the verse in Hebrews 13:15, which tells us, as followers of Jesus Christ, to “offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God”. But what does that mean? Let’s explore this and learn how to apply Biblical advice to our daily lives. We can start by understanding what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise. 

According to Google, “A sacrifice of praise is the act of thanking and honoring God during difficult times, even when you do not feel happy or grateful,” and “In ancient times, a sacrifice cost the worshipper something valuable, like an animal or grain. A ‘sacrifice of praise’ means your worship costs you something, too. It requires you to put aside your sadness, pain, or complaints to focus on God's goodness.”

In addition, the search results said, “It is easy to praise God when life is good. A sacrifice of praise happens when life is hard, but you praise God anyway because of who He is, not just what He does. A real sacrifice requires giving up something valuable. In this context, you sacrifice your right to complain, your self-pity, or your temporary negative emotions to honor God. Scripture defines this sacrifice as verbal acknowledgment—using your words, prayers, and songs to confess and magnify God's name rather than staying silent in despair. The command is not to praise only when it is convenient or emotional, but to maintain a steady posture of trust in all seasons.”

The key characteristics that define offering a sacrifice of praise are that it is costly because “it takes real emotional and spiritual effort when you are hurting or grieving.” It is intentional because you “choose to praise God based on who He is, not based on your current feelings or life circumstances.” And it is continual because “the Bible says to offer this praise continually, meaning it does not stop when hard times start” (Google AI Overview). 

Examples of offering a sacrifice of praise in our modern-day life include, but are not limited to: Praising God after losing your job, becoming ill, or having your heart broken by someone you love, choosing to thank God for everything instead of complaining to Him when your burdens feel too heavy, and nothing seems to be going right. You can also choose to go to church and engage in the worship service and pray to God, even when you feel tired and depressed or distant from Him.

A Biblical example of offering a sacrifice of praise is in the Bible story about Job. It is a true story about a righteous and wealthy man who lost everything and almost everyone he held dear—from his children to his livestock—yet he chose to keep his faith in God and trust Him through this deep suffering. According to Job 13:15 (NKJV), he said this about God: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

Sometimes God may not tell us why He allows suffering in our lives, but He does tell us in His Word (The Holy Bible) that we can trust Him and He will work everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). God taught me that knowing Him is better than knowing “why”. It is a lesson I am still learning today. 

In closing, I’d like to discuss how praise has power. Simply said by a Google search with AI Overview, “Praising God has power because it shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness, inviting His presence and realigning our hearts with His truth.” I’m learning that when we choose to praise God, then we turn the worry of our problems into worship of the One who knows all and can solve every problem. Worshipping God invites His Presence into our situation and can give us perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Praising God through the storms of life helps us to stop magnifying our problems and instead, magnify God, who is the problem-solver. 

Finally, praising God can serve as a weapon in spiritual warfare. We can receive a breakthrough by taking our pain to the Throne of God (Hebrews 4:16) and asking Him to defeat the forces of darkness and shine His Light into our lives. He’s ready and willing to intervene on our behalf. Praising and worshipping God through the trials of life reminds us that God’s strength is greater than any obstacle we may face. We can overcome anything with His help.

Before you go, please read “What Does a Sacrifice of Praise Mean?” by Robert Hampshire. I also suggest you read my devotional about the Bible story of Job to learn how God taught me that knowing Him is better than knowing why He allows suffering in our lives: “When You Want to Know Why.”

Lastly, I’d like for you to listen to and reflect on these five songs (listed below):

Song of Reflection #1:“Praise is What I Do” by Shekinah Glory Ministry. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2: “Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #3: “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #4:“When You Praise” by Fred Hammond. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #5:“Overcomer” by Mandisa. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Next time you feel defeated or depressed, will you try praising God through your pain and offer Him a sacrifice of praise?

Further Reading:

Psalm 42:11

Psalm 50:23

Psalm 107:22

James 1:2-4

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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direction, He can renew your strength, deepen your faith, and fill your life with hope and peace. Like a well-watered garden or a spring that never runs dry, your renewed relationship with God can also become a source of encouragement and life for the people around you.

Highlights

How to recognize spiritual dryness and find your way back to a vibrant relationship with God

What Isaiah 58:11 promises about God’s guidance, provision, and spiritual renewal

How the restoration of Beaver Marsh illustrates the possibility of new life after damage and neglect

Why prayer, Scripture, and listening to the Holy Spirit are essential for discerning God’s direction

How taking small steps of obedience can help you experience God’s restoration in everyday life

Why relying on God rather than trying to solve every problem alone can bring renewed strength and peace

Practical questions to help you identify spiritually dry areas of your life and begin following God toward renewal

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

God Will Guide You Back to Life

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” – Isaiah 58:11, NIV

Walking along the boardwalk at the Beaver Marsh in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I was amazed at how this thriving wetland had come back to life. For decades, the site was a junkyard filled with old cars. In the 1980s, inspired by a shared desire to care for God’s creation, community volunteers and park staff came together to haul away tons of trash and clean up the landscape. Then, beavers reintroduced to the area built a dam across a nearby canal, which naturally flooded the land that had been a marsh years ago. Dormant seeds that had been waiting for water activated and started growing into marsh plants again. What was once a damaged dump transformed into a thriving wetland filled with water lilies, birds, turtles, beavers, river otters, and more. The Beaver Marsh is a wonderful reminder that no matter how damaged something appears, it can be restored when people follow God’s guidance to take good care of it.

Just like the land at the Beaver Marsh was dry before it was restored physically, you might feel dry spiritually right now – finding it hard to find God. Spiritual dryness can feel like walking through “a sun-scorched land” like Isaiah 58:11 describes. You can become stressed and exhausted, just like you would if you were physically walking through a dry desert without water. But if youseek God with all your heart, you’ll find him, and you’ll be blessed by being able to perceive God’s guidance. This verse promises that God will satisfy your needs and strengthen you. In the process, you’ll be like “a well-watered garden” – just like the Beaver Marsh is thriving. SinceGod gives you Living Water spiritually, you can rely on him for whatever you need to thrive.

You can start thriving when you stop trying to solve your problems on your own and instead invite God to show you the way to solutions. To find God’s guidance, you need to prioritizetalking to God in prayer and listening to God in meditation. You can just pray something simple, like: “God, please help me know what to do today.” But talking to God is only half of the conversation. When you meditate on God’s messages to you in the Bible and listen for God speaking to you through His Holy Spirit, you can find the guidance you need. Then, when you put that guidance into action and follow where God guides you, you’ll see restoration happen in your life. Whenever you do what God asks – even by taking a few small steps in the direction where God is leading you – you’ll experience God’s answers to your prayers.

As you follow God’s guidance day by day, your life will start to bloom like a well-watered garden. A garden with plenty of water stays green and growing even on hot days. Following God helps you make good choices, saves you from getting lost on wrong paths, and helps you thrive in every part of your life.

God also promises that you’ll become like a fresh water spring that never runs out. All the hope and peace God gives you will flow through your life like a spring and spill over into the lives of your friends and family.

When you listen to God and follow his guidance, you can step out of spiritual dryness and come back to life spiritually throughrenewal and revival!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how seeking and following God’s guidance will help you thrive, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Psalm 23:2-3

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Psalm 32:8

Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalm 32:8

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Why can the fall season bring both beautiful memories and painful reminders of loss? Autumn’s changing leaves, cooler weather, and familiar traditions can stir up feelings of gratitude and joy, but they can also bring grief, loneliness, and memories of difficult experiences. If fall is a challenging season for you, you don’t have to ignore your pain to appreciate the beauty around you. God’s love remains present through both joyful memories and sorrowful days.

Deuteronomy 32:7 encourages us to remember the past and learn from the generations before us. Reflecting on meaningful memories can remind us of God’s goodness, even when life feels heavy. Whether you’re remembering loved ones, processing grief, or hoping to create happier memories this year, you can invite God into the process of healing. By slowing down, spending time in nature, connecting with others, and noticing the beauty of His creation, you can begin to experience His comfort and recognize His faithfulness throughout every season of life.

Highlights

Why autumn can bring both cherished memories and painful reminders of loss

How to find God’s beauty and goodness even when the fall season feels difficult

What Deuteronomy 32:7 teaches us about remembering the past and learning from earlier generations

How reflecting on happy memories can offer comfort during seasons of grief

Why God’s love remains constant through both joyful and sorrowful experiences

Practical ways to create new fall memories through nature, relationships, and prayer

Encouragement to invite God into your healing and discover fresh hope during a difficult season

Click to Listen toSigns of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

The Beauty and Memories of Fall
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7). 

What comes to mind when you think of fall? The beautiful flowers, the cooler weather, or Thanksgiving? Fall holds cherished memories for many, but perhaps fall also brings up painful memories for you. Maybe you are reminded of the death of a loved one, or a painful experience at work, home life, or within your family. Even though fall may carry a heavy weight with it, we can still stop and admire God’s beauty. His love is richly poured out on us, even if we cannot see it at the time. 

This fall, slow down and listen for the crunch of the leaves below your feet. Stop and watch the leaves fall; take special note of the colors: the vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves surrounding you. These are all blessings from God, even if the season may be sorrowful. 

Allow God to heal your wounds with His love. Fall time may continue to be painful; however, God’s love will always prevail (Romans 8:37-39). He is with you through every dark, gloomy autumn day as well as every sunny, beautiful day. Through the good and the bad, He goes before you. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible tells us, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7). The “days of old” can refer to your present life as well. Think about the happy falls – the ones full of memories, love, and joy. 

When the days grow dark, reflect upon these brighter days. Perhaps your parents used to take you outside to jump in the leaves after they fell from the trees, or you would take a nature walk together. God’s fingerprints are across the fall season; you might just have to slow down, take in the moment, and reflect upon His grace. 

If you cannot recall a happy memory of fall, ask the Lord to help you create a few this year. You could pray, “Dear Jesus, in the past, fall has only been full of pain. I dread when fall comes around each year because it is a reminder of everything and everyone I have lost. Despite this challenging time, help me to heal and form happier memories. Bring loved ones into my life who will make me smile, laugh, and see the beauty of You again. In Your brilliant Name, I pray, Amen.”

Never underestimate what God can do in your life; He can make a way when there is no way. Challenge yourself to also connect with others and nature this fall season. Go out to an apple orchard, take a hike somewhere beautiful, or take time to simply sit in your garden. Talk to God while you are out in nature and allow His beauty to move your soul. His love, grace, and blessings will be poured abundantly into your heart. 

What memories do you associate with fall time? Are they happy or sorrowful? What new memories do you want to form this year? 

Further Reading: 

1 Kings 19:11-13

James 1:17

Zephaniah 3:17

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Do you ever wish you could change parts of your past, your circumstances, or the things that make you feel inadequate? It’s easy to believe that our weaknesses, disappointments, family struggles, or painful experiences make us less useful to God. But the Bible reminds us that God doesn’t require a perfect past or impressive qualifications to work through our lives. He calls us to trust Him and take the next step in faith, even when we don’t feel equipped.

In Judges 6:15-16, Gideon questions how God could use someone with his background and limitations, but God responds with a promise: “I will be with you.” This powerful reminder shows us that our usefulness to God depends not on our strength, but on His presence. Although we don’t have to pretend painful experiences were good, we can trust God to redeem our stories, shape our character, and use even the parts we wish were different to grow our faith and help others.

Highlights

Why we often view our weaknesses, painful experiences, and limitations as reasons God cannot use us

What Gideon’s story in Judges 6:15-16 teaches us about trusting God when we feel inadequate

Why God’s presence matters more than our qualifications, abilities, or past experiences

How difficult seasons can develop compassion, humility, wisdom, and deeper dependence on God

Why trusting God’s redemption doesn’t require us to pretend painful experiences were good

How 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness

Encouragement to stop treating your past as a disqualification and trust God to use your story for His purposes

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

God Can Use the Part of Your Story You Wish Were Different 

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” - Judges 6:15-16

If God had handed twenty-four-year-old Sarah a list of everything she would eventually be responsible for, she might have handed it right back. As a young new mom, I had no idea the journey God would put me on as I started out through motherhood.  I did not feel particularly equipped to bring a newborn home that spring morning, but I did. 

As the years moved on, I found myself adding more and more children (we ended up with five). Homeschooling was next on the agenda, and then God gave us a special-needs daughter. After that, God moved our family to a foreign country, then moved us back. So many parts of my story I have wished to be different. There were moments of tears and heartache. In those times, I didn’t really see how God would use this part. Of my….

Most of us have circumstances, weaknesses, disappointments, and limitations we would change if we could. We assume that these unwanted parts of our life make us less useful to God. So many years later, I’m learning that we often believe God needs a more qualified version of us, but in reality, He only needs a willing heart. 

Gideon looked at his own story and saw reasons God couldn't use him. God saw something entirely different. In Judges 6:14-15, we read that God calls Gideon to rescue the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon’s immediate response was to list all of the reasons why he shouldn’t be God’s leader. Gideon essentially asks, How could someone with my background possibly do this?

We do something similar when we look at our past, personality, family circumstances, weaknesses, disappointments, or lack of resources. We often see our limitations as disqualifications. But. God didn’t change Gideon’s story before he called him. God’s answer to Gideon is the same answer God gives us. Judges 6:16 says, “But I will be with you.” 

Notice that God didn’t correct Gideon's assessment of his circumstances. What Gideon said was true. He was who he said he was. God didn’t change anything about Gidoen’s family, background, or resume. It would be God's presence—not Gideon's qualifications—that would make the difference.

God doesn't need to rewrite your past before He can use your present.

The Bible is filled with the truth that God works with those who are weak. God does not use us despite our weakness, but through our weakness. He does this so His strength is visible and He gets the glory! 

Not only that, but parts of your story have provided deep spiritual growth in your life. There might be things you learned, experienced, and grown in while facing the hardships that you wouldn’t have otherwise done. If you removed the hard parts of your past, you might not have developed the compassion you now have. Or maybe you learned dependence and humility in a deeper way. God certainly grants us wisdom and faith while going through storms. 

We may not always understand why God allowed something, and we don't need to call painful things good. But we can trust that God is able to redeem what we would never have chosen.

Your weakness does not limit God's strength. Gideon's confidence couldn't ultimately come from discovering something impressive about himself. It came from God’s presence. If God is asking you to do a new type of work, step into a new role, or take on more responsibility, remember that it isn’t about “being enough.” It is all about God's promise: “I will be with you.”

When our usefulness in God's kingdom rests more on His sufficiency than ours, we find that we are already equipped for what God is calling us to do. 

Maybe there is a chapter of your life you still wish you could rewrite. You don't have to pretend it didn't hurt or wish it had happened differently. But you also don't have to believe it disqualifies you.

The God who looked at Gideon in all his weakness and said, “I will be with you,” is still the God who works through imperfect people and imperfect stories today. If I could sit beside that twenty-four-year-old version of myself today, I wouldn't hand her a list of everything coming. That would be overwhelming! Honestly, I wouldn't even give her a warning. Preparing for hardship doesn’t often help. Instead, I would simply say: God is with you. He always has been and always will be.

Looking back, I can see that God didn't always change the circumstances I wished were different. Instead, he used them to change me. Yes, some will be hard, but in the hard things, there will be so many good things. God’s goodness shines so bright when we rest in His character!

Friend, those parts of your story have made you who you are. God does not make mistakes. Even if you wish you had a different background, different abilities, different circumstances, or even a different personality, God is ready and willing right now to use you. He has created you with care and love. Nothing He does is a mistake!  

Gideon's story reminds us that God isn't searching for the person with the perfect résumé. He is looking for people willing to trust Him. Whatever God places in front of you today, you don't need to know whether you are strong enough. You only need to remember the promise that was enough for Gideon: “I will be with you.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What parts of your story do you wish were different?  Do you use these things as excuses not to follow God’s call in your life? Today, ask God to help you trust that He is with you. His presence is enough. 

Further Reading:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 

Exodus 4:10-12 

Psalm 139:13-16

Ephesians 2:10

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Letting God rake away what is covering your heart means inviting Him to reveal unhealthy attitudes, heal old wounds, and clear away anything keeping you from growing closer to Him. Through prayer, Scripture, repentance, and honest reflection, we can begin releasing the burdens we were never meant to carry alone. Although this process may feel uncomfortable, God’s loving correction brings freedom and creates room for spiritual renewal. As you surrender your heart to Him, you can experience His grace more deeply and make space for the peace, joy, and growth He desires for your life.

Highlights

How emotional wounds, bitterness, fear, and distractions can keep us from drawing closer to God

Why examining your heart is an important part of spiritual growth and renewal

How God can reveal hidden attitudes and burdens that need healing

Why surrendering painful experiences to God can open the door to greater peace and freedom

How prayer, Scripture, and repentance help us clear away spiritual obstacles

Why allowing God to change your heart requires honesty, humility, and trust

Encouragement to let God remove what is holding you back and make room for deeper faith and lasting spiritual growth

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

Letting God Rake Away What Is Covering Your Heart

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:

I could ask the darkness to hide me

and the light around me to become night—

but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.

Darkness and light are the same to you.

– Psalm 139:11-12, NLT

I love the way fallen leaves in autumn cover landscapes across many parts of the world. It feels like a song of sweet surrender, as vivid colors float everywhere, then fade into nutrients for the soil. Carpets of fall foliage on lawns, parks, or fields always look so purposeful and romantic to me.

But when we live in modern, manicured places, we often rake these leaves into piles, either composting them for reuse or disposing of them. It’s a common seasonal sight, though I’m still not sure if it’s better to rake or not rake the leaves that grace our lives. It’s always interesting to me that we don’t need to rake wild forests. They remain entirely in God’s hands. 

However, when it comes to my heart and yours, let’s consider that God may do some spiritual raking. Because sometimes we want to hide ourselves, our feelings, our habits, our lack of faith, from God. That’s why Psalm 139 lays out clearly that God sees everything, anyway. 

In fact, Psalm 139:11-12 proclaims that “even in darkness I cannot hide from you.” This entire psalm rejoices that you can turn to God and ask him to search you, bring you into His light, and lead you on the path of everlasting life.

The freedom you gain when you let God “uncover” you is also celebrated in 2 Corinthians 3:16, when Paul says, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Paul is referring to how Moses would cover his face with a veil because the glory of God he reflected was too much for his followers to receive. So, in his New Testament letter, Paul teaches that you and I have been reconciled to God through Jesus. You can let God lift the veil, rake away what you’re hiding under, and fully receive the Holy Spirit within you. There’s no need to bury yourself in secrecy.

Not only will God rake away what’s covering hearts, but he will also dig deeper to pull up stones and plant new life. When Ezekiel 36:26 tells us, “and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a new heart of flesh,” it refers to God’s miraculous power to completely transform a hardened heart that has become cold, inflexible, or impenetrable. 

This hardening could be the result of self-protection over many years of pain. Or, it could be a heart turned away from reconciliation by unforgiveness. Or, it could be a refusal to share fears and feelings with God. Ezekiel 36:26 is God’s reminder to you and me—that he sees our struggles anyway. 

So, even if you don’t see a way to cultivate peace in your own heart, or feel courageous enough to be exposed, God’s promise here is that he can do the work for you, if you let him. You and I can bring our hurting, hiding, hardened hearts to God, and welcome his healing. He will rake away what’s weighing you down, warming and softening your heart. 

So the next time you’re working in the yard, or marveling at leaves, remember: John 15 says God is your gardener. Let him rake, prune, and shape you ... so that you will bear much fruit for His glory.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider the beauty of changing seasons, or the work of raking away anything that’s covering something underneath, reflect on these thoughts: 

Further Reading:

Hebrews 4:12-13

Psalm 33:13-14

1 John 3:20

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How can you know when to trust your own instincts and when to wait for God’s guidance? When conflict, difficult decisions, or emotional situations arise, self-reliance can cause us to act or react before seeking God’s wisdom. Judges 1:1-4 offers a powerful picture of what it looks like to turn to God first, ask for His direction, and faithfully follow where He leads.

Following Christ doesn’t mean we will always know exactly what to do or receive an immediate answer. God often guides us through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of other believers. As we consistently seek Him in everyday circumstances, we become more attentive to His direction when bigger challenges arise. Learning to follow Christ requires practice, humility, and trust, but we can rest in the assurance that we don’t have to figure out every step on our own.

Highlights

Why self-reliance can lead us to act or react before seeking God’s guidance

What Judges 1:1-4 teaches about turning to God for direction

How prayer and Scripture help us develop greater spiritual discernment

Why God’s guidance may come through Scripture, other believers, or the Holy Spirit

How practicing dependence on God in everyday situations prepares us for bigger challenges

What James 1:5 teaches about asking God for wisdom without fear of criticism

Encouragement to trust Christ’s leadership rather than trying to figure out every step on your own

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Full Transcript Below:

Faithfully Led by Christ
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” - Judges 1:1.

Some of my deepest relational wounds were self-inflicted. I’m presently dealing with the painful aftereffects of a situation I created through self-reliance. That’s not to say I never prayed for God’s guidance, or that I didn’t try to follow His lead. I did, frequently. But I also acted on my emotions and perspectives far too often, particularly during times of conflict. 

Because of this, at times, I did and said things that hurt the other person and damaged our relationship. In fact, when I consider some of my most painful experiences, I recognize that I brought many of them on myself by acting before receiving God’s guidance, His perspective on the situation, or His strength to love others as He loves me.

That’s one reason I find the book of Judges so comforting, because it highlights God’s grace despite humanity’s persistent rebellion. 

The people started their new season in the Promised Land well. The Israelites appeared to keep their focus on God and His will, even for some time after Joshua, their former leader, died. 

Having witnessed God’s miraculous provision and protection during their desert wanderings, these men and women seemed to recognize how much they needed the Lord’s support. At this point in their history, it appears they didn’t have a strong, central leader—no president, king, or military commander—to follow. 

Yet, rather than relying on themselves, they turned to their true, ever-faithful King, the Almighty. They sought His guidance, and He provided, stating in verse 2, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.”

Verse 4 records the result: “Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands, and they defeated ten thousand men at Bezek” (Judges 1:4, NASB). 

This reminds me of the promise recorded in James 1:5, which reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV).

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Scripture invites me to come to God with all my concerns, questions, and confusion. When I do, God never responds with frustration or criticism. Instead, He welcomes me close, often comforts and strengthens my soul, and provides the wisdom I need to navigate life’s complexities with discernment and grace. 

Sometimes, I “hear” His directions in that moment. Most often, however, His guidance comes later, in His perfect timing, whether that's through Scripture, a conversation with another Christ-follower, or a growing but gentle conviction from the Holy Spirit.

I’m learning, I’m most apt to recognize His voice when I practice connecting with Him while tuning my spiritual ears to Him. This intentionality and consistency in everyday experiences help me recognize His voice in situations that feel “high stakes”—like with the relationship I mentioned at the beginning of this devotion.

In my present, healing-but-not-yet-whole situation, the Lord provided understanding of the other person’s fears and their hurts I wouldn’t have known otherwise. This reduced my tendency toward defensiveness while increasing my ability to remain focused on the real issue, rather than outward behavior (symptoms). He’s also shown me ways some of my past actions caused harm, along with how I can interact differently in the future. 

Not only have these divine insights facilitated relational healing, but they’ve also dramatically reduced my angst by reminding me that I’m not alone. I don’t have to figure out each step; I simply need to follow the One who has promised to lead me to His very best (John 10:10).

As I consistently turn to Christ and yield to His Spirit within, I’m better able to follow the example provided in the opening of Judges. As I do, something beautiful occurs. God’s faithfulness deepens my trust and increases my desire to seek His guidance before acting or reacting.

Again, this takes practice, intentionality, and consistency, as many of us have spent our entire lives strengthening our self-reliance. Thankfully, we’re not traveling this transformation journey alone. The God who led ancient Israel into the Promised Land longs to guide us through our challenges, big and small, as well. 

Consider: How might responding to God's guidance in everyday situations increase your ability to recognize His direction when facing life's bigger battles? And if this is an area you long to grow in, I invite you to join me and my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast for our upcoming series on hearing God. Because the Lord is leading us. The question is, are we alert and responsive to His guidance? 

Further Reading:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 25:4-5
Galatians 5:16, 22-25

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How can you pass your faith on to the next generation? Sharing stories about God’s faithfulness, answered prayers, and the ways He has carried you through difficult seasons can have a lasting impact on children, grandchildren, and younger people in your life. Your testimony doesn’t have to be dramatic or perfectly presented to encourage someone else to trust God.

Psalm 78:2-4 reminds us of the importance of telling the next generation about God’s power and the wonderful things He has done. The faith stories you share can help younger people see that God is not only part of Bible history—He is active, present, and trustworthy today. Whether you’re talking around the dinner table, spending time with family, or encouraging someone at church, everyday conversations can become opportunities to share your faith and leave a spiritual legacy that points others toward God.

Highlights

Why sharing stories of God’s faithfulness can strengthen the faith of the next generation

What Psalm 78:2-4 teaches about telling others what God has done

How stories of answered prayer can inspire younger people to develop their own prayer lives

Why you don’t need to be a Bible scholar or public speaker to share your faith

Practical ways to talk about God with children, grandchildren, and younger people in your community

How your testimony can help younger people connect God’s faithfulness in the past with hope for their future

Questions to help you identify opportunities to encourage someone younger through your own story of God’s work

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Full Transcript Below:

Tell the Next Generation

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:

“I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old – things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” – Psalm 78:2-4, NIV

My paternal grandmother, Lena Wyckoff, told me many memorable stories about how God worked in her life before she passed away at age 98. She emphasized how God was close by her side through everything she experienced – in good and bad circumstances alike. Grandma’s long life was full of highs and lows. She enjoyed lots of love in her life from family and friends, yet she was widowed young and suffered a lot as a single mother afterward. She faced many challenges, but she overcame them all with God’s help. Along the way, Grandma stayed close to God through prayer and recorded the details of how God answered her prayers. She shared wonderful stories with me aboutthe power of prayer andGod’s faithful answers to prayers. Thanks to Grandma’s stories, I was inspired to build my own prayer life with God.

Think back to the stories you heard when you were growing up. Maybe a parent, a grandparent, a Sunday school teacher, or a close friend sat with you and shared about how God was working in their lives. They told you about the prayers God answered, the times God brought them through difficult seasons, and the wonderful ways God showed his love. Those stories were not just nice memories from the past. They were living seeds of faith planted into your heart to help you understand who God is and how well he cares for you.

In Psalm 78:2-4, the Bible reminds you that you have an important role to play in God’s plans by passing along the stories of how God has worked in your life. God wants you to share his praiseworthy deeds, his power, and the wonders he has done with the next generation of people, like your descendants, and other younger people you know.

You don’t need to be a biblical scholar or an experienced public speaker to share inspiring stories of God at work. All God asks you to do is be an honest witness of how he has worked so far in your life. You can do so well just by sharing genuine stories about God in your everyday conversations with the people you know. God will bring you lots of opportunities to tell the next generation about him. You can tell stories whenever you’re spending time with your children and grandchildren – especially during family meals, when everyone is paying attention to family conversations. You can also share your stories with young people you know from your church and other places in your community. Get to know a few younger people as friends, offer to pray for them about the concerns they share with you, and share stories of how God has helped you in similar situations.

When you share your stories about God, you help younger people make connections between God’s faithfulness in the past and the hope they need for the future. Every time you share a story ofGod’s wonderful work in your life, you help a younger person see that God is real, active, and trustworthy today. You help them realize that the same God who performed wonders in the Bible, and who guided believers throughout history, is ready to guide them in their own lives right now.

Never underestimate the power of your positive influence on the next generation when you share your stories about God. Even the simplest stories you tell younger people about God’s wonderful work in your life can help them learn and grow closer to God.

So, ask God to help you notice the opportunities he gives you to share your faith stories, and toshare the Gospel message in fresh ways through those stories. Your stories have eternal value!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why it’s important to share stories of God’s wonderful work with younger people, reflect on these questions:

Who in your past faithfully shared God’s wonders with you, and how did their words inspire you to grow closer to God? 

Further Reading:

Joel 1:3

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Psalm 145:4

2 Timothy 1:5

Psalm 71:18

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What has God grown in you this year? As the year comes to a close, it can be easy to focus on what remains unfinished, what didn’t go as planned, or where you wish you had grown more. But reflecting on your year through the lens of faith can help you recognize the spiritual growth, lessons, answered prayers, strengthened relationships, and deeper trust in God that may have developed along the way.

God often grows something meaningful in us through ordinary days, difficult seasons, waiting, disappointment, and unexpected opportunities. Like gathering a harvest, taking time to look back can reveal how God has been shaping your character and drawing you closer to Him. Reflecting on His faithfulness can help you celebrate progress you may have overlooked, give thanks for what He has taught you, and carry those lessons into the year ahead with greater faith and purpose.

Highlights

How to recognize the spiritual growth God has cultivated in your life this year

Why we can overlook meaningful growth when we focus only on what remains unfinished

How difficult seasons, waiting, and disappointment can produce lasting spiritual lessons

Practical ways to reflect on answered prayers, changed priorities, and deeper faith

Why remembering God’s faithfulness can strengthen gratitude and hope for the future

How to gather the lessons God has grown in you rather than simply moving on to the next season

Encouragement to look back with gratitude and trust God with what He will grow next

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Full Transcript Below:

Gathering What God Grew in You This Year

By Melinda Eye Cooper

Bible Reading: 

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. - 1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV

An interesting thing happened this year. Two tomato plants grew in the exact spot we’d planted them last year, but they shouldn’t have. My husband had pulled the plants out of the landscaping last Fall when they were done producing.  

We planned on putting a couple more plants there again this year because they’d grown well in that shaded spot beside the house. But strangely, in spring, when we began preparing the landscaping for flowers, two healthy-looking plants were growing in the exact same place we planted them the year before. 

“Are these tomato plants?” he asked after he finished pulling weeds, preparing to plant flowers. Thankfully, he didn’t pull them out thinking they were some kind of weed.

I examined the two healthy plants and couldn’t stop the excitement in my voice. “They sure are. Wow.” 

“That’s really weird. I pulled those out last fall when they were done making tomatoes,” he said. 

We were shocked but happy we didn’t have to buy any plants.

We checked with some family members to find out if tomato plants will just automatically grow back the next year in the same place. One person told us that it had happened to them before but the tomatoes that grew back were small and not as good. 

With this knowledge, we didn’t have great expectations but were curious about these mysterious plants, so we kept our eyes on them, making sure they were watered. 

Those plants grew absolutely huge and took over the landscaping on that side of the house. They produced the best crop of tomatoes we’ve ever grown. All without us even doing a thing except for giving them some water, and my husband tied them up to keep them off the ground, for the most part.

Apparently, the plants found the perfect spot to grow. 

We gathered tons of tomatoes. I learned how to use a water bath to can them. Some are in the freezer. I gave many to neighbors, and ate a lot of delicious bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches and fresh salads. No store-bought tomato can compare to the heavenly taste of a homegrown one. They’re just better in every way.

God really knows how to grow good things. 

And thankfully, He does the same thing with us. 

In the referenced Scripture, Paul is speaking about church growth. I love how Paul says God makes things grow. That statement is so true. We can try all we want, but without God, we’re not going to grow well. We may get head knowledge, but true growth is a changed heart, and the most important thing. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When we seek God by reading the Bible, speaking with Christian friends about questions we have, or going straight to God in prayer, we’re growing spiritually. It is a slow process, for sure. 

What God produces within us through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit is really good stuff – the fruit of the Spirit. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Like I gathered an unexpected bumper crop of tomatoes, and figured out the best way to use and preserve them, how can we do this with what God has grown in us? 

(I’m so glad you asked.) 

This good fruit of the Spirit is incredibly beneficial and is evidence of God’s work in our lives. He’s changing us, helping us become more like Jesus, slowly but surely as we grow. 

Speaking to each of these fruits would probably be a long devotion or even a book. So, I’ll keep it short and sweet. 

One way we can know God has grown something good within us is when we can forgive someone we love for causing us pain and continue to love them through forgiveness. We don’t allow bitterness or resentment to take hold. 

We gather what God grew in us and give them some grace and mercy as He has given us. 

God has a purpose in pain, and often it is the catalyst for our own spiritual growth. 

Not to say we forgive and forget what happened, but that we recognize none of us is perfect, and we all make mistakes. And with genuine forgiveness on our part, we can move forward a little wiser and love others in a better way. We choose to show love and forgiveness even when it’s hard. That can be a big point of growth. 

We’re a work in progress, and thank goodness, God’s growing us to be more like Jesus. We’re changing for the better. 

With Jesus deeply rooted in our hearts, we’re planted in the right spot. 

God will nourish, and we will surely flourish. 

Father, thank You for the powerful Holy Spirit and for His help in life. I need Him every moment of every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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What does it mean to say, “The Lord is my portion”? When life feels uncertain, we can be tempted to measure security by what we own, accomplish, or can control. But Scripture points us toward a deeper source of contentment: God Himself. When we recognize the Lord as our portion, we can find hope and stability even when circumstances change or the things we depend on are taken away.

Making God our portion means trusting that His presence, faithfulness, and promises are enough. It does not mean we will never experience loss, disappointment, or uncertainty, but it gives us something circumstances cannot take away. Instead of placing our hope in temporary possessions, relationships, success, or earthly security, we can turn our hearts toward God and remember that He remains faithful in every season. When the Lord is our portion, we have reason to hope, persevere, and rest in His goodness.

Highlights

What it means to make the Lord our portion and source of hope

Why earthly possessions and circumstances cannot provide lasting security

How trusting God can bring contentment during seasons of uncertainty or loss

Why God’s presence and faithfulness are greater than anything we can gain or accomplish

How to shift our hope from temporary things to the promises of God

Why recognizing God as our portion helps us persevere through difficult seasons

Encouragement to find lasting hope and stability in the Lord rather than in circumstances

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Full Transcript Below:

The Lord Is My Portion 

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3:24 NASB) 

Life was going well, and I had been assigned to write an article called “10 Ways Your Life Looks Different When God Is Your Portion.” I read through every verse in the Bible about God being our portion, our refuge, our reward. And I prayed that God would make me a person who saw Him as my portion. 

As I was writing the article, I also prayed for insight about the hurts and disappointments people would be experiencing as they read the article, so it would be a comfort and encouragement to them. I thought of my mother, who was sinking into depression as her husband was sinking deeper into the disease of Alzheimer’s. I thought of a reader who had just lost a dear friend. I thought of someone who may just be receiving the news that they’d lost their longtime job.

 “God, give me Your words that people will most need to read for their hearts to be encouraged,” I prayed. 

I turned in the article and didn’t think about it for a couple of weeks. Until the day came that the article was published. I read through it once again, emailed a link of the article to my mom so she could read it, and prayed that everyone who encountered it would be encouraged. 

And then it happened. 

I received an email that same morning with devastating news, and in an instant, I knew God had arranged for that article to encourage me.He was using all those verses I had read and studied earlier in order to write that article, not just help others, but to move me to a place where I saw Him as my ultimate reward. While life was going well, it was easy to think that I was already seeing God as my portion. But when I had lost something dear to me, I suddenly had to take inventory of what was most important.  

Immediately, the lessons I wrote about came to my mind: Because the Lord is my portion, I don’t need to worry about my provision, my future, or whether or not I have an inheritance. Because the Lord is my refuge, I can feel safe in His care, regardless of uncertainties.  Because He is my reward, I can find contentment in life, and focus on my blessings, not my burdens, and the things I seem to be losing. And because He is my portion and my very great reward, I can surrender the need to succeed and find my identity in Him, not in what I do. 

Tears came to my eyes as I realized that more than needing the good news I was expecting in that email, God knew I needed to see Himas my portion and my very great reward. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

What would you consider your greatest reward? Is it your children and grandchildren? Is it the legacy you’ve worked for all your life? Is it the retirement that awaits you or the commendation you waited years to earn? Is it your ministry or the satisfaction you feel after serving others or bringing about some good for someone? 

God’s Word is true when it tells us we will only find the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). And Asaph, the psalmist, knew the true rewards of this life when he sang these words to his Maker and Sustainer in Psalm 73:25-26: 

“Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And with You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (NASB). 

When the Lord becomes your greatest treasure and reward, you will never find yourself lacking. 

Thank You, Lord God, for loving us so much You know what we need eternally, not just temporarily. Help us to see You as our greatest portion and our most treasured reward, and may we be satisfied with nothing less.  

Further Study:
Psalm 16

For daily encouragement in seeing the Lord as your portion, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 days to a Closer Connection with God. 

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God does not ask us to fight spiritual battles in our own strength. His love reminds us that we belong to Him, while His Word gives us the truth we need to recognize and resist the enemy’s lies. Through prayer, Scripture, faith, and dependence on Christ, we can stand firm when temptation, fear, doubt, or discouragement comes. Victory does not come from believing we are strong enough on our own, but from trusting the God who loves us and is faithful to strengthen, protect, and sustain us.

Highlights

How God’s love gives us confidence when facing spiritual battles

Why spiritual warfare requires dependence on God rather than our own strength

How recognizing the enemy’s lies can help us stand firm in truth

The role of prayer and Scripture in resisting temptation and discouragement

Why remembering that we are deeply loved by God changes how we face spiritual warfare

How faith in Christ helps us overcome fear, doubt, and spiritual opposition

Encouragement to trust God’s power when the battle feels bigger than you can handle

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Full Transcript Below:

God’s Love Empowers You to Win Spiritual Battles

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39, NIV

I remember visiting my mom in the hospital and bringing her a magazine. It was opened to an article aboutGod’s angels when her nurse noticed it sitting beside her bed. That led to a conversation I’ve never forgotten. He told me that several years earlier, while he was in rehab for alcohol addiction, he had gone through intensespiritual battles. During seasons when he spent a long time praying, God sometimes allowed him to see something that’s usually invisible. The nurse said he could actually see both holy angels and fallen angels around him as battles between good and evil were taking place. It was scary to witness spiritual warfare that’s usually unseen, but he also said it filled him with hope because every time he prayed for help, God responded with love by sending holy angels to fight on his behalf. Looking back, the nurse was convinced that, because God never stopped loving him, he was able to win those spiritual battles. The nurse praised God for lovingly empowering him with everything he needed to break free from alcohol addiction.

Whether or not you ever see angels and demons with your physical eyes, the Bible makes it clear that spiritual battles are real. Every day, you face temptations, discouragement, fear, lies, and attacks that try to pull you away from God. Sometimes the battles are obvious. At other times, they happen quietly in your thoughts, your emotions, or the choices you make. The good news is that you never have to fight these battles by yourself.

Romans 8:38-39 promises that nothing can separate you from God’s love – even demons and the most intense spiritual battles you go through. There is absolutely nothing in all creation that is stronger than the love God has for you through Jesus Christ.

When you know that God’s love is constantly there for you, you no longer have to live in fear. Evil wants you to believe that you’re alone, forgotten, or beyond hope. But those are lies. God’s Word tells you that God’s love is much stronger than every spiritual attack on you.

Love is at the core of who God is. Since God loves you completely, he does much more than just watch you struggle from a distance. God comes close to you and strengthens you in all the ways you need strength, so you can win your spiritual battles.

The nurse I met told me that God’s loving care gave him the strength to keep choosing the next best step as he fought spiritual battles. Over time, God’s love empowered him to win the entire war he faced with addiction.

What battles are you fighting right now? Maybe you’re fighting anxiety, bitterness, temptation, loneliness, shame, or some other enemy. Maybe you’re praying for a loved one who seems far from God. Don’t give up! The God who loves you is still at work, even when you can’t see what he’s doing.

Because you’re loved by an all-powerful God, you can keep fighting with courage and confidence – and you can expect to win every single one of your spiritual battles.

So, choose to rest in God’s powerful love for you. Bring every fear that worries you to God in prayer. Remind yourself ofGod’s powerful promises to you. Keep trusting God to guide you through your battles one step at a time. No matter how challenging the spiritual warfare in your life becomes, nothing can separate you from God’s love. Remembering that reality will give you the strength to overcome every spiritual battle in your life.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how God’s love empowers you to win spiritual battles, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Ephesians 6:10-12

1 John 4:4

James 4:7

Psalm 34:7

2 Corinthians 10:3-4

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Autumn reminds us that endings can be beautiful. As colorful leaves fall from the trees and one season gives way to another, we are reminded that God has a purpose for every season of life. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is “a time for every matter under heaven,” including seasons of surrender, change, and letting go. What feels like an ending may actually be God preparing our hearts for something new.

Surrendering what we cling to can be difficult, especially when our expectations, fears, or sense of control feel deeply rooted. Yet God often works in us before He works around us, gently teaching us to release what we were never meant to carry. Like a tree yielding its leaves, we can trust God with what we need to let go of. Through the Holy Spirit, He can prune away sin, self-reliance, fear, and even good things that keep us from bearing greater fruit. Though the process may be painful, God can use every ending to make room for growth, deeper faith, and something more beautiful in His perfect timing.

Highlights

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Full Transcript Below:

What Autumn Teaches Us about Beautiful Endings

By Hannah Benson

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

Autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons. Crisp, colorful leaves crunching underneath my feet, hot apple cider, pumpkins, corn mazes, and the list goes on. Perhaps it also helps that my birthday falls during these autumn months, ensuring that even as a child, this was the season I favored most.

I have such fond memories of growing up: playing dodgeball outside with my siblings and dad in the dark and watching gorgeous Appalachian mountain sunsets through our kitchen window as my family and I ate a cozy supper of soup and cornbread.

But as we say hello to autumn, we inevitably have to say goodbye to the previous season of summer: to long evenings playing outside before dusk, to cool dips in the water, and to hiking up mountains in the blazing heat (well, maybe saying goodbye to the humidity isn't such a bad thing!)

Yet as much as I absolutely love autumn, when I first thought about writing this devotional, fear squeezed my heart. God usually calls me to write what I’ve first gone through myself, so what this autumn might I have to say goodbye to in order to write this article?

One evening before supper, I stood in my bedroom, gazing at the dreariness outside.

“God?” I whispered. “What are you teaching me? What beautiful ending do You want me to write about?”

Perhaps something I had to surrender? A closed door? Something God had taught me, either recently or in years past?

Then I realized deep down what God had been teaching me. Sometimes, we think beautiful endings need to come from losing something or someone we care deeply about, or from a door that slammed shut in our face, that God will use for our good.

While God does rewrite tragedies into beautiful endings, what if beautiful endings also come from letting go of wearisome things?

Earlier this year, I was striving, afraid of losing what mattered to me, and afraid of truly surrendering. I gripped my own expectations with an iron fist.

I wanted to surrender. Knew I needed to.

But I couldn’t. No matter how hard I tried.

Then, a couple of months ago, God gently told me to “Release.”

Oh, if only it were that easy.

I realized that there was absolutely nothing I could do to change what I could see.

“God, change my heart,” I whispered.

Slowly, bit by bit, God unraveled the expectations I had and allowed me to release what I clung to.

Surrender isn’t something we can accomplish with our own human willpower. It is something the Holy Spirit needs to work in our hearts. When we stop striving, God’s grace accomplishes within us what our flesh cannot.

As summer drew to a close, so did the expectations I clung to with an iron fist. That’s not to say I don’t still struggle sometimes, but as I reflect on where I was emotionally and spiritually earlier this year, I recognize that things I’d thought I’d lost were not lost when they are surrendered to the Father’s hand.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When this year started, if I’m being honest, I looked at my circumstances and thought God couldn’t possibly change things. Which is wrong, I know. After all, the impossible is possible with God.

Either that or I assumed God wouldn’t change things.

But as the months passed, and spring turned into summer, and summer turned into autumn, God did so many things I once thought impossible, changing my heart before He began to change some of my circumstances.

Like the trees yield their leaves unto the earth in order to pave the way for spring, so does the Lord ask us to yield what we’ve held onto to make way for something new.

Sometimes, the new is completely different. It might mean saying goodbye to the “good things” in our lives to make way for something better. Sometimes, it means letting go of the heavy burdens and fears we were never meant to carry in the first place. Other times, He invites us to trust Him and watch Him do what we were almost too afraid to hope for.

In John 15, Jesus tells His disciples that we are the branches, He is the vine, and His Father is the vinedresser. The branches cannot bear fruit on their own apart from the vine; neither can we bear fruit apart from Jesus. Often, the Lord must prune away not only our sin and self-reliance, but even good things we cling to, so we may continually become more like Him and bear even more fruit. Yes, the pruning can be painful, but the result is more beautiful than we could ever imagine.

Every season has its own kind of beauty. Whether we lost something or someone dear to us or God stripped away the fears, self-reliance, or sin that held us back from embracing true life, every ending is made beautiful in His perfect time.

Pray with me:

Dear Father God, thank You for pruning the parts of me that do not please You so that I can bear fruit pleasing to You. Please help me to trust You even when the pruning is painful or not always pleasant. You are a good Father. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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What does it really mean to love Jesus above everyone and everything else? In Luke 14:26, Jesus uses strong language to teach His followers that their devotion to Him must come before every other relationship, desire, and priority. He is not calling us to hate our families; He is calling us to love Him so completely that every other love is secondary. Following Jesus means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and choosing Him above our own desires.

It is possible to call ourselves devoted followers of Christ while allowing other loves to slowly take His place. Family, friendships, careers, comfort, success, and even self-love can compete for the affection that belongs first to Jesus. When our love for Christ is our highest priority, however, every other relationship can be put in its proper place. Loving Jesus more changes the way we love our spouses, children, friends, neighbors, and even ourselves. His invitation is not simply to believe in Him, but to follow Him with wholehearted devotion.

Highlights

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Full Transcript Below:

Loving Jesus More 

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:26

Have you ever stumbled over these words? Why would Jesus seem not to want any followers by telling others they have to hate their own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even their own life in order to be a devoted follower of His?

Certainly, Jesus wasn’t telling us to hate others. In fact, He told a teacher of the Law that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and strength. And the second greatest was to love our neighbor as much as we already love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). 

No, Jesus wasn’t telling us to hate others or neglect them in any way, especially those in our own households. He was telling us that our love and dedication to Him must be so strong that it’s as if we hate any other family member in comparison. He was giving us a very tall order for what it means to follow Him. He was letting us know what putting Him first really looked like. 

Jesus also told His disciples in Matthew 16:24-25: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.”

Again, was Jesus trying to make it so difficult that no one could follow Him? To the contrary, I believe He was looking for those who would love Him with the kind of dedication and sacrifice that He was soon to display in going to the cross for us. He didn’t want fair-weathered believers. He wanted loyal followers who would be willing to give Him their all. 

In light of this passage, I had to ask myself a few hard questions recently. Am I loving Jesus more than anyone or anything?Could I be following Him more closely than I am?  Am I loving Him as much today as I did the day we met?

I first decided to follow Jesus as a very young child. I barely remember the actual day. But I remember recommitting my life to Him many times throughout my growing-up years.

Now that I'm in my sixth decade of life, I have long called myself a follower of Jesus. I have spent nearly a half-century instructing others on how to follow Him. But how closely am I following?  

I must admit there are days my passion for Him wanes. My obedience to Him seems not as important as the day before. My heart follows harder after other loves. And I am convicted all over again by those words of Jesus to His disciples.

Intersecting Faith & Life

Other loves can so quickly steal our hearts away. And sometimes our greatest love is for ourselves. The world constantly teaches through social media reels, television shows, movies, and ads to love yourself. But Jesus said, “deny yourself” and take up your cross (associate with His death), and follow Him, not the desires of your own hearts. The more I love myself, not Him, the easier it is for my “First Love”—which should be Jesus—to become my fourth, fifth, or sixth love… or worse yet, somewhere further down the list.

I never want Jesus to say to me what He said to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-5: “But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first…” 

When I wholeheartedly love the One who made me, gave His life for me, and rose again to redeem me and make me more like Himself, I can put myself on the shelf and Jesus on the throne, and not worry about my self-esteem. I can focus on esteeming Him. And when I love Him more than any other, my priorities will be rightly ordered when it comes to being a good spouse, parent, sibling, friend, and neighbor. 

Lord Jesus, help me to love You more than I do, and to follow more closely after You. On good days and bad. When I'm motivated and when I'm not. In busy times and lean times. May You be first and foremost in my heart. 

Further Study:
Matthew 22:37-38  

For daily encouragement to love Jesus more, see Cindi’s book: The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. 

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Fall can bring beauty, but for those grieving the loss of someone they love, changing leaves can also stir painful memories. Seasons, places, and familiar routines can remind us of the people who are no longer beside us. Yet even in grief, we can find God beneath the fallen leaves. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have the hope of healing, comfort, and eternal life beyond death.

The death of a loved one is one of life’s deepest pains. While Christians can have hope that death is not the end, that hope does not erase the sorrow of missing someone we love. During seasons of grief, 1 Peter 2:24 reminds us that Jesus understands suffering and willingly carried our sins and wounds on the cross. His love remains constant even when life does not unfold as we hoped. When grief resurfaces, we can turn toward Christ and trust Him with our pain, remembering that He is near to the brokenhearted and offers comfort that will ultimately outlast our sorrow.

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding God Beneath the Fallen Leaves
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24). 

As the fall time approaches, I often start feeling more depressed. My mom passed away in the fall time and each year this season passes, it reminds me of the days she spent in the hospital. All I wanted was to take her out of this terrible situation and bring her home, but that was not an option. 

When the leaves begin to change and fall to the ground, I often start reflecting on the brevity of life. None of our lives are very long, even if we live to be one-hundred years old. And for most of us, when it is time for us to go, we do not want to go. 

Watching our loved ones pass on from this world to the next is a depressing experience. Although we may know they are in Heaven, it still pains us to see them go. They are no longer beside us as we drive to new destinations; they are no longer present when we get home; and when we call them, nobody answers.

It was not supposed to be this way, yet this is now our reality. As Christ followers, we do not need to fear death, for it is only the passageway to eternal life with the Lord. Death will sting, but it will not last long (1 Corinthians 15:56). While many of us can cope with the idea of our own death, it is much harder to cope with the death of a loved one.

Instersecting Faith & Life:

Losing our parents, siblings, friends, or spouse is all difficult. None of us can run from the fact that we will experience at least one of our loved ones passing away before we do. During the time that we have with them, we need to make the most of it. Never should we waste days or engage in arguments just for the sake of arguing. Instead, we need to extend love, compassion, and support for our loved ones. 

If we fail to do this, we will regret it later. We will look back at the days we had with our loved ones and feel ashamed that we did not do more with them. Therefore, we need to truly make the most of every opportunity and be there for our loved ones. We will make lasting memories that will never fade.

The Apostle Peter tells us, “‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24). The wounds of the Lord have given us everything we need to live, obey Him, and glorify Him. 

During times of intense grief and pain, we must reflect on this passage. Although we feel far from secure, we must remember that by Jesus’ wounds, we have been healed. He took these wounds on His back because He loves us. 

Jesus loved us so much that He died for our sins. He chose to do this because He loves us. Whenever we are struggling with pain, grief, or stress, we do not need to doubt Jesus’ love. Things might not go as we planned, but we can trust that all things are working out for our good (Romans 8:28). Sometimes His will is painful, yet the pain can still be a blessing.

Whatever you need healing from today, know that it is found in Jesus. He can bring healing and relief to any wound you are facing. The pain, agony, and heartbreak you are experiencing now will not endure forever. Allow Jesus to heal this wound by turning to Him. He will bless you with the comfort you need and surround you with His love.

Have you found God beneath the fallen leaves this year? What are some ways you have seen God carry your grief?

Further Reading:
Psalm 34:18

Matthew 11:28-30

John 16:22

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As the days grow shorter and seasons become darker, it can be easy to feel discouraged by the loss of light. But John 8:12 reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world—a light that does not fade, even when our circumstances feel dark. While physical darkness can affect our mood and energy, spiritual darkness can also leave us feeling discouraged, uncertain, or distant from hope. Jesus offers a light that reaches beyond our circumstances and gives us lasting hope and life.

Jesus’ declaration that He is the light of the world points to His identity as God and His victory over sin and darkness. Through Christ, we are no longer bound to darkness but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as children of light. Even when we walk through difficult seasons, we can trust that darkness will not have the final word. God’s goodness remains constant, His presence does not fade, and His light continues to shine. Rather than simply waiting for a difficult season to pass, we can reflect Christ’s light through our actions, share the hope we have in Him, and encourage others who may be walking through their own season of darkness.

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Full Transcript Below:

When the Days Grow Shorter, but God’s Goodness Does Not

By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 NIV

Every year around this time, my husband goes into a funk. He’s an outdoor guy, and since his job has him chained to a desk for roughly 10 hours a day, he covets the extra sunshine-filled days of summer. As the days grow shorter, he struggles to find joy in the diminishing hours of light. 

I get where he’s coming from; there are a lot of people who feel that way.  I only made it one winter living in Montreal, where the sun didn’t show up till mid-morning and started setting early afternoon. I struggled with the lack of light in my life, so I went to see a counselor who recommended I invest in a light box. If you are not familiar with a light box, it is literally just that— a box with a light in it. For those who suffer from the seasonal blues, scientists have found that a few minutes in a light box can have a major effect on mood. 

It’s pretty wild to think about how light, or the lack thereof, can affect our moods, mental health, physical drive, and various other factors of motivation. Scripture speaks often of light and darkness. Jesus tells us in John 8:12 that, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In the book of John, Jesus makes 7 “I am” statements, which refer to the conversation Moses has with God in Exodus: Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’”(Exodus 3:13-14). God doesn’t need further explanation; He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and end; He has always existed.  The same is true for Jesus, since He is part of the Trinity and God in human form; He, too, can say, “I am who I am.”

During the time Jesus was teaching, light would have been a precious commodity; you didn’t flip a switch; it took work to keep the light going. So, for the original audience, hearing of a light that never dims or goes out would have been a foreign concept. Yet Jesus tells us that He is a light that never fades and shines into the darkness, and provides life. Jesus Christ’s work on the cross delivers us from the darkness; it releases us from the chains of sin and sets us free. And that’s not all! Those of us in Christ now have the power of the Holy Spirit; the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us (Romans 8:11). 

So what should we do with this power? 

We let our light shine before men, so that our good deeds can glorify our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).

We boldly share the light in our lives and the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ (Psalm 27:1).

We walk as children of the light, those who are called according to God’s purpose to proclaim His wondrous works (Ephesians 5:8).

While we have the light of Christ in our lives, there will be times when we experience seasons that feel very dark. If you are in one of those seasons, let me encourage you, as I do my husband, that it will not last forever. One day, the sun’s presence will linger longer, and one day the light will overtake the darkness. Stay encouraged; the days may grow shorter, but God’s goodness does not.

Intersecting Faith &Life:

If you struggle with the winter blues, take some time today to make a plan to incorporate both spiritual and physical light into your life.Further Reading:

What are all the “I AM” Statements?

Matthew 5

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Fear can make difficult circumstances feel overwhelming, especially when the future is uncertain or we cannot see what lies ahead. But Isaiah 41:10 offers a powerful reminder that God does not ask us to face fear and hardship alone. He promises to be with us, strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His righteous hand. When fear tells us we are alone or too weak to keep going, God’s presence gives us a reason to trust Him.

God’s presence changes the way we face frightening circumstances. He sees the path ahead even when we cannot, knows what we will encounter, and is never surprised by the challenges we face. His strength is greater than our weakness, His help is available in every season, and His faithful hand can hold us steady when life feels uncertain. Rather than allowing fear to control our thoughts and decisions, we can focus on God’s promises and bring our worries to Him in prayer. As our confidence in God grows, we can learn to choose faith over fear and move forward knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

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Full Transcript Below:

Do Not Fear

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10, NIV

I once went to a party store in October with my son and daughter to buy my daughter’s Halloween costume. My son was in preschool at the time, and the moment we walked inside, he saw scary Halloween decorations everywhere. There was a robotic talking skeleton with glowing red eyes, a cackling inflatable witch, and other scary displays. He was so afraid that he closed his eyes and refused to open them. My daughter and I gently held his hands and guided him through the store like a blind person because he simply could not bear to look. We hurried to find the costume, paid for it, and got out of there as quickly as we could. My son felt safe because he knew we were with him, even though he couldn’t see where he was going.

You’ll encounter many scary situations in this fallen world. But God encourages you in Isaiah 41:10 not to be afraid, because he is with you and will help you.

You don’t have to fear, becauseGod is with you. God’s presence changes everything. Just as my son found comfort because he knew his family was beside him, you can find peace because your loving Heavenly Father never leaves your side. Even when you can’t see what lies ahead, God sees the whole path before you. God knows every challenge you’ll encounter and every need you’ll have along the way. Nothing surprises God, and no scary situation is too hard for God to handle.

God also promises to strengthen you. There may be days when you feel too weak to manage the challenges you’re facing. But God doesn’t expect you to find strength on your own. He promises to give you the strength you need for each step. God’s power is greater than your weakness. As you rely on God’s strength, you’ll discover that God will empower you to deal with situations that once seemed impossible to manage.

God also promises to help you. You never have to face your struggles by yourself. God sees every problem you’re facing and hears every prayer you pray for help.God will walk closely with you as your personal guide, ready to help at just the right time. Sometimes God will help you by changing your circumstances. At other times, God will give you the grace and endurance to keep trusting him as you go through challenging circumstances. Either way, God will faithfully work for your good.

Finally, God says he will uphold you with his righteous right hand. That means God will hold you securely, so you can be secure even when your life feels unsteady. Even when you feel like you might fall, God is able to keep you standing. God’s loving hand on you is stronger than anything that tries to pull you down.

So, instead of focusing on the fear you feel, focus onGod’s promises to you. When fear leads you to think you’re alone, remember that God says, “I am with you.” When fear tells you that you’re too weak, remember that God says, “I will strengthen you.” When fear says no one can help you, remember that God says, “I will help you.” When fear tells you that you’ll fall, remember that God says, “I will uphold you.”

Don’t let fear take control of your life. Each day is another opportunity to trust God’s promises instead of your feelings. As you spend time reading the Bible andbringing your worries to God in prayer, your confidence in God will grow. Little by little, you’ll learn that God’s peace is stronger than your fear because God’s presence is always with you.

Choose to trust God – instead of fear – to lead you forward. You don’t have to walk through life with your eyes closed, wondering what will happen next. God is walking beside you every step of the way. God’s love is constant, God’s strength never fails, and God’s faithful hand is holding you securely. Because God is with you, you don’t have to fear.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how God will help you overcome fear, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Psalm 23:4

Deuteronomy 31:8

2 Timothy 1:7

Joshua 1:9

John 14:27

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A declining follower count or an unexpected unfollow can stir up feelings of loneliness, rejection, and insecurity. But our value is not determined by social media approval or by how others choose to treat us. God sees us, loves us, and invites us to bring our hurt to Him.

Matthew 7:12 teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated, both online and in person. While we cannot control other people’s choices, we can choose how we respond when their actions hurt us. Instead of returning rejection with rejection or allowing bitterness to take root, we can seek God’s comfort, practice kindness, and remember that our identity is grounded in Christ. When social media leaves us feeling disconnected or discouraged, God offers refuge, healing, and a love that does not depend on followers, friendships, or approval.

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Full Transcript Below:

Unfollowing Social Media
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). 

Each time I see my follower count go down on social media, I automatically feel like the little kid I was in sixth grade. My feelings get hurt, and I start feeling bad about myself. Depending on who the person is, it can hurt even worse. Recently, I had someone I thought was a real friend unfollow me. Their unfollowing caught me off guard, but I figured that, like everyone else, they didn’t like me much either.

Even though this person chose to unfollow me, I didn’t choose to unfollow them back. Clicking the unfollow button is intentional, often with the thought that you don’t care about the person anymore. Since social media is one of the main ways we connect with others today, unfollowing someone can feel similar to leaving their life and choosing not to engage with them anymore.

Even though I am an adult and I’m doing better mentally than I have in a long time, I cannot shake the pain it brings when someone I thought was a friend disconnects from my life. However, while talking with a wise friend, she told me that they were never really my friends to begin with. This was the second time someone had said something like this to me, which showed me that God was trying to tell me something.

We don’t need to seek approval from humankind. Instead, we must remember that God already accepts us as we are. If other people don’t like us, that’s okay. And if they are offended when we share our honest feelings, then that’s okay, too. However, that doesn’t mean what they did didn’t hurt us. In truth, when a friend unfollows us, it can make us feel worthless.

Bring these feelings to God and set them at His feet (1 Peter 5:7). Tell Him how their words and actions hurt your feelings. It is enough to say, “Lord, my friend unfollowed me, and it makes me feel awful.” God will meet you where you are and cover you with His support. As the Bible says, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Lord tells us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This passage is now known as the “Golden Rule.” It is often taught in schools to help children learn how to treat others well.

As followers of the Lord, He doesn’t want us to hurt others with our actions. He wants us to extend kindness, love, and support. Even if other people hurt us, we must turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-40). Just because they are mean and hurtful toward us doesn’t mean we need to return the pain (1 Peter 3:9). If we don’t want others to be mean to us, unfollow us, or unfriend us, we don’t need to do those things to others. By filtering our actions and words through the Word of God, we will be able to truly shine brightly for Jesus.

Has anyone ever unfollowed you? How did that make you feel? How can you start treating others the way you want to be treated, both in person and online?

Pray with me: Dear Jesus, other people have unfollowed me on social media in the past, and it is very hurtful. It makes me feel like I’m worthless. Please help me to remember that my worth is in You and that You will love me always. Help to turn my heart away from evil and turn it toward You. Equip my heart with the ability to treat others the way I want to be treated and to repay evil with blessing. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.

Further Reading:

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 55:22

Matthew 11:28-30

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Scripture reminds us that opposition does not automatically mean we are outside God’s will. Sometimes challenges are part of the process, and learning to trust God’s timing can strengthen our faith and spiritual endurance.

Ezra 4:4 describes how the Israelites faced discouragement and fear while rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Their opposition temporarily interrupted the work, but it did not ultimately defeat God’s purposes. Like the Israelites, we can continue seeking God’s wisdom when doors close and people resist our efforts. Although rejection can hurt, our calling does not depend entirely on human approval. By grounding ourselves in God’s promises, discerning His direction, and remaining faithful in our work, we can face opposition with courage and renewed trust.

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Full Transcript Below:

Staying Encouraged When We Face Opposition
By: Laura Bailey 

Bible Reading:
Then the people around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. - Ezra 4:4 ( NIV)

I stared at the e-mail. This was the third rejection I’d received this week. I felt confident the Lord was calling me to a new opportunity to serve Him, yet doors remained closed. In an attempt to gain clarity, I spoke with my pastor.  With a background in counseling, my pastor speaks biblical truth alongside practical steps that encourage. 

 “How do I know if this is a sign from God, or just a part of the process?” I inquired. “Do you think I heard God wrong?” “Or maybe this is just a testing of my faith; God is strengthening my spiritual endurance, you think?” 

My pastor asked if I’d studied the book of Ezra, to which I admitted to reading it, but I couldn’t recall specifics. While the author is not specifically named, it’s likely Ezra the priest, a leader of the Israelites. If I asked you to name some of the most significant leaders in the Bible, likely Ezra wouldn’t make your top 10. His name means “help”; that’s exactly what he did for God’s people who were coming out of exile and reestablishing the nation of Israel. Ezra lived a life wholly committed to surrender to God’s commands and serving His people, no matter how difficult the circumstances. 

In our key verse, Ezra 4:4, we see the Israelites attempt to rebuild the temple so they could have a place to worship, yet they faced great opposition from the local inhabitants, who didn’t want to see the Jews prosper.  The first verses in Ezra chapter 4 give us a glimpse into the hostile climate the Israelites faced; their enemies were great, and they were vocal about not wanting a temple built. However, just because they faced opposition didn’t mean it wasn’t in God’s plan for them to continue building.  In fact, believers can expect opposition when they are engaging in God’s work and carrying out His purpose. 

We should note that it’s not always spiritual warfare, or the intentions of evil people working against us; sometimes it's just the consequences of life in a fallen world. Christians are not promised an easy life, one without trials and opposition, but we know that we can “take heart because Jesus has overcome the world” (John 16:33). When we have trouble, we cling to God’s promises and trust in His plan and timing. 

As I thought about this biblical text and my current situation, I began to consider that perhaps what I had perceived as a rejection of my calling was just “no” to that circumstance. While rejection still hurts, and I would need to continue seeking opportunities with the possibility of further rejection, I was reminded that I didn’t need human approval to affirm my calling; I already had God’s. 

Like the Israelites, I had a choice when facing opposition; I could become discouraged and intimidated, and ultimately allow fear of humans to persuade me to give up on my calling. The Israelites had just recently been released from captivity; they would have been weary, likely with shaky motivation and faith. Ezra not only led the people back to their home, Jerusalem, but also encouraged and equipped them to build an altar and begin rebuilding the temple—a visual reminder of who they serve and of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises to His people. It wasn’t easy; they faced significant opposition, and rumors and false accusations put the project on hold for a while. 

Yet, God’s purpose prevailed. Nothing can thwart God’s plan; if He calls us to something, He will certainly carry us through. Ultimately, the temple was rebuilt, and the Israelites were able to live freely and worship—God made a way. And the same is true today; if it is God’s will, nothing can hold us back from achieving His purposes. Let us continue to work as unto the Lord and not human masters (1 Corinthians 15:58) and trust in God’s timing and plan. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you easily discouraged when you face opposition in your life? How can you discern if it’s redirection from the Lord or rejection from people?

Further Reading:

How to Trust God Amid Uncertainty
Ezra 4 

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Do you ever compare your life, career, appearance, or accomplishments with those around you and wonder if you are falling behind? In a world shaped by peer pressure, self-improvement, and constant comparison, it can be difficult to recognize your own God-given identity. The pressure to fit someone else’s expectations can leave you feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the purpose God has designed for you. But Scripture reminds us that you were created with intention, unique gifts, and a meaningful role in God’s work.

First Corinthians 12:4-7 teaches that believers have different gifts, forms of service, and ways of working, yet the same God is active in all of them. Your value is not determined by matching someone else’s success, lifestyle, or abilities. Instead, God invites you to discover and faithfully use the gifts He has given you for the common good. By seeking His direction, resisting comparison, and embracing your God-given uniqueness, you can learn to live with confidence and purpose—even in a world that pressures you to become someone you were never meant to be.

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Full Transcript Below:

Allowing Yourself to Be Unlike Any Other in a Peer-Pressure World

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

—1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why me, God?” or possibly, “Why not me, God?” You’re surely not alone, as we live in a world that’s often choking on comparison. Everywhere we turn, we hear and see messages about improving, doing better, letting go of things that aren't correct, picking up more correct things, developing new habits, buying the latest self-improvement tool, and so on.

This pervasive peer pressure—to follow someone else’s plan—can feel clamorous, confusing, and heavy. Which is why it’s worth reminding yourself of scripture that says you’re divinely designed, with holy intention, to be different. You and I are each here to serve our one-of-a-kind purpose. Tuck this in your heart: 2 Timothy 1:7 proclaims that God gave you a spirit of power and love, not a spirit of fear. So when you’re afraid you just don’t measure up to others, you’re choosing to ignore your God-given spirit.

To counteract this fear, I need to revisit 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 these days. This is because after a recent series of health struggles (although I eat clean and stay quite active), I made the difficult decision to step down from a high-stress, high-performance, full-time career and return to freelancing. My entire being was begging me to gather my senses. I needed to discern what I’m drawn to and what I’m made for. 

I’d been laboring on a large, powerhouse team of creatives, relentlessly required to achieve unachievable metrics. It pushed me onto a path of continual self-criticism and overwhelm. I pressured myself against the make-believe standard that my career accomplishments represented my value before God. I was enmeshed in the corporate peer pressure and convinced myself that I owed “success” to my past, my spouse, and my children. 

That was all until I was forced to start asking God what success looked like in his eyes. 

Of course, I understand we all need to make a living, but spending your life as someone you’re not... is unlikely to be what God has in mind for you. That’s why it’s so refreshing to revisit Paul's truth in 1 Corinthians 12—that we are all created by the same creator, with a singularly original design. God himself purposely fills each of us with unique longings and gifts. What an honor it is to receive this! Just read Psalm 139, and you’ll know that God created a masterpiece when he knit you together in your mother’s womb. 

What I feel Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 12 is that instead of complaining about what you can or can't do, you could discover and celebrate your handcrafted role in God's overall plan. Even while there's constant peer pressure to wear the latest fashion, drive a better car, live a certain lifestyle, achieve a specific status ... you can, and should, still be you. 

All of us collectively are God's garden of life, and I can't imagine any garden with only one type of flower. God is continually revealing that every living thing is made by him with intention and balanced by him for the common good. 

So, let me reassure you today: when you stay in communication with the one who made you to be unlike any other, you can feel good about living a life that looks like you. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When you think about peer pressure to achieve or adapt in ways that don’t feel right to you, consider these suggestions:

Further Reading:
Galatians 1:10

1 Peter 2:9

Psalm 139:13-14

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Isolation can seem like an easy response when we feel hurt, overwhelmed, busy, or disappointed by others. But prolonged loneliness and withdrawal can leave us spiritually discouraged and emotionally vulnerable. Proverbs 18:1 warns about the danger of isolating ourselves, reminding us that God did not create us to navigate life entirely on our own.

Christian community plays an important role in our spiritual growth, offering encouragement, accountability, support, and opportunities to reflect Christ’s love. While spending time alone with God is valuable, healthy faith also involves connecting with other believers who can strengthen us through difficult seasons. Whether unresolved hurts, a busy schedule, or fear of vulnerability is keeping you distant from others, God invites you back into meaningful relationships. As we encourage and support one another, we discover that connection is not only something we need to receive but also something we are called to offer.

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Full Transcript Below:

The Danger of Isolation

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He breaks out against all sound judgment. (Proverbs 18:1 ESV)

It was quite the thing to do to isolate from one another during that horrendous year of 2020. We sheltered in place to keep ourselves safe. We kept ourselves away from others to obey governmental authorities. We isolated because, for a time, we couldn’t do anything else. 

But, during that time, we developed some isolation habits that are likely still holding onto us today. When difficulties arise, or you get hurt by another person, or you become very busy and focused on something and don’t want to be interrupted, it can be natural now to withdraw and shut others out. 

The wise King Solomon told us in Proverbs 18:1 that isolating is not exercising sound judgment, and, in the NASB, we are told it “quarrels against all sound wisdom.” Look at that verse alongside Solomon’s words in Proverbs 27:17, which tell us: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (NASB). Scripture is telling us it’s not only unwise to isolate oneself, but it’s also dangerous. Isolation or withdrawing from others pulls us away from the body of Christ, where we can be encouraged by other believers, and it leaves us far more vulnerable to the attacks of Satan, who often seeks to first isolate us from other believers and then accuse us and discourage us further. 

Until recently, I didn’t realize how quickly isolating tendencies can become a habit. I had been pretty independent over the past couple of years as my schedule got busier and my phone and Zoom coaching increased. I was spending less time face-to-face with my friends and more time in front of screens getting my work done or meeting remotely with clients. I was spending less time in my favorite booth at Chick-fil-A listening to others share what’s on their hearts, and more time cultivating my spiritual life apart from the accountability and encouragement from others. 

And then I went through a health scare, followed by the news that my mother had less than six months to live. Going through difficulties can make you start wondering, Who do I call if I suddenly need a ride to the hospital and my husband isn’t available? and Who is in my life who can help me through this struggle and keep me trusting in my Lord, regardless of my circumstances?

You and I weren’t meant to go through life alone. So, when you start feeling lonely or the temptation to isolate from others, it’s an inner alarm that something is off. And it could be:  

It could also mean you are further from God than you should be (perhaps not communing with Him daily?), or you have been depending solely on God at the expense of no longer being among other believers. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

God didn’t intend for us to live in isolation. He created us to live in community. When you are among other believers who can encourage you and hold you up, you can continue to grow spiritually, as well as emotionally. Although God wants to draw us close to His heart through our struggles, we can grow spiritually through a healthy balance of alone time with God and time with other believers in their physical presence. God created us for a relationship with Him andwith others who can help us grow, help us experience Him, and help us see Him in ways we couldn’t otherwise. 

In a recent phone conversation with my Dad, in which he told me about a few opportunities he had to listen to hurting people, I thanked him for being Jesus to the people he interacts with every day. Dad was touched by those words. I realized, after I got off the phone, that he called that day to encourage me, but I was able to encourage him, too. That’s how it works in a family—especially in the family of God. God wants believers sharpening one another, supporting one another, helping one another, and “encouraging one another…all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). 

If you aren’t experiencing spiritual encouragement and support from your natural family, it is waiting for you in your spiritual family—in the church, what Scripture calls the body (the human hands and feet) of Jesus. And if no one is being Jesus to you, start being Jesus for someone else. That’s often when you begin to feel less isolated and more connected with one another. 

Further Reading:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 

For more on growing closer to God and others, see Cindi’s books: The New Loneliness: Nurturing Meaningful Connections When You Feel Isolated,andThe New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. 

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What is the importance of repentance, and how can turning back to God bring healing and spiritual renewal? In a culture where admitting wrongdoing can feel risky or uncomfortable, it’s easy to avoid confronting sin in our lives. We may carry guilt, become comfortable with unhealthy patterns, or assume that repentance is only necessary when we have made a serious mistake. But Scripture presents repentance as a gracious invitation from God—a pathway to forgiveness, restored fellowship, and refreshing for the soul.

Acts 3:19 calls us to repent and turn to God so that our sins may be wiped away and times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God has made forgiveness possible, and we do not have to carry the weight of sin on our own. Genuine repentance involves humility, honest confession, and a willingness to turn toward God. As the Holy Spirit reveals areas that need change, we can trust God’s mercy and allow Him to renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and lead us into a life of righteousness.

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Full Transcript Below:

Why Repentance Is Good for the Soul

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” - Acts 3:19

When was the last time we spent heartfelt time repenting? Not just a quick “I’m sorry” or “Please forgive me,” but heartfelt repentance before the Lord, with genuine sorrow and possibly tears for our sins?

If we can’t remember, then are we walking around under the weight of sin, unaware of our need to confess and repent of it? Have we become comfortable with it, no longer recognizing its presence in our lives?

Repentance isn’t a popular word in the Church today. Sure, we want revival, but when it comes to repenting for the sin in our lives, that’s another story because it means admitting that we sin.

The thinking today is that we don’t ever admit to being in the wrong in relationships, careers, business situations, traffic incidents, and more because, if we do, then we become liable, making ourselves vulnerable to being taken advantage of, held responsible, and put in the position of being asked to cover all the costs.

God’s Already Has Us Covered

Still, when it comes to confessing our sin, God has already covered all the costs for us. All we have to do is repent, and we are no longer liable. He’s already taken care of it all for us, paying in advance and providing a way for us to be set free and refreshed in the process.

Although we know we are already forgiven, repentance brings closeness and renewal in our relationship with the Lord. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Scripture describes repentance as refreshing, like what comes in a revival, where we yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin and experience the refreshing that comes from the Lord after repentance. Jesus explains in John 16:8 what the Holy Spirit will do: “When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.”

As Micah 7:18 describes, “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

Repentance Comes in Measures, Steps, and Seasons

Repentance, too, may come in stages in our lives because if God revealed all our sins to us at once, it would overwhelm our hearts and minds. We couldn’t bear the weight of it; no one could. It’s why Jesus carried our sin for us, because God knows we cannot bear up under it, as the weight of sin is too heavy.

As 1 Peter 2:24 explains, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed.’”

The High Price God Paid for Repentance

Without the high price God paid through Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation, we could repent until our faces turned blue, but it wouldn’t cancel out our sin. As Isaiah 53:5 explains, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Paul also explains in Colossians 2:13-15: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”  

Some argue that Jesus and the New Testament don’t preach repentance, but as Matthew 4:17 describes, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”

Likewise, Acts 2:38 says, “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When was the last time you spent time in repentance? If it’s been a while, set aside some time to spiritually check your heart and mind to see if there are things you need to confess and repent of in your life. Ask God to lead you, wipe your sins away, and bring refreshing to you now.

Further Reading:

What Makes for A Repentant Heart?

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d, it can be easy to overlook the ways our choices pull us away from God. Scripture calls us to examine how we live, recognize the difference between darkness and light, and choose to follow God’s truth rather than simply conforming to the world around us.

First John 1:6-7 reminds us that walking in the light means living in fellowship with God, while 1 John 1:9 offers hope when we recognize our sin and need for forgiveness. No matter how long we have walked in darkness or how deeply shame has taken root, we can turn back to God through confession and repentance. By walking in the Spirit, obeying God’s Word, and relying on His forgiveness, we can experience restoration and grow in a life that reflects Christ.

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Full Transcript Below:

Walk in the Light
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). 

As Christ followers, we have the choice every day of whether or not to follow the Lord. We must ask ourselves: Are we going to walk in accordance with darkness or light? Even though many Christians believe they are consistently walking in the light, upon closer reflection and examination, they may see that they are far from it. Because we live in a fallen world, much sin has been normalized.

Profanity, lying, and taking part in immoral behavior have all been accepted by society. Sadly, many Christians also engage in these behaviors and, in doing so, walk in conformity with the darkness. As Christians, we don’t need to use curse words, lie, or take part in immoral behavior (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:9-10; Ephesians 5:3). Within the world, we are told that it is “cool” to use curse words, “understandable” to lie, and “acceptable” to engage in sexual immorality.

If we walk in accordance with these teachings, we will be far from God. Living in alignment with sin will only bring trouble into our lives. Choosing to walk in the light can prevent us from falling into these problems. Even if we have been walking in darkness for a long time, we can still turn back to God and embrace His beautiful light.

If you are on the edge of shifting deeper into the darkness, remember that your sin is not too severe. You can turn back to God today, confess your sins, and repent. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Never doubt the power of God’s forgiveness in your life or the lasting healing He can provide in your heart.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Apostle John tells us, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7).

Upon reflecting on this passage, we see the divide between darkness and light. We either walk in darkness or in the light. Choosing light means choosing God, while choosing darkness means choosing sin. Each of us must decide whether we are going to walk in darkness or in the light. As Christ followers, we need to choose the light because this is where God is found.

The Apostle Paul gives us further instructions on the matter: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18). Walking in the light and in the Spirit means doing the right thing, obeying God, and faithfully following Him.

If you are continuing to walk in darkness, is it because you feel ashamed? If so, how can you bring these feelings to God and experience peace? God will forgive everyone who turns to Him and asks for forgiveness. What is holding you back?

Pray with me: Dear God, I have been walking in the darkness for too long. I am turning back to You today. The light is where I belong, not the darkness. Please forgive me for my sins and restore my soul. Help me to always choose the light and to walk in obedience to Your commands. Guide my soul and my heart, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.

Further Reading:

John 8:12

Ephesians 5:8-20

2 Corinthians 6:14 

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Have you ever made a decision out of fear, acted against God’s Word, or wondered whether your mistakes could disrupt His plan for your life? The story of Abram in Genesis 12 reminds us that human unfaithfulness does not cancel God’s faithfulness. Although Abram responded to fear with deception and failed to trust God’s protection, the Lord remained present and continued working through His promises.

God’s faithfulness does not excuse disobedience or remove the consequences of our choices, but it reminds us that our failures do not have the final word. Like Abram, we may struggle to trust God when circumstances feel uncertain, yet His purposes remain secure. Understanding God’s sovereignty, mercy, and grace can give us confidence to repent, pursue obedience, and trust that He is working for our good and His glory—even when we recognize how often we have fallen short.

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Full Transcript Below:

The Faithfulness of God When We Are Unfaithful
By: Laura Bailey 

Bible Reading:

Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram. They sent Abram away with his wife and everything that he had. - Genesis 12:20

My middle daughter, Abigail, is only 9 years old, but she can ask some deep questions. On the way to basketball one night, she asked, “Mom, you said that you made a lot of bad choices before you got married; thankfully, God protected you, and His purpose prevailed. Does that mean we can do whatever we want and God will still make things happen?” Whew, that’s a lot for a ten-minute car ride. 

Gratefully, another example of God’s providence: I’d been studying about Abram and how even though he was unfaithful, God was still faithful. While God wasn’t pleased with Abram’s disobedience, God used Abram’s sinful choices in the fulfillment of his plan for his life. Genesis 12 is a beautiful example of how God uses humanity's sins to achieve His purposes. This chapter opens with God telling Abram to leave his country for a new land. God promises to make Abram into a great nation and to bless him; ultimately, all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abram (Genesis 12:1-3). That’s a pretty weighty promise! Abram responds by packing up his family and moving to the land of Canaan as instructed. Once settled, Abram builds an altar as a sign of worship and dedication to the Lord (Genesis 12:4-9).

It would appear that Abram is fully bought in and trusts in God’s plan, but we see in the following verses that’s not the case. Due to a drought, Abram and his wife Sarai had to travel to the land of Egypt. Sarai was very beautiful, and Abram was afraid that they would kill him to take her as Pharaoh’s wife. Abram decided it would be better for him if they claimed to be brother and sister. As a result, Sarai ends up living with the Pharaoh. Some time passes, and it is revealed that Abram and Sarai are not siblings but married. The Pharaoh gets pretty angry, rightfully so, considering God sent plagues on Pharaoh and his household. When confronted, Abram didn’t have a good excuse, not to the Pharaoh and not to the Lord (Genesis 12:10-20). His actions—his deception—were born out of fear; Abram didn’t trust that God would protect and provide, even though He said He would. 

Even though Abram was unfaithful, God was still faithful. Abram could do nothing to disrupt or distract from God’s purposes. God is always present; He never leaves or forsakes His children (Deuteronomy 31:8).

It’s easy for me to look at Abram with a critical eye, “Why didn’t you just trust that God would protect you? He said he would. Look at the mess that could have been avoided if you had simply let God stay in control.”  But someone could easily say the same was true for me. I had free will and used it to make decisions that ran counter to God’s Word, and could have faced consequences that would have radically changed the outcome of my life. I am eternally grateful that, because of God’s mercy and grace (the same He has shown throughout humanity’s existence), I ended up marrying my husband and becoming a mom to three beautiful blessings.

I admitted to Abigail that I don’t know how exactly it all works; we have choices, but God is in ultimate control. But what I do know is that as God’s children, we can trust that He is working all things for our good and His glory. No matter how hard we try, we don’t have the power to thwart God's plans or purpose–praise the Lord! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does knowing that nothing you can do can thwart God's plan give you the desire to walk in obedience to His will?

Further Reading:
Genesis 12

Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty

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When the world feels chaotic and peace seems impossible to find, where can you turn for relief from fear, anxiety, and uncertainty? News headlines, personal struggles, and troubling circumstances can leave our hearts unsettled. But the Bible reminds us that lasting peace does not come from our surroundings or from trying to control every situation. True peace comes through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and through trusting God even when life feels overwhelming.

Isaiah 26:3 teaches that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him. While the world cannot guarantee safety or calm, God offers peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ. By asking God for His peace, focusing on Scripture, rejecting false sources of security, and practicing peace in our daily relationships, we can learn to rely on Him in troubling times. Even when peace cannot be found around us, we can seek the steady peace God provides.

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Full Transcript Below:

Trusting God When Peace Cannot Be Found

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” -  Isaiah 26:3

Listening to the news and reading social media reminds us what a troubling world we live in, filled with wars, natural disasters, civil unrest, mass shootings, assassinations, sickness, disease, accidents, and much more.

If we’re looking for peace in a world of chaos, we won’t find it there because the world can’t offer us something it doesn’t have to give. Peace isn’t something people can conjure up or find in things, situations, or even another person or group. It comes through only one source: Jesus, the Prince of Peace and Savior of the world.

As Isaiah 9:6 describes, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus Himself also assures us that He is our source of peace, saying in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Trusting God is where our hearts and minds find relief from the troubles, worries, and fears of the world we live in.

The High Cost of Peace

Jesus is the world’s source of peace, yet every day it seems millions are rejecting Him and His offer to give them peace.

Rather than receiving His gift of peace, they put up a barrier of unbelief between themselves and God, isolating themselves from the peace they so desperately seek in the world.

Jesus’ peace came at a high price, too, as Isaiah 53:5 explains, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Still, His peace is what guards our hearts and minds while we live in a harsh and cruel world, as Philippians 4:7 explains: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

4 Ways to Help Us Trust God for Peace

Some of us aren’t sure how to trust God in a peaceless world. The following are four ways to help us begin trusting God for peace when we cannot find it in the world.

Ask God for His peace. Sometimes we believe God doesn’t want us asking for His help, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

James 4:2 describes why some lack peace: “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.”

Focus on God’s Word and His promises. Reading and studying God’s Word fills our hearts and minds with His truth and unfailing promises, reminding us of His faithfulness and calming our fears.

Proverbs 4:22 reminds us of the importance of feeding on them: “For they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”

Resist following and practicing false offers of peace. Religions other than Christianity offer peace, saying it comes through various practices, including exercises, chants, and offerings. Although we may think some of these things are harmless, they can confuse our hearts and minds and lead us away from where true peace is found because there is only one way to find it.

As Isaiah 59:8 describes, “The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.”

Practice peace in our daily lives. Jesus walked in peace while on earth, and we can choose daily to walk in and practice peace, too, by choosing it over conflict, anger, and offense. When confronted with situations that cause us to feel anxious and unsettled, we can choose to practice peace instead.

As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you experiencing God’s peace today, the peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ? If not, receive it today by asking Him to come into your life.

Further Reading:

Finding Peace When Life Feels Out of Control

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When you make a mistake and have to face the consequences, it can be easy to wonder whether God will still help you. Our poor choices can create difficult situations, strained relationships, and problems we cannot simply undo. But the consequences of our mistakes do not mean God has abandoned us. Scripture shows that even when we make wrong decisions, God can meet us in the middle of the situation and help us move forward.

Joshua 10:6 shows the Israelites asking Joshua for help after their decision involving the Gibeonites left them facing an unexpected battle. Instead of leaving them to deal with the consequences alone, God provided help and gave them victory. Their story reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection. When we have made mistakes, we can bring our circumstances to Him, seek His guidance, take responsibility for our choices, and trust that He can still work through difficult situations.

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Full Transcript Below:

Coping with Jealousy in a Comparison-Driven World
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). 

A sin I struggle with in my life is jealousy. I have often been jealous of others because they are happy and I’m not. I was talking to a friend a while ago about my jealousy issue because I was quite upset. Another friend of mine had the privilege of going to the once-in-a-lifetime Taylor Swift Eras Tour. This friend hadn't even been a fan for a year yet. I, on the other hand, have been a fan since I was eight years old, when her debut album was released. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the Eras Tour because it was incredibly expensive and notoriously hard to get tickets. When my friend casually told me she had bought a ticket to see the Eras Tour, I was jealous, but also mad.

Since I already struggle with depression, I am a pro at hiding my emotions, and I hid my jealousy from her. However, when I was talking to my other friend about it, he told me that my feelings were valid, but that the jealousy issue was something I would need to work on. He helped me understand exactly why I was jealous and mad, and how to cope with these feelings in a healthy way.

I still struggle with feelings of jealousy at times, but I’m also aware of how bitter it can make us. It can also make us extremely unhappy. As my therapist friend told me, “Wouldn't it be better to focus on your own life rather than wanting what others have?” While this is something I’m still trying to apply, I am making small progress each day.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Something else I have found helpful with my jealousy is studying what the Bible says and asking the Lord to help me with these feelings. The Bible tells us, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). These are the words of James, the half-brother of the Lord, and we need to take them to heart. Whenever we have envy and selfish ambition, we will find disorder and every evil practice.

I can certainly say James’s words are true because jealousy has never helped me in the slightest. Instead, it only makes our lives worse. Rather than enjoying our own lives, we will only focus on the things we don’t have. While there is nothing wrong with wanting better things in life, we don’t need to covet what others have or be jealous of others (Exodus 20:17).

This is the challenge being placed before us today: we need to replace jealousy with contentment. As Paul says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Contentment can transform our lives into ones full of peace, serenity, and solace.

By going to the Lord in prayer, being honest about our jealousy, and seeking His guidance in the Bible, we will begin to see our lives change. Our hearts will be less prone to lean toward jealousy and will begin to shift toward contentment. Ask the Lord to help you today and find inner peace in what He has given you in life.

Jealousy is a common sin in many of our lives. Why do you think it is so easy to become jealous of others or what they have? Do you have a story of a time when jealousy turned you into somebody you are not? If so, what happened? How did you feel? What are some ways you can swap jealousy for contentment?

Pray with me: Dear Jesus, my heart is prone to roam after jealousy. Please forgive me for this sin. I ask that You transform my heart into a heart of contentment. Turn my heart away from yearning after what others have. Fill my heart with contentment, hope, and peace. I give You all the praise and thanks, Lord. Amen.

Further Reading:

Exodus 20:17

Proverbs 14:30

1 Corinthians 10:13

James 3:14-15, 4:2-3

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Where can you find God’s blessings when life feels ordinary, frustrating, or even painful? God’s goodness is often present in ways we overlook—the breath in our lungs, daily provision, protection, meaningful relationships, and quiet moments of peace. Like hidden treasures beneath layers of rock, these blessings become easier to recognize when we slow down and intentionally look for them.

Job 28:10 reminds us that treasures can be discovered when we are willing to search for them. The same can be true of our relationship with God. Even during difficult seasons, He can be developing spiritual treasures such as patience, kindness, perseverance, and deeper faith. Most importantly, God’s presence is with us in the darkness. When we learn to look beyond our circumstances and seek God’s work in our everyday lives, we can begin to notice the countless ways He is supporting, protecting, and loving us.

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Full Transcript Below:

Find Hidden Treasures from God

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures.”  – Job 28:10, NIV

On a trip to Norway, I went through so many tunnels while traveling in cars and trains that I completely lost count. As I traveled through the tunnels, I thought about the incredible engineering required to blast through all that hard rock. I also thought about all the natural treasures that are hidden deep inside rocks. More than 4,000 different kinds of beautiful minerals and gemstones can be buried in rocks all around our planet. When people tunnel through rock, they may discover quartz, garnet, amethyst, and many more varieties of treasures.

Job 28:10 points out that tunneling through rock reveals treasures. It’s necessary to make an effort to find treasures. But treasures are there, waiting to be discovered, when we’re willing to do the work of trying to find them.

God is constantly pouring blessings into your life, and every single one of those blessings is a treasure. But some of them may be hidden until you make an effort to search for them. If you explore and ask God to help you find the treasures he has given you, you’ll start to see that God’s goodness is glittering all around you. God’s goodness is in the breath filling your lungs right now, and the strength in your legs that lets you walk across the room. You can see it when you enjoy a good meal, turn on the tap for clean water, or drive home safely without any trouble. Even a frustrating red light can be God protecting you from danger ahead, and a quiet, boring day can be God’s way of giving you peace. Once you start looking, you’ll see that God is taking care of you in countless ways every single day.

Even when you find yourself traveling through a difficult season that feels like being stuck inside a dark tunnel, these hidden treasures are still there. In fact, some of God’s most valuable blessings are formed in the dark. Just as pressure and heat create diamonds deep beneath the earth’s surface, hard times can produce beautiful spiritual qualities like patience and kindness that help you grow in holiness. When you’re inside a dark tunnel of suffering in this fallen world, it’s easy to doubt God’s love for you. But if you look closely, you’ll find that God has placed the most valuable treasure of all – God’s presence with you – right there in the dark. By finding God’s presence with you, you can also discover God’s blessings for you, which you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t focused on your relationship with God.

You have to change how you look at your daily circumstances so you can find treasures from God. Instead of just trying to hurry through your days, ask God to help you notice his work in your life. You need to look closely at your life while praying for God’s guidance to find the hidden ways God is supporting, protecting, and loving you right now.

When you make an effort to seek God and look for the wonder of God’s work in your life, you can see all the blessings God is generously giving you. So, look beyond the surface of your life and seek God. Get excited about discovering all the beautiful, hidden treasures God has placed in your life!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how to find hidden treasures from God, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Isaiah 45:3

Colossians 2:3

Proverbs 2:4-5

Matthew 13:44

Psalm 119:162

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Pride doesn’t always look like arrogance or boasting. Sometimes it shows up in quieter ways—talking more than listening, only investing in people who seem useful, or constantly saying there isn’t enough time for others. These subtle forms of pride can reveal that our attention is more focused on ourselves than on loving and serving the people around us.

Philippians 2:3-4 calls Christians to replace selfish ambition with humility by considering others and their interests. Following Jesus means examining not only what we do, but also why we do it. When we become more willing to listen, make time for others, and engage with people without expecting something in return, we begin to reflect the humility of Christ. Recognizing subtle pride isn’t about condemning ourselves—it’s about allowing God to reshape our priorities, relationships, and hearts.

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Full Transcript Below:

Surprising Ways Pride Shows Itself

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

Bible Reading:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, CSB)

In his epistle to the church of Phillipi, Paul urges fellow believers to be “united in spirit” with one another (Philippians 2:2). He wanted everyone to be on the same page with what they believed and how they lived as Christ followers. He goes on to say that such a life is lived by esteeming others as more important than ourselves. Don’t look to what brings you the most glory; do what benefits others. We hear the same sentiment preached in church today, but how many of us live this out? 

While our pastors talk about loving our neighbors, building the church up from within, and sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers, we don’t often seem to be on the same accord. Even if we do these things, our motivations are sometimes selfish. We should be prioritizing others, but really, we’re interested in ourselves. 

I’ve heard believers say things like “I enjoy hearing myself talk,” or claim they don’t have time to hang out with other Christians. Then suddenly they’re dating someone, which requires a lot more time. Or perhaps the only time they show genuine interest in you is when you’re going through a hard time. Otherwise, you’re simply not important.

Naturally, we won’t be close to or have deep conversations with everyone. However, it’s important to consider whether day-to-day relationships, conversations, and actions reflect selfish conceit or humility.

Perhaps, we have such a hard time esteeming others as more important because in our minds, no one is more important than ourselves. Pride is often called one of the most deadly sins, maybe the most deadly. When we start thinking we know best, it becomes a gateway for other sins. 

You might not think of yourself as prideful - I generally don’t - but if we’re being honest, we can all be a bit prideful sometimes. C.S Lewis said, “There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else, and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves” (Mere Christianity). The sooner we acknowledge this truth, the sooner we can change our thinking and get ourselves on one accord.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Most people won’t need help identifying the major ways pride affects our lives, but who says pride can’t be subtle? Here are three ways we might not even realize:

Only engaging with people who are useful.

One mistake Christians make is only engaging with people at church who are useful. This means ignoring others until they join your team or become a friend of your friend, etc. Don’t we all have some measure of importance and worth given by God? Why not be open to speaking and engaging with people as the norm?

For those who don’t, when you finally decide to interact, you risk making the encounter uncomfortable, and more than that, disingenuous.  

Talking as opposed to listening.

The Bible says to be slow to speak and quick to listen, but few live this out (James 1:19). God gave us two ears and one mouth. I’ve been told there should be a ratio for how we communicate: listen twice as much as you speak.

Not making time for others.

We’re probably all guilty of using the phrase, “I haven’t had the time,” but if we took time to consider what that statement means, we’d say something else instead. Everyone is given the same amount of time within a day. Twenty-four hours. However, we all use our time differently. The issue is not having enough time, but rather priority - what’s important and what’s not. Or at the very least, what is most important. We prioritize what we value most.

Therefore, we should stop telling people we don’t have time to do that favor, read that book, or do that thing. We simply haven't made the time yet. That’s the honest answer.

And the sooner we can be more honest, the sooner we can stop pride from stifling our callings.

Further Reading:

Proverbs 11:2

Proverbs 16:18

Proverbs 29:23

Jeremiah 9:23

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How often do you stop to thank God for the prayers He has already answered? It’s easy to focus on what we’re still waiting for while overlooking the blessings, relationships, opportunities, and circumstances we once desperately asked God to provide. Remembering answered prayers can renew our gratitude and help us recognize God’s goodness in everyday life.

Psalm 103 calls us to remember God’s benefits and not forget His goodness. Sometimes God answers prayers immediately, while other times His perfect timing looks different from what we expected. Childhood prayers for something as simple as a kitten or a puppy can become reminders of a faithful God who hears us and knows what is best. When we intentionally look back at what God has done, we can move from taking His blessings for granted to cultivating a heart of gratitude and trust.

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Full Transcript Below:

What Childhood Prayers Teach Us about God’s Goodness

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2-5 ESV).

How quick are we to remember the sins of others when they have wronged us, or to remember the darkest tragedies in our lives? Even if we long to forget the terrible things, they don’t often easily slip from our minds.

Why is it then that we are so quick to forget the goodness of God? Why is it more difficult for us to remember all the good things God has done in our lives? Do we keep count? Do we thank Him for the blessings we take for granted? Do we remember the prayers we so desperately prayed that we are now living?

Do we stop to thank the Lord for those, or do we take them for granted?

I often find myself guilty of this.

I can get so caught up in praying for the next thing that I forget to simply bask in the Lord’s presence and remember everything He has done. There is nothing wrong with praying for something. God loves to hear from us! But He also desires that we cultivate a heart brimming with gratitude, remembering the goodness He has graced our lives with.

When I was a little girl, no more than 7 or 8-years-old, there was a mother cat who’d wandered the neighborhood for a few days, and we’d had a suspicion she’d had kittens somewhere in our backyard. My dad went out to look for them because we weren’t going to leave little helpless kittens alone (if they even existed).

And oh, how I prayed they existed.

I got on my knees behind my mom’s rocking chair, folded my hands, and pleaded with God for a kitten.

It was such a small, yet sincere, request.

Of all the things in life we actually need (jobs, food on the table, clothes), I love the sincerity and simplicity of my prayer as a little girl. Without a care in the world, I asked Him for what I truly wanted.

Told Him how I longed for a kitten.

I believed and hoped my daddy would find kittens so we could both save them and keep one (or two if we were really lucky).

Yet when my dad returned inside the house, he had to break the news to this little girl’s hopeful heart that there were no kittens to be found.

I didn’t understand.

Why didn’t God answer my prayer with a yes when I’d prayed so hard?

I couldn’t see it then, but God knew it wasn’t time.

At the time, we lived in the suburbs. Only when we moved out to the country 2-3 years later did God see fit to bless us with two little kittens, one of whom is now a still very healthy 13-year-old cat.

I also recall when I was a young teenager and prayed so hard for a dog.

For years, our parents told us, “Maybe someday,” but to be honest, none of us knew if it would ever happen.

But in 2020, when the world was thrown into chaos and turmoil, God told our mom that someday was now, and He directed our steps to the perfect little puppy for our family.

Simple prayers.

Yet prayers that God answered in His perfect timing. To be honest, as I reflect on these answered prayers among others, I realize how much I take them for granted. Yes, I’m grateful, but am I as grateful as I should be?

How often do I stop to remember the prayers I prayed that I’m now living?

Not often enough.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I would challenge you to look at your life right now and reflect: what answered prayers are you living right now?

Perhaps the job you have now, even if it feels stressful at times, is an answer to a prayer you prayed years earlier.

What about your spouse who frustrated you this week? Wasn’t there a time you prayed for a husband or wife from the Lord?

How many times do we take what we once prayed for granted?

Let us resolve, by the grace of God, to cultivate a heart filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done in our lives.

Pray with me:Lord, please forgive us for how quickly we forget Your goodness. Please open our eyes today to see the answered prayers we are living. Help us to slow down to bask in Your presence and thank You for all Your blessings. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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When stress, worry, and constant responsibilities leave you feeling overwhelmed, finding peace can seem impossible. A fast-paced, achievement-driven life can keep your mind racing and make it difficult to slow down, be present, and remember where true peace comes from. Jesus offers a better way.

John 14:27 reminds us that the peace Jesus gives is different from what the world offers. We don’t have to live consumed by fear, productivity, or worry about what comes next. By intentionally pausing, becoming still, and turning our attention toward God, we create space to recognize His presence and trust His provision. Even a few quiet minutes each day can help us step away from the noise, surrender our concerns, and receive the peace Christ freely gives.

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Full Transcript Below:

Pausing for Peace
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

It was a lovely summer day when I had the opportunity to take a day trip to meet up with a coworker in a city several hours from where I live. I had numerous reasons to rush through the event in order to get back to my desk and make up for the loss of “productivity” that evening. However, something prompted me to slow down and take advantage of the day away. 

After the lunch meeting with my colleague, she recommended a trail nearby that I might enjoy before I had to get back on the road. Nature is very much my “happy place” (especially if it includes forests or water), so when she pointed me in that direction, I went along readily. With each step down the cobblestone path, my soul breathed a little easier. Covered by a canopy of lush green trees, the atmosphere was almost magical. As my attention was focused on the beauty surrounding me, the weight of my worries seemed to slip away. I became more and more present in the moment rather than consumed with all the concerns of the past or the future. There really was nothing else to do but be… Be in the moment, be present, and be at peace. 

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven, bigger-is-always-better modern culture, many of us are burdened by overwhelm. Our minds race just as fast (if not faster) than the breakneck speed of life around us. As such, it is so easy for fear and stress to engulf our hearts and minds, drawing us deeper into self-dependency and further away from the one true source of our peace. 

Jesus reminds us in the scripture provided today that He has not only extended His peace to us, but that through Him we do not need to be afraid.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

In a very practical sense, Jesus also addresses our tendency towards worry in Matthew chapter six, when He illustrates how God provides for the needs of His creatures. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matt. 6:25-62 (NIV)

If the Lord is willing and able to so abundantly care for the birds of the air, is He not also able to care well for us? Of course He is… Why then do we have so much trouble believing in this provision? Because we do not allow ourselves to pause long enough to look up and look out at the blessings all around us. We keep our eyes on the prize and our hands to plow, never stopping long enough to realize there is a better way. The way is Jesus (John 14:6).

There is something so pure and so beautiful when we intentionally choose to stop… to be still. In the quietness of moments like the one I mentioned earlier, we recognize our Creator in the midst of His creation, we rediscover hope, we step into peace, and we surrender to Him who is able to provide all that we need in trust (Eph. 3:20-21). 

No matter how busy your life seems, or how many outside voices clamor for your attention, may I encourage you today to simply stop? Even if it is just for a few minutes each day, I strongly recommend you prioritize pausing for peace. There really is respite for the worried and weary. You simply have to be still. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you struggle with worry or weariness? Do you feel like the demands of your job or other responsibilities don’t allow for seasons of rest and stillness? If so, how does today’s devotional offer you an alternative viewpoint? 

If you are willing, decide on one practice you can employ every day to set aside intentional time to pause and be still. Whether it is the first thing in the morning, an alarm you set as a reminder on your phone, or maybe even an agreed-upon time that you and a friend decide to commit to, I challenge you to prioritize incorporating some sort of pause throughout your day to stop everything and simply be… Be present, be still, and receive from God the gift of peace.

Further Reading:
Isaiah 26:3-4
Psalm 29:11

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Favoritism in a family can leave lasting wounds, especially when a child feels overlooked, unwanted, or less valued than their siblings. Whether it happens through obvious comparisons or subtle differences in attention, playing favorites can damage relationships and shape how children see themselves for years to come. Scripture offers a clear warning: God does not show favoritism.

James 2:1 calls Christians to reject favoritism, reminding us that partiality has no place in a life devoted to Jesus. Parents can be tempted to favor one child because of personality, responsibility, or shared interests, but every child needs to know they are equally loved and valued. For those who have experienced the pain of favoritism, God’s love offers hope and a foundation for healing. And when we recognize that our own favoritism has hurt others, humility, apology, and a commitment to change can help begin the process of restoration.

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The Importance of Avoiding Favoritism
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism” (James 2:1). 

Favoritism occurred in my family as my dad’s favorite was the oldest child, and my mom’s favorite was the middle child. As the youngest of three, I was never chosen as the favorite. Instead, I was seen as the “extra” child. As one can imagine, this has caused me to have long-lasting problems, such as a negative self-view and low self-esteem. 

If you genuinely want to obey God, you must give up the practice of playing favorites. Favoritism only hurts your children and makes them second-guess themselves. 

Studies have shown that the oldest child tends to be the favorite, often because they are more like their parents or take on more responsibilities than younger siblings. It is time to change these statistics; there needs to be equal love for each child. Within the family of God, there is no room for favoritism. The Apostle Paul tells us, “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). 

Showing favoritism will hurt your other children, either directly or indirectly. Not to mention, it could make the favorite overconfident, selfish, and self-absorbed. There needs to be equality amongst children. If you continue to play favorites, it will push your children away from you. 

This has been true for me, as there was nothing I could do to get my parents to like me. I have gone through multiple years of therapy to help work through this issue. I have also sought out help from God. Through the help of the Lord, I have discovered that I am loved by Him. The Bible tells us we are God’s children and that we are dearly loved by Him (1 John 3:1). 

The journey has not been easy, but Jesus has helped me every step of the way. While it is true that I will always have this wound from my parents, I can move on to new beginnings in the Lord. It also helps me share my story with others to help prevent them from showing favoritism toward their own children. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

James 2:1 says, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” This comes from the half-brother of the Lord. In no way does favoritism bring about the righteous life that God wants for us. It will only bring pain to our own lives and to the lives of others.

Reach out to those you may have hurt with favoritism and tell them you want to talk. Apologize to them and ask if there is anything you can do to make things right. Acknowledge that you cannot change the past, but help them to know that you will no longer practice favoritism in the future. An apology and a promise to change for the future can go a long way toward healing someone's heart, whether they are in their childhood, teenage, or adult years. 

Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, I want to let go of the toxic trait of showing favoritism. I don't want to play favorites anymore, as I see all the pain it causes. Please help me to love everyone equally. Forgive me for my sin, and please help those I have hurt to forgive me. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

When you are tempted to show favoritism, what can you do? Is there a person you need to reach out to today to apologize to and make things right with? If so, when will you reach out to them this week? 

Further Reading:

Genesis 37:4

Deuteronomy 10:17

Acts 10:34

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In a culture obsessed with staying young, aging can feel like something to hide or fight. But what does the Bible say about growing older? Scripture offers a different perspective, showing that aging can bring wisdom, spiritual maturity, and opportunities to invest in the next generation.

Proverbs 16:31 calls gray hair a “crown of glory,” reminding Christians that growing older is not something to fear or be ashamed of. For Christian women especially, Titus 2 offers a meaningful calling: older women are to share their wisdom and faith with younger generations. Instead of letting culture define the value of aging, we can embrace each season of life as an opportunity to grow in godliness, make disciples, encourage others, and point our families toward Christ.

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding the Beauty of Aging in an Anti-Aging World

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV).

Botox and injectables, facelifts, tummy tucks, retinol creams, under-eye concealer and color correctors, collagen and peptide powders, weight-loss products, teeth whitening, and veneer treatment advertisements bombard us continually through television, magazines, and social media influencers. There is no getting around it; we live in an anti-aging world. This was the topic of a recent women’s leadership training at my church, as we discussed the importance of Christian women embracing the high calling of Titus 2 (older women training the younger women). Do we try to run from the title of “older woman,” or are we enthusiastically embracing it because we know how much the Bible esteems growing older in the Lord?

The book of Proverbs is full of so much wisdom and highlights the beauty of aging in chapter 16:

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV).

The Bible does not tell us to cover up those gray hairs; it says that it is a crown of honor. We must embrace growing older because, as Christ followers, our gray hair should be a sign of a lifelong journey with Jesus! Now, I am not trying to create a law where there is none; there is Christian liberty when it comes to matters such as this. I dye my roots when I see gray hair poking through, but maybe I should pause and ask myself: How do I truly see aging? 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I enjoy makeup and basic skincare, but I do believe it is important to ask the Lord to search our hearts so that we do not find ourselves running away from ‘father time.’ As Christians, we must see aging rightly, which should be positive, not negative. How has the world’s view of aging influenced the church? If we are not on our guard, we can be swayed by the world’s thinking. That is why it is so important to renew our minds with God’s word daily (Romans 12:1-2).

I often wonder if the Christian generations before me have become entangled by the culture’s lies instead of standing firm against them. In my own personal experience, I have prayed for many years for an older woman in the faith to come alongside me. Oh, how I long for the wisdom of a woman who has been walking with Jesus for decades longer than I have! Sadly, there seems to be a generational gap missing from my own church, which is very Biblically sound. Instead of being tempted to complain about this lack, I am reminded that I must go to God in prayer, especially when it seems so out of reach for me to find a mentor who can come alongside me and teach me to love my husband and children and love Jesus and His word even more. But much more than that, I do not want to ignore my own call to make disciples.

The world may recoil from the word “older,” but the Bible is clear that age reveals great wisdom and insight. I may not feel like an older woman in the faith, but age should never limit me from the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Instead of waiting for someone to pour into me, I must look for those whom I can pour into and encourage in the Lord. I should proudly embrace the title of “older woman” at just 40 years old because it truly is a high calling to train the younger generation in the Lord. 

The call for women in Titus 2 is important within the church and desperately needed by our society. We need godly women (and men, too) who are strong in the faith to raise strong, godly children with strong, godly marriages. Imagine how much impact we would have in the culture if we embraced the good found in aging and taught our children the amazing plan the Lord has for us to grow in godliness, wisdom, and righteousness as we live in the here and now, with eyes and hearts also fixed on eternity with the Lord. Families like this could change the world for Christ! Lord, help us to see the beauty in growing older in age and in You! 

Further Reading:

Titus 2

Romans 12

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What does it really mean to believe in God? It’s possible to believe that God exists without allowing His Word to shape the way we think, live, and make decisions. True faith goes beyond acknowledging God—it means trusting what He says and letting that belief change us.

James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe there is one God, challenging us to examine whether our faith is more than simply recognizing God’s existence. When we truly believe God, our lives begin to reflect that faith through our choices, obedience, relationships, and especially the way we love others. Following Jesus means allowing God’s truth to transform our hearts and our everyday lives.

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Full Transcript Below:

What Do You Believe?

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” - James 2:19

What we believe about God is critical, determining how we live our daily lives and also determining our eternal futures.

It’s wise for us to ask, “Do we believe inGod or do we believeGod?” because there is a difference.

The first is believing there isa God, which is good and a start; the second is our believingGod, meaning we believe what He says is true.

The difference they make in our lives is evident, too. Believing there is a God doesn’t mean we believe Him and live out His words in our lives; believing Him changes us.

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

It’s not difficult, either, for others to see what we truly believe in our lives. For example, if we believe what health experts tell us about how to live our lives, then we exercise, eat healthily, and live according to healthy principles.

So it is if we believe God. We’ll live according to His word, incorporating, practicing, and living out His godly principles in our lives.

Believing God Changes Us

In Luke 4:33-34, a demon recognizes who Jesus truly is. “In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Even a demon identified and believed in Jesus. Yet it’s through putting our faith in Him and believing His word that we are saved.

The Apostle Paul describes in Romans 4:3, “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”

Faith is critical, as Hebrews 11:6 explains, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Paul wrote in Acts 16:31, “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’”

The “believing in” Paul is referring to is more than just believing God exists; it’s believing Him, rooted in faith that changes us.

Keeping Unbelief at Bay

Many people in the world acknowledge Jesus, yet do not believe what He says: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).

Unbelief disguises itself in many ways, and one way is by people thinking they believe, while in their hearts, they really don’t, as evidenced in the way they live. 

When we truly believe God, our lives reveal it; it’s undeniable, but if no one knows or sees, then we want to revisit what we truly believe.

As Hebrews 3:12 warns, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”

If we’re saying we believe God, yet making decisions based on our own and others’ human reasoning, living how we see fit, our actions are revealing a heart that doesn’t believe God. 

When we believe Him, our lives reflect what our hearts truly believe. Proverbs 27:19 reveals, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

Believing God shows in the ways we think, how we choose to live, and especially by the way we love others.

Jesus tells us in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you believe God so much so that it’s evident in your life? If not, ask God to help you believe Him, to believe the truth of His word, so that your life changes. 

Further Reading:

How Reading the Bible Keeps Us from Believing False Teaching

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It’s easy to take everyday blessings for granted until they’re suddenly gone. Our health, family, homes, abilities, relationships, and simple comforts can become so familiar that we stop noticing them. But seasons of loss or difficulty can remind us just how much we have and challenge us to live with greater gratitude for God’s goodness.

Zechariah’s story in Luke 1 offers a powerful reminder about doubt, prayer, and learning to recognize God’s blessings. After years of waiting for a child, Zechariah struggled to believe God’s promise when the answer finally came, and his temporary silence gave him time to reflect. We don’t have to wait for something to be taken away before we appreciate it. By focusing on God’s generosity and choosing gratitude each day, we can become more aware of His blessings and trust His power and promises even when we don’t understand how He will work.

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Full Transcript Below:

What Are You Taking for Granted?

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’” – Luke 1:18-20, NIV

I lost my voice for about one week after a severe cold. It was awkward and humbling having to communicate only through writing during that time. I had to type in chat during online meetings when everyone else was talking, and they had to wait for me since typing is much slower than talking. I had to write notes to family members and hold them up, or try to gesture or pantomime what I wanted to say. The experience taught me not to take my voice for granted. It’s amazing how quickly we realize the value of something only after it’s suddenly taken away. We go through life using our senses, our health, and our daily comforts without a second thought, assuming they will always be there.

A similar thing happened to a priest named Zechariah in the Bible. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had prayed for a child for many years, but still didn’t have one by the time they grew old – much too old to have any children naturally. One day, however, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with incredible news: God had heard his prayers, and Elizabeth would give birth to a son. Instead of celebratingGod’s goodness and thanking God, though, Zechariah doubted the wonderful message God had sent him. Zechariah asked Gabriel: “How can I be sure of this?” Because of his unbelief, God gave Zechariah a sign. He took away Zechariah’s ability to speak, so Zechariah would have to be silent until the baby was born.

Imagine the sudden shock Zechariah must have felt. For nine long months, he couldn’t speak to his wife or friends. He couldn’t lead worship or share his thoughts. He had to use writing tablets and hand gestures just to communicate daily needs. Zechariah had taken his ability to speak for granted. More importantly, he had taken God’s ultimate power for granted. Zechariah’s forced silence gave him the time and motivation he needed to reflect, listen, and learn to appreciate God’s blessings.

We can all sometimes act like Zechariah. God is constantly pouring blessings into our lives, but too often we focus on what we don’t have or doubt God’s goodness when we’re dealing with difficult circumstances. We may take our health, our families, our homes, our food, and even the breath in our lungs completely for granted. It usually takes a season when we’re missing something – like an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship – to wake us up and make us see how blessed we are because of God’s great love for us.

Fortunately, Zechariah’s story doesn’t end in silence. When the baby was finally born, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote: “His name is John.” Then, Luke 1:64 records that: “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” Zechariah immediatelypraised God as soon as he got his voice back. He had learned not to take his voice for granted.

God doesn’t want us to wait until we lose our blessings to start appreciating them. He wants us to live with gratitude right now. All we have to do to stop taking our blessings for granted is to stay focused on our generous God from day to day, and expect the best from God because he loves us!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why it’s important to appreciate your blessings rather than taking them for granted, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Psalm 103:2

1 Thessalonians 5:18

James 1:17

Ephesians 5:20

Colossians 3:17

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Aging can bring mixed emotions, especially for parents watching their bodies change while their children grow into adulthood. The world often treats getting older as something to fight against, but Scripture offers a different perspective. Growing older can bring wisdom, deeper faith, greater compassion, and a renewed appreciation for the life God has given us.

For parents entering their senior years, aging can become an opportunity to embrace a new season rather than mourn the one that has passed. Years of parenting, relationships, hardships, and answered prayers can produce a wisdom that younger generations need. As physical strength changes, our dependence on God can grow stronger, shifting our focus from temporary circumstances toward His eternal promises. There is also freedom to slow down, enjoy new adventures, invest in family, and discover simple joys that may have been difficult to make room for in earlier seasons.

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Full Transcript Below:

3 Good Reasons for Parents to Embrace Aging

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16

We're all living in a world that wants us to believe it’s easy to find the next magic pill, new exercise, or diet strategy that will keep us eternally young—even in our old age. Yet we all know: this earthly life will end. None of us escapes this necessary passage, at whatever age God decides we're ready to stand in his presence. 

The longer I live… and the more sweet opportunities I’m given to be present with younger people managing life challenges… the more I understand that getting old is a crown of glory (see Proverbs 16:31). We don't all get to arrive in our senior years. As we near them, we may be feeling the pain of letting go of our own parents. It brings us face to face with the finality of this side of heaven. 

I've learned, though, while growing out my silver hair, wearing my glasses regularly, and giving up running for yoga, that life fosters compassion as your body weakens. If you're lucky enough to age into your 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond, you will undoubtedly be required to practice a lot of grace. With yourself, your spouse, your parents, and your similarly-aged friends. 

A long life affords many blessings: raising children, buying homes, building or rebuilding marriages, watching adult children grow, hosting weddings, and so much more. But it also leaves your heart, soul, body, and mind a bit depleted of energy. The good news is that as you move up in years, you naturally overflow with experience. The kind of compassionate know-how that you simply didn't have when you were a teenager. Or when you were a new parent. Or when you were a new empty-nester. 

When you start seeing that more of your life involves medical visits than vacations, some may feel that aging is something to avoid at all costs. But I believe it is an earned reward, rich in the kind of contentment that deeply satisfies. Here are just three reasons for parents to embrace growing old:

You’ve gained an abundance of wisdom. 

Watching yourself age, even as you try to live a healthy, active life, requires you to relax your expectations. It softens your countenance and fills you with empathy, while creating a wellspring of wisdom. And the things you now know—like how to budget, pay bills, plan events, renovate homes, soothe fussy babies, chaperone trips, and on and on—are gifts to those who need you to show them that it can be done. Of course, I'm not suggesting you force your wisdom on anyone, but it's a good feeling to know that your guidance is based on evidence and carries value.

Your trust in God's eternal promises grows stronger than your anxiety about temporary circumstances.

The older you get, the more fortunate you are to have been given time to shift your focus to an everlasting hope that will never fade. And maybe this is because you’ve seen so many things end, break, leave, let go, and die. As you age, you realize that the external strength and beauty of your youth are not what carry you through the deepest struggles. 

If you're a parent who's given the bonus of aging, there's hardly anything that compares to the privilege of loving your adult children as they advance in years as well. When you've lived long enough to see that people not only survive circumstances but thrive, you tend to worry less. No surficial issue becomes a be-all, end-all. 

Over time, the simple, quiet joys of life and love are what sustain you. Being rich in love and patience becomes more important than climbing the ladder, amazing outfits, or expensive vacations. What matters when you realize you're simply not as strong as you used to be ... is believing wholeheartedly that God is always strong enough to carry you through.

You have more time and space for relaxation, joy, and new adventures.

Parenting has many seasons, all of which involve remaining utterly in love with your children. If you're lucky enough to grow old enough that love can expand across grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too. However, in the senior years, you realize they have lives of their own now. And you, or you and your spouse, have more open space to explore amusements, interests, or places you may have only dreamed of when your house was filled with people, pets, and responsibilities in far-busier, younger decades.

Hold on to the truth that although outwardly you may be “wasting away,” as our scripture says, your spirit is being renewed. So, go for those long walks. Ride your bike slowly. Take your kids out to dinner. Find weekend getaways. Or just enjoy a peaceful hobby that brings you joy. You’ve lived long enough to slow down… and let your faith be your strength.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider the joys and challenges of aging, why not:

Further Reading:
Psalm 91:16

Psalm 90:12

Psalm 92:12-14

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Uncertainty about the future, unanswered prayers, and dreams that haven’t taken shape yet can leave you wondering whether your ordinary, everyday faithfulness really matters. Scripture reminds us that God may be preparing us for something we cannot yet see.

Noah spent years building the ark before a single drop of rain fell. In the same way, God often calls us to prepare, obey, and remain faithful without showing us the full picture. The small things we do each day—our work, responsibilities, relationships, and acts of obedience—can be part of a much larger purpose. We may want the big answer or the completed dream, but God is often strengthening our character and our faith through the seemingly mundane tasks right in front of us.

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Full Transcript Below:

Strengthening Your Stakes: Preparing for What Only God Can See

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2 ESV).

God often does things we don’t expect.

As I read Isaiah 54 the other day, God showed me that He will often tell us to prepare for things He’s bringing us. In this passage, He tells a barren woman to expand her tent and strengthen her stakes for a family she doesn't even have yet. Our job isn’t to know the why but to prepare in obedience even when we don’t know what we are getting ready for. All we can do is walk in obedience even when we don’t know where the obedience will lead.

It reminds me of the parable Jesus told of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25. When they went to meet the bridegroom, only 5 of the virgins took extra flasks of oil with them before they departed. The other 5 foolishly didn’t. They didn’t prepare.

Or in Genesis 6, when God commands Noah to build an ark. Do you think Noah might’ve thought it a bit strange, the command to build an ark when there wasn’t rain anywhere in sight? Not to mention the earth had never flooded before. Undoubtedly, the idea would’ve been a foreign concept to him.

But Noah chose to trust God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Hebrews 11:7).

I’m in a season right now where I don’t know where I’ll be in the next year, the next few months, or even next week. All I can see is what God has placed in front of me right now.

Think about it.

Noah didn’t build the ark in a day. It took decades of waking up, grabbing a hammer, and building one plank at a time. He didn’t see a drop of rain for years. He just saw the single wooden plank in front of him each day. He had to wait years for God’s promise and prophecy to be fulfilled. Perhaps Noah began to wonder if it would really happen or if he’d heard wrong.

When we think about Noah, we often envision the completed ark. But what we don’t see are the 50-75 years of backbreaking labor, years of faithfulness before the first drop of rain ever fell. He had to be faithful in the daily, ordinary tasks of building the ark before he ever fully understood the why of the assignment.

We are called to be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10).

Think about it.

Noah spent more time building that ark, without seeing any results, than some of us have even been alive. Certainly more time than we’ve probably ever spent on a project.

Do you think Noah knew the full weight of the task he’d been asked to undertake?

Yet if he hadn’t trusted God’s word spoken to him, none of us would be here.

God used Noah’s faithfulness to save the world. If he hadn’t built the ark, his family would’ve drowned. If his family had drowned, the earth would have been wiped out, which means none of us would be here today.

Wow.

That’s pretty weighty to think about. 

In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us that to whom much is given, much will be required.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

While we might not be asked to build an ark that will preserve the population from dying out, we are asked in Matthew 28:19 (ESV) to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded us.

Even if we are not called to save people physically, we are called to point them to the One Who can save them spiritually.

We often find we want the “much” more than we desire the “little.” We want the completed project, the fulfilled dream, the clear future, but God tests our hearts in the “little.” He looks at how we handle what He has already given us. We are called to be faithful in the small tasks we may consider “mundane” (answering an email, studying, folding laundry).

Think about it.

Remember God says that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

Perhaps God keeps us in seasons of quiet, daily preparation because if He gave us the big platforms or massive answers to prayer before our character was tested in the small things, the weight of the responsibility would crush us. And how important those “small” things are even if we don’t realize it!

We may find it hard to believe when we’re folding another load of laundry or washing dishes, but remember Noah probably couldn’t fully imagine the importance of each part as he built the ark, one piece of wood, one layer of pitch and tar at a time.

Pray with me: Dear Father, thank You that Your plans are better than anything I could imagine. Forgive me for the times I lose sight of that. Help me to remember Noah’s decades of unseen faithfulness, and give me the strength to fulfill every task, no matter how mundane it may seem, with a heart of worship. Teach me to obey Your voice even when I don’t understand the why behind the assignment. I trust that You are preparing me for whatever You have next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Even ordinary tasks can feel overwhelming. Stress, grief, mistakes, uncertainty, and ongoing trials can leave you emotionally and spiritually exhausted, wondering how you’ll find the strength to keep going. Psalm 121 reminds us where our help comes from: the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

God does not expect us to pretend we’re okay or power through every difficult season on our own. When you’re too tired to pray, too overwhelmed to see clearly, or simply unsure how to take the next step, you can bring that weakness to Him. Jesus offers rest to those who are weary, and the Holy Spirit intercedes when we don’t have the words. Even in the darkest seasons, God remains near, providing the strength, peace, and help we need for whatever comes next.

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Full Transcript Below:

When Life Wears You Down

By Alexis A. Goring

Bible Reading:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

There’s a song by Tenth Avenue North that inspired this devotional. A melancholy melody starts, then the opening lyrics say how tired and worn they feel. They have a heavy heart from all the hard work it takes just to continue breathing. The mistakes they’ve made are creating a dark cloud over their heads, and the weight of the world is crushing their soul. But they know that God can give them rest, so with all they have left, they muster up a cry to Him. 

The singer says he knows he needs to lift his eyes up to God and remember Him, trusting God to see him through these tough times, but he feels too weak to look up because the trials and storms of life won’t cease. But he knows God can give him what he needs, renew his mind, and restore the brokenness of his soul. So, though they don’t have the will or energy to fight, they have hope because they know God will fight for them. 

This reminds me of the Bible verse above (Psalm 121). It also reminds me of words by Ellie Mont that she posted to her Instagram page a while ago. Mont said, “God is not far from you right now. God is not asking you to perform or pretend or power through. God sees how tired you are. God knows the weight you are carrying. God understands the tears you do not even have the energy to cry anymore. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest does not mean everything suddenly feels better. Sometimes rest is simply permission to stop pretending you are okay. Sometimes rest is letting God sit with you in the dark instead of forcing yourself toward the light. You are not failing because you are tired. You are not unfaithful because you are overwhelmed. You are human. And God is gentle with humans who are worn down.”

Isn’t it good to know that God is gentle with us when we feel worn down by life?

As a person who suffers from chronic fatigue, I know what it’s like to feel tired. You can feel too tired to do simple tasks or exercise. Sometimes sleep doesn’t fix it. But I am grateful to know that God offers rest to me and everyone who needs it. Over the years, God has shown me that He knows what I need before I know, and He already has provision in place. And when we feel too tired to lift our eyes up to Him and send up prayers to Heaven about how we feel and what we need, we can trust that God’s Holy Spirit intercedes for us, saying to Him what we cannot as He helps us when we feel weak (Romans 8:26-27).

Part of our human experience on Earth is to go through storms, trials, and tribulations. These elements and factors can make us weary. It can also obscure our view of God and really weaken our faith in Him when we cannot see Him nor sense His Presence in dark and challenging times. But the good news is that He is always here with us (Matthew 28:20). Jesus Christ is not just the light at the end of the dark tunnel; He is the light beside us and within us (1 John 4:4). Therefore, we have nothing to fear. We can rest knowing that Jesus will always be with us. He will give us what we need to take the next step (Proverbs 3:5-6), climb that mountain, take that leap of faith, and survive the storms of life. 

Next time you’re feeling worn down by life, go to God. Even if you cannot pray for a long time, simply saying “Jesus, help me” will suffice. And if you cannot even say those words silently or aloud, trust that God already heard the cry of your heart, and He will meet you in your time of need.

In closing, please listen to and reflect on these five songs (listed below).

Song of Reflection #1: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2: “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #3: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #4:“It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #5:“His Strength is Perfect” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
How does it feel to know that we can lean on God and trust Him to restore us when we feel worn down by life?

Further Reading:
Isaiah 26:3
Philippians 4:13
Psalm 28:7
Psalm 46:1
Hebrews 4:16

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When life feels uncertain, it’s easy to wonder where God is. Waiting, unanswered prayers, difficult circumstances, and seasons of feeling forgotten can make us question whether God is still with us. David experienced those same struggles, yet his story reminds us that God’s presence and promises remain true even when we cannot see what He is doing.

Faith doesn’t mean ignoring our doubts or pretending difficult seasons don’t hurt. Like David in Psalm 22, we can bring our questions, fears, and frustrations honestly to God while choosing to remember who He is. Even in the valleys, God has not abandoned us. When we cling to His promises and trust His faithfulness, our prayers can move from anguish toward praise as we remember that God is with us on both the good days and the hard ones.

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Full Transcript Below:

Clinging to God When Life Feels Uncertain
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me,

so far from my cries of anguish? - Psalm 22:1 ( NIV) 

“Mom, why did God abandon David when he needed him most?” my youngest daughter asked before bedtime. Earlier in the day, we’d gone to see a movie about David’s life. My girls were familiar with the general story of  David as King, but the movie, which focused on David’s transition from shepherd to King of Israel, raised many questions.

I thought about my daughter’s question in more detail. Often, we think of (and teach our children) David as the slayer of Goliath, or as the mighty king. We linger on the fulfillment of God’s promises to David—protection, prosperity, and promotion to King.  And while it is important to draw our children’s focus to God keeping His promise, we also need to share the hard parts of David’s journey, the testing of his faith, and God’s faithfulness. For starters, the prophet Samuel anointed David as the future king when he was just a teenager, yet David didn’t take the throne until he was almost 30!  Historians estimate that David became king about 15-20 years after Samuel's pronouncement, when he eventually succeeded Saul. 

David’s life involved a lot of uncertainty and waiting on God. 

The scene that prompted my daughter’s question was inspired by Psalm 22. With words and phrases like “forsaken, cry out, far from saving, you do not answer,” it can be easy to think that God had indeed forgotten David, or at the very least wasn’t with him in the wilderness.  I shared with my daughter that just because David was going through a hard time didn’t mean that God had neglected him. God promised to make David king, and He would [eventually]  fulfill that promise.
“Let’s look at the closing verses of Psalm 22,” I said to my daughter, grabbing my Bible. Psalms 22:22-23 says, “I will declare your name to my people;  in the assembly I will praise you.

You who fear the Lord, praise him!  All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!” We can openly bring our doubts, questions, concerns, and grievances to the Lord, yet we shouldn’t leave them there. Our petitions should ultimately lead us to praise, as we see in David’s prayer.

The first few verses of Psalm 22 are filled with angst, confusion, and general frustration over his current circumstances. But through his prayer, David turns his problems into praise. How can one give gratitude to God in the most dire of situations? Because he remembers who God is— most importantly, he rests confidently in the assurance that God will keep His promise to deliver David and ultimately His people.

While God had something good planned for David’s life, that didn’t mean his life would be easy or without hardship.  The majority of the Psalms were written while David was fleeing from Saul, and a few when his own son was trying to kill him! While David felt like God had abandoned him, the truth was that God was always with him. “And God is always with you, too,” I shared with my little girl. “On the good days and the bad days, He is there.”

I easily forget that the God of the mountains is the God of the valley, and no matter my circumstances, He hears my cries. Just as with David, there will be times when I feel alone, but God never forsakes His children. He is always working for my good and His glory.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If you currently feel forgotten by God, read Psalm 139:7-12 and write down what it says about God’s presence. 

Further Reading:
1 Samuel 16
Psalm 22

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When a young adult walks away from faith, church, or the values they were raised with, the pain can be deep. Parents, pastors, mentors, and loved ones may wonder what went wrong and feel the urge to fix the situation. But when someone we love strays, Scripture reminds us that God is still at work, and our response can make a meaningful difference.

Loving a young adult who has stepped away from Christianity requires a balance of truth, grace, patience, and acceptance. Healthy Christian community can play an important role in helping people reconnect with their faith, but bringing someone back isn’t about forcing them to change. Instead, we can continue loving them, remain available, encourage healthy community, and extend the same grace God has shown us. Sometimes the most important question a young adult needs answered is simply, “Do you still love me?”

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Full Transcript Below:

When the Young Adult That You Love Strays

By: Maina Mwaura 

Bible Reading:

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:6As a former youth pastor, one of the things that I cherish the most is running into former students. So in one week, two students that I had the privilege of ministering to crossed my path at the same time, which was not unusual, being that I have lived in the same city on and off for over twenty-five years. What was unusual was the differing paths that both students have taken. 

I can still remember when Thomas and Chris both made professions of faith at the same camp. It was a summer that I will never forget, as both boys, now young men, were also baptized the same day. As Thomas approached me in the middle of the grocery store, I still remembered his face. Just as I locked eyes with Thomas, his wife and kids came around the corner. All I could think of was WOW, time flies. Thomas and his wife both love the Lord, and Thomas is even involved in the same church that I was on staff at many years ago. I walked away from that encounter, thrilled that Thomas was still on track. Although there was a moment in his life when he strayed, he had found his way back. 

That same week, while eating lunch in another part of town, I ran into Chris. Chris walked in dressed in a suit and tie. He also looked just like he did in his former years. During my time with Chris, he mentioned that he cherished the years we had together, but that he had stepped outside the faith and hadn’t been involved in a church for years. 

As Chris walked away, I couldn’t help but reflect on what went wrong and right with both Chris and Thomas. Although that’s the human thing to do, author Jim Burns would say that’s the wrong place to start. Recently, I spent some time with Jim Burns, who has written on the topic of young adult issues and dynamics, and has a new book titled When Your Young Adult Child Strays. Jim is clear that when a young adult strays, putting on the martyr badge isn’t the step that we should be taking. During my time with Jim, he assured me that God is okay with mess-ups, and in fact, we have an entire Hall of Faith in Hebrews that confirms this. 

One of the key characteristics that both men mentioned during our time together was community. Both men mentioned either how much they loved their community or, in Thomas’ case, how much they missed it. Burns's research shows that 65% of young adults who strayed returned to their faith communities. I’m not surprised by this at all. Thomas mentioned that after he had strayed away from the church, it was his community of friends and a former Sunday School teacher who reached out to him in his time of need. Community, mixed in with being available for young adults, is one of the keys that brings those back who stray. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Both men whom I had the privilege of ministering to were unique and different in their life choices. During my time with Chris, it was Jim Burns's words that I had to stay focused on most. Chris has made some life choices that clearly go against scripture, and although I wanted to add my thoughts and opinions, I had to remember the words of Jim: acceptance doesn’t mean approval. Often, when young adults stray, we love them either as their parents or, in my case, former students in my youth ministry, and we want to fix them. Jesus never tries to fix us; in fact, he does the opposite. Young adults don’t want to be fixed. In fact, I would go as far as to say that people in general don’t want to be fixed. 

In bringing young adults back home into spiritually healthy communities, these three things will be of great help. Love them, try to point them into healthy communities of faith, and accept them for where they are in this stage of life. Another way is showing them the grace that you needed when you were their age. At the end of the day, according to Burns, young adults are simply asking, “Do you still love me”? 

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What does your life reveal about what is really happening in your heart? Our words, attitudes, choices, and actions can reveal far more about our faith than what we say we believe. Proverbs 27:19 reminds us that “as water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart,” challenging us to take an honest look at whether our everyday lives actually reflect our relationship with God.

It’s easy to recognize pride, impatience, or poor judgment in others while overlooking those same attitudes in ourselves. But God calls us to examine our hearts and allow His Word to expose what needs to change. When we choose humility, wisdom, and obedience, our lives can become a genuine reflection of Christ—pointing the people around us toward Him rather than simply telling them what we believe.

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Full Transcript Below:

What Is Your Life Reflecting about Your Heart?

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” - Proverbs 27:19

What are our lives reflecting to those around us? How are our words and actions revealing what is within our hearts and what we really believe?

Too many of us know, or have known, individuals who say they are Christians, yet their actions tell another story, one that doesn’t support what their words confess.

Proverbs points out that how we’re living is truly a reflection of our hearts, so if we’re saying one thing, but living in another way, the truth is in our reflection. If we think we’re hiding what’s in our hearts, we need to reconsider because we can’t really hide what’s going on inside of us.

If we say we love God, but then our words and actions don’t align with His words and commands, we may fool a few people, or even many… but we may be mostly fooling ourselves.

The following are alarming reflections: the things rooted in our hearts that we may be missing that are fooling us. 

Are we impatient, not wanting to hear what others have to say or explain, wanting to express our own viewpoints? 

If so, it’s wise for us to consider what Proverbs 18:2 describes: “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”

Do we really enjoy hearing all the wild and evil schemes others devise? Are shows and stories on true crimes more interesting to us than the Bible and godly programming?

If so, Proverbs 10:23 reveals that, “A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.”

When we’re faced with deciding between following God’s wisdom or choosing to follow the wisdom of men, what do we choose? Are we finding ourselves trusting more in what men and women tell us than in God?

John 2:23-24 tells us what Jesus would do: “Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name. But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people.”

If we find ourselves thinking we’re too wise or important to listen to or consider others’ words spoken to us, we may want to consider what Proverbs 23:9 describes: “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.”

Do we see ourselves as smarter than everyone around us? If so, we may want to contemplate what Proverbs 26:5 describes: “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”

Maybe those around us are just not pointing out when we’re in error, letting us think we’re always right. If so, we’re in danger of being deceived and led into making foolish choices.

Do we see ourselves as better than others? If so, as Proverbs 16:18 warns, we may not know when we’re in pride and at risk of falling, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

It seems like pride may be kind of hidden for anyone who is prideful, and not an easy attitude for most to detect in ourselves. But, as Proverbs 11:2 warns, “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Taking Stock of What We’re Reflecting

It’s wise for us to take stock of ourselves now and then, just to double-check whether we’ve gotten off track in our lives or derailed a bit from where God is leading us.

We can also ask God to examine and expose our hearts so that we may recognize and address any wrong thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Also, we can ask Him to strengthen us and help us reflect Him and His word in our lives.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is your life reflecting about your heart? If not liking what’s being reflected, ask God to help you to see clearly and to lead you with His word and godly principles, so that others are drawn to Him, through what they’re seeing in you.

Further Reading:

5 Ways Christians Can Reflect Christ Through Everyday Etiquette

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Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Even after we finish our formal education, start careers, raise families, and settle into familiar routines, there is still so much to discover. God calls us to remain teachable, curious, and willing to grow, because wisdom isn’t about reaching a point where we know everything—it’s about recognizing how much we still have to learn. Proverbs 1:5 encourages the wise to keep adding to their learning and seeking guidance.

A busy life can make it easy to become comfortable with what we already know and stop challenging ourselves. But lifelong learning can strengthen both our minds and our faith, helping us see God’s creativity, wisdom, and character in new ways. Whether through Scripture, books, conversations, podcasts, new skills, prayer, or simply paying closer attention to the world around us, every day offers an opportunity to learn something new and grow closer to God.

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Full Transcript Below:

Learn More Every Day

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” – Proverbs 1:5, NIV

Every time a new semester starts at George Mason University, where I work, I’m inspired by seeing students excited about learning. Watching them walk around campus and hearing them discuss new ideas reminds me that education is a powerful gift. It makes me grateful that even though I’m not the one taking university classes anymore, my own education never actually ends. God is always teaching me something new if I’m just willing to keep a clear mind and a teachable heart.

This back-to-school season reminds us that learning is a lifelong calling. In Proverbs 1:5, the Bible encourages the wise to add to their learning and the discerning to get guidance. Truly wise people never reach a point where they decide they finally know enough. People who have discernment know they always need God’s guidance.

No matter how old we are, how many degrees we hold, or how much career experience we’ve accumulated, God calls us to learn more every day.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for us to let our lives shrink down to the level of our to-do lists. Once we finish our formal education and settle into our careers and family routines, we can easily stop challenging ourselves. We may get comfortable living our lives the same way every day and close our minds to fresh perspectives. If we let ourselves become overwhelmed by our responsibilities, we can neglect to make time for learning and growth in our busy schedules. Then we won’t be able to learn what God is trying to teach us.

A stagnant mind leads to a stagnant faith. God is infinitely creative, so there’s always more of God’s character to discover and more of God’s world to understand. When we stop learning, we limit our capacity for God to use us in new and exciting ways.

So, it’s important to follow the advice in Proverbs 1:5 and add to our learning. Every day that God gives us to live is a valuable opportunity to learn more.

We don’t need to enroll in graduate school or read massive textbooks to add to our learning. We just need to have curious and humble attitudes as we go about our daily lives. We can learn something new by reading a book, listening to a podcast during our commutes to and from work, or learning a skill we want to develop – like cooking better meals – by asking someone we know to teach us. Spiritually, we can add to our learning by studying the Bible, taking a wonder walk in nature, or strengthening our prayer and meditation practices. Every piece of new inspiration God gives us can help us appreciate the wonderful world God has made.

Lifelong learning can lead us to feel awe, because it shows us that our human understanding is very small compared to God’s unlimited knowledge and wisdom. When we approach each day asking God to teach us something new that day, we can become quicker to listen, slower to judge, and much more adaptable to life’s changes than we would be otherwise. So, as the children and young adults in our communities head back to school, let’s join them in their commitment to learn more. Let’s never stop being students of God’s truth by adding to our learning each and every day!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why lifelong learning is important, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Proverbs 9:9

Proverbs 18:15

Psalm 119:66

2 Peter 3:18

Philippians 1:9

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Loneliness can feel especially painful when you’re surrounded by people yet still feel like you have no one who truly understands or knows what you’re carrying. You may long for deeper friendships, meaningful community, or simply someone you can call when life gets difficult. But feeling lonely does not mean you are alone. Scripture reminds us that God is near to the lonely and afflicted, and Jesus promises to remain with His followers always.

God created us for relationship—with Him and with one another. While faith in Jesus doesn’t eliminate our need for human friendship and community, it gives us an unshakable foundation when relationships feel distant or absent. When loneliness weighs heavily, we can turn that pain into prayer, draw closer to God, and ask Him to bring trustworthy, Christ-centered people into our lives.

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Full Transcript Below:

Lonely But Not Alone

By Alexis A. Goring 

Bible Reading:
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” - Psalm 25:16 NIV

Lately, God has helped me realize that when I feel lonely, I am never alone because He is always with me, as are His Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit.God doesn’t want us to feel lonely. He built us for community and support—first with Him, then with others whom He created. English poet John Donne said, “No man is an island.” He may have spoken those words in the 17th century, but such wisdom is still true today for all of us. 

According to an article published online in March 2026 for “WashU The Source” under the Newsroom section, Deb Parker wrote, “In 2023, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a global public health concern and launched a commission focused on strengthening social connections. That same year, the U.S. surgeon general warned that loneliness carries serious health risks, comparing its mortality impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Research increasingly links loneliness not only to mental health challenges but also to physical health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and early death.”

According to an article by Ann Friedman published online in May 2026 for Call Your Girlfriend, “Loneliness can affect anyone, but the sheer scale at which people are getting trapped by the modern malaise of loneliness is concerning. So much so that loneliness has become the defining health crisis of our times… According to the WHO's June 2025 report, loneliness is associated with around 100 deaths per hour globally. That's not all — stress-related absenteeism from work costs US employers an estimated $154 billion annually. These numbers point to a more grave situation than one can imagine. Each statistic reflects a lonely person eating their dinner alone, another who has millions of online connections but no one to call in a moment of crisis, yet another who weeps alone and has no shoulder to cry on. The ripple effects of loneliness extend far beyond mere sadness, as many chronic lifestyle diseases are added on due to the condition, such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. That's not all — loneliness gives rise to cognitive decline and several mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

How can we solve this dangerous problem? Friedman said, “Loneliness can be eased by a multi-pronged approach. Individuals can take personal steps by reaching out to friends and family, joining social clubs, or taking part in group activities that align with their interests. They can also participate in volunteer or community work, which can create meaning and a sense of belonging.”

I believe that the loneliness crisis can also be solved through a genuine relationship with our Savior (Jesus Christ). He died so that we may have life (John 3:16) and have it abundantly (John 10:10). While our mortal enemy (Satan/the devil) is trying to destroy us (making us feel alone and lonely is only one of his tactics), our Savior is constantly wooing us to Him. According to Romans 5:10, He is working hard to reconcile us with our Maker (God).

When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts and decide to live for Him, it’s like we get a new wind, a new outlook, and purpose in life. We are finally secure in something (faith) and in someone (God) who is unshakable. God cannot die. He lives forever, and all His promises to us are true. One of His promises is to be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). This means our relationship with Jesus Christ is one that will span the ages and last forever. He is our most Faithful Friend who will literally never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus is the only one who will never let you down and never abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

This doesn’t mean that Jesus wants to be your only friend. As I said earlier, He created us for a healthy and safe community with each other. If you are feeling lonely, reach out to God and ask Him to send good friends into your life. Friends who genuinely love the Lord and who truly care about you. When I learned to do this, God began to bless me above and beyond with a wonderful community found through friendships with other Christians. It is a joy and honor to experience life with them. God can do the same for you if you let Him.

So, when you’re feeling alone, remember that you’re never alone because Jesus is always with you. Turn your pain into prayers and ask Him to help you be friends with Him first, and others, second. Ask God for the community you crave and trust Him to send the right people into your life.  

In closing, I’d like for you to listen and reflect on these three songs (listed below).

Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus Loves Me” by Whitney Houston. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2: “You’re Not Alone” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #3:“God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does it feel to know that when you feel lonely, you are never alone because God is always with you?

Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:10
Hebrews 6:17-18
Deuteronomy 31:6
1 Timothy 6:16
Psalm 90:2

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We all make plans for our lives. We dream about the career we’ll have, the relationships we’ll build, the family we’ll create, and the goals we’ll accomplish. And when those plans fall apart despite our best efforts, the disappointment can be profound. Unanswered prayers, unexpected detours, and unfulfilled dreams can leave us wondering whether we missed God’s plan or whether He is doing something we simply cannot see yet. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is ultimately the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

That truth can be both challenging and comforting. Our perspective is limited, but God sees the entire picture. A path that feels like a setback may actually be His redirection, and a dream that doesn’t come to pass may make room for something He knows is better. When our plans don't unfold the way we imagined, we can look back at God's faithfulness, surrender our expectations, and trust that His purpose is still at work.

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Full Transcript Below:

Prevailing Purpose
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I love a good plan. There is something so satisfying about witnessing dreams or goals become reality.  Even better when you feel a sense of accomplishment as they are fulfilled. Perhaps you spent years researching, studying, preparing, praying, and planning for your future. Then the day finally arrived! All your patience and hard work paid off. You received the diploma, started the new job, married the mate of your dreams, or filled that final seat at the family dining room table. What an incredible feeling! You planned, you pursued, you sacrificed, you worked, you waited… and the desires of your heart became reality. Like the last puzzle piece fitting perfectly into place, the framework you designed produced your anticipated outcome.

Sounds incredible, right? But how many of us can say our picture-perfect ideas have become reality? If your life has been anything like mine, I would speculate that things haven’t always worked out as planned. Maybe you prearranged, pursued, worked, and then overworked, struggled, dug deep, fell down, and then pulled yourself back up by your bootstraps, adamantly refusing to give up on the vision you saw for your future. Yet despite your passionate efforts, it simply was not to be. Unmet expectations or unfulfilled longings can be disappointing, frustrating, and for some, even devastating. Where then can we find comfort or gain understanding when our dreams are dashed?

Today’s scripture comes to us from the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is believed to be written by King Solomon, David’s son, who succeeded him as the next ruler. Solomon was known worldwide for his sage wisdom. In the opening chapter of Proverbs, the writer shares the purpose of his communication.

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young…” - Prov. 1:1-4 (NIV)

Solomon clearly communicates that the purpose of these writings is to help others gain insight and knowledge. He is not trying to boast or grandstand; his goal is to teach. Solomon concludes his introduction with a powerful reminder that the true origin of all wisdom is the Lord when he states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” (Prov. 1:7, NIV). If we truly long for insight and understanding, God is the only source. He is not only the founder of all knowledge, but He sees what we don’t see. He understands what we fail to comprehend.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” (Isa. 5:8-9, NIV).

Our vision for our own lives is limited, at times, maybe even flawed. We are mortal beings. We reside in a framework designed by the Creator of the Universe. With such limited human understanding, it is impossible for us to accurately measure our lives and their meanings. As such, the plans and pursuits we select for ourselves may not be what God would choose. Like the potter who looks at a lump of clay and sees the masterpiece it will become, our Lord recognizes the vessel He is creating in each of us. He crafted us in our mother’s womb, uniquely different and for His good pleasure (Ps. 139:13). We can trust that His design for us is good. He has a prevailing purpose for each and every one of us. 

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” - Prov. 19:21 (NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you felt like the plans you had for your own life were thwarted? If so, did your unmet expectations prompt disappointment and heartache, or were you able to recognize God was working for good on your behalf? 

Take some time today to look back upon your life and identify the times when you clearly thought your life was going to go one way, yet the Lord diverted your path. How does recognizing His direction in past circumstances help you to trust in His will for your future?

Further Reading:
Isaiah 5:8-13
Psalm 139:13-18

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Disappointment can shake us, especially when we’ve prayed, trusted God, and genuinely believed a particular door would open. An unexpected “no,” a financial setback, a missed opportunity, or circumstances that don’t make sense can leave us wondering where God is in the middle of it all. But disappointment doesn't mean God has changed. When our circumstances challenge what we expected, they can reveal whether our hope is rooted in what God does—or in who God is.

Psalm 25:5 gives us a different way to respond: “For You I wait all the day.” Waiting on God doesn’t mean pretending disappointment doesn’t hurt. It means bringing our questions and grief to Him while choosing to trust His character, timing, and wisdom. Even when we don't understand why a door closed, we can remain confident that God is faithful and that our hope is safest in Him.

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Full Transcript Below:

Hope During Disappointment

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day (Psalm 25:5 NASB). 

Wouldn't it be nice if life consisted only of pleasant surprises, not the disappointing ones? And yet when we meet disappointment head-on, it is a true test of the strength of our faith. 

I remember receiving news that was gravely disappointing. I wasn't prepared for it in the least. It was shocking, really. God had been on a roll with blessings in my life. I guess I'd grown a little comfortable. And this disappointing news couldn't have come at a worse time...a week before Christmas, just days after celebrating my daughter's college graduation, and just a week prior to my husband's transition into a new season of life that carried with it a lot of financial uncertainty. 

My family was daily looking for the little assurances that God had our backs, and we were constantly praising Him for all the times He came through for us. And now, it looked like the door to my golden opportunity and financial stability had slammed shut. My first reaction, spoken aloud, was "God, this is so out of character for You." 

And then I suddenly realized something: God doesn't do anything out of character. 

It was then that I understood. It wasn't God's character that was being put to the test in my disappointing circumstances. It was mine. Would my faith stand an unexpected turn? Would I take only blessings from God and not the disappointments too? Or will I trust Him, wholeheartedly, that He knows exactly what He's doing, and perhaps this closed door means an even better one will soon be opening? 

My disappointing circumstance helped me to remember three things: 

Disappointment is a very real part of life. Disappointment is something God can use to grow me into someone who is more like His Son.  Disappointment is the measuring stick for how strong my faith is. 

In Psalm 25:5, in the New Living Translation, the psalmist declared where his faith and hope were when he said: “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.”

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

I realized, through my reaction to this disappointment, that I had put my hope in my circumstances, not in God. I had grown comfortable and secure in my abilities, my work, and my finances, and I was now suddenly desperate for God. Desperate for Him. And that's exactly where He wanted me to be. 

I want my response to God in the disappointments of life to be just as pleasing to Him as my praise during the blessings of life. Can God trust me to be faithful to Him regardless of my circumstances, regardless of when He chooses to bless and when He chooses to withhold? Can my hope remain in Him constantly? 

Job once said, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). I haven't been "slayed"—not in the least. I've just been disappointed. Therefore, I long for the song of my heart to be, "Though I don't understand why He allowed this, still I will trust Him." 

Have you been gravely disappointed in your circumstances? Are you wondering why God has allowed—or not allowed—something in your life? It's possible He wants you to be desperate for Him, too. When you and I can say our hope is in Him, not in what He will do, then we get a little clearer picture of what it means to follow Him faithfully. 

Disappointment or not, let’s desire a faith that is strong and a heart that is pleasing to Him. 

Further Reading:
Isaiah 43:2 

To grow a heart that hopes in God alone, see Cindi’s newest book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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It’s easy to lose track of time without realizing where it went. A few minutes on social media becomes an hour, notifications interrupt meaningful conversations, and endless content competes for our attention. Technology can be a helpful tool, but when our phones, screens, and constant stream of information begin controlling our attention, they can quietly pull us away from God, our families, and the people and purposes He has placed in front of us. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time.

Redeeming our time doesn't necessarily mean eliminating technology—it means becoming intentional about what receives our attention. When we create space to pray, read Scripture, invest in relationships, and serve others, we begin using our time for something greater than simply staying busy or entertained. God has given us the gift of time, and we can ask Him for the wisdom and self-control to spend it in ways that honor Him and help us live faithfully.

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Full Transcript Below:

Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).

As a millennial, I find myself reflecting upon a time before the technological boom we seem to be facing, specifically before AI, smartphones, and social media. I remember taking a walk or riding my bike after school without the anxiety of accidentally leaving my phone at home. I remember the excitement of turning in my disposable camera from the school dance and then looking through my friends’ photo albums when I was hanging out at their house. I remember soaking up the most mundane moments without feeling the need to document them. Some of that could very well be what it was like to be younger, but I cannot ignore how much the simplicity of life has become more complicated and distracted with these portable devices that seem to control us and steal our time. 

About six months ago, I started to feel convicted about the lack of self-control regarding my screen time with my phone, so I purchased a little device that literally turns your phone into a brick when your phone hovers over it, depending on how much you want to limit its functionality. You can customize specific functions and apps that you want to limit, and for me, it was quite simply shutting down my social media usage. After six months of using this limiting device, I can see how it has helped me create healthier habits that have helped me prioritize my time more wisely. Instead of my phone controlling me, I have been able to start controlling it and using it as the tool that it is. My prayer to the Lord is “I want to be found faithful.” I have asked Him very frequently how I can use my time to glorify Him and be a fruitful disciple of Jesus. 

The Apostle Paul lovingly warns the church at Ephesus:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).

Intersecting Life & Faith:

If the days were evil during Paul’s day, they most assuredly are evil today! 

Although our cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc are not evil, I do believe we need to be cautious as to how much time we are devoting to them. We need to be aware of where we are directing our focus. We need to be attentive to what is capturing our attention that may be causing us to make unwise choices. For me, the distraction from my phone was keeping me from intentional time with my sons and causing me to become captured by covetousness and discontentment with the swath of influencers pushing product after product. 

As we live in the great information age, we are bombarded with opportunities to fill our time and our minds with so many things that can so easily replace our time of fellowship with the Lord, as well as distract us from the very thing He has called us to do: make disciples! 

Perhaps you may not have an issue with technology distracting you from the Lord- praise God! Stay strong and be an accountability partner for those around you who are easily pulled away from the things of God because of the ever-increasing information age and the age of social media influencers promoting materialism and vanity.  

But if you are like me (a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom) and you are finding yourself with limited time to spend with Jesus in prayer and the Word, I challenge you to ask the Lord if there is something you can arrange in your schedule to allow better time management. Also, ask Him if He would like for you to fast (technology, that is), something that could be causing division between you and Him.

Devote specific time every day to spend some quiet time in fellowship with God and reading your Bible, without your cellphone or iPad within reach- turn them off during that time and perhaps put a timer on the most-used apps that you access throughout your day. You might just need extra help with self-control, like me!

Be thankful for the benefits of the tools and global connections that technology brings us, but don’t allow technology to rob you of your connection to Jesus or distract you from all the blessings He has put right in front of you. We have been given the precious gift of time here on this earth; let’s not waste our time but redeem it all for God’s glory!

Further Reading:

Matthew 6:33

Hebrews 12:1-2

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Change can be exciting, but it can also leave you feeling like the ground is constantly shifting beneath your feet. A new job, changing relationships, family challenges, uncertainty in the world, or simply trying to keep up with a rapidly changing culture can create stress and anxiety. When everything around you feels unpredictable, Isaiah 33:6 offers a powerful reminder: God Himself is your stability. You don't have to predict every change or have every answer before you can move forward.

God's character doesn't change even when your circumstances do. While the world may offer conflicting advice and plenty of reasons to panic, God promises to provide the wisdom, knowledge, and strength you need for whatever is in front of you. When you make God your ultimate treasure, you can face changing times with confidence because your foundation isn't changing with your circumstances.

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Full Transcript Below:

Find Stability in Changing Times

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6, ESV

Right now, I’m leading a project at work to increase the visibility of our university center’s website content in artificial intelligence search results. For years, my focus was on traditional SEO – optimizing our pages for classic search engines. While those traditional methods are still important, we’re currently living through a massive communications revolution. People are moving away from traditional online search. They’re increasingly using AI tools to find online content. Being on the cutting edge of change is exciting, but it’s also stressful. The best practices for AI visibility are evolving as AI evolves, so my team and I must adapt to constant change. While I lead this effort, I’m grateful to God for being my stability. I know I can always rely on God’s unchanging strength to help me with whatever I need in these rapidly changing times.

What kind of changes are you dealing with in your own life right now? Maybe you’re going through a change at work, in your relationships, or with something else that’s important to you. Even dealing with all the uncertainty of events in the news can be stressful. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re dealing with lots of change happening around you. Butyou don’t need to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to manage change well if you rely on God as your source of stability.

Isaiah 33:6 promises that God himself will be your stability in your changing times. When everything around you seems uncertain, God remains completely reliable. This verse also describes how God will give you stability by providing an “abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.” If you look to the world for answers in changing times, you’ll often find conflicting opinions and panic. But if you look to the Lord, he will generously pour out the wisdom and knowledge you need to manage change well. If you face a problem at work that you’ve never encountered before, God will help you solve it. If you’re trying to parent a child through a challenging season, God will teach you how to do so well. You don’t have to try to predict where all the change around you will lead, because you‘re connected to God, who leads you well because he loves you.

Finally, Isaiah points out that “the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” In the Bible, the fear of the Lord doesn’t mean being afraid of God. Instead,the fear of the Lord means being in awe of who God is so you’re inspired to relate to God with reverence. When you make the Lord your ultimate treasure, you realize that while your circumstances in this world can change quickly, God’s character never changes. You don’t have to be stressed by all the change around you when you remember thatthe Holy Spirit lives inside you, offering you a strong and peaceful stability in the middle of change.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider how God gives us stability in these changing times, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Hebrews 13:8

Malachi 3:6

Psalm 46:1-3

James 1:17

Matthew 7:24-25

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Fear about the future can make us question whether God will provide what we need. Financial uncertainty, unanswered prayers, changing circumstances, and long seasons of waiting can make fear louder than faith. But 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God’s divine power has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. That doesn't mean we will always know how our needs will be met or when the answer will come. It means we can trust the God who knows what we need before we do.

Jesus points us to the birds of the air as a reminder of God's care and provision. When we focus on fear, we can lose sight of the ways God has already been faithful. But when we intentionally remember His goodness, practice gratitude, and focus our minds on what is true, our perspective begins to change. God may provide through unexpected circumstances, generous people, simple acts of kindness, or opportunities to become an answer to someone else's prayer. Whatever today holds, we can trust that God has equipped us for what He has called us to face.

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Full Transcript Below:

Equipped for Today: What "Life and Godliness" Really Means

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV).

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of fear, isn’t it?

To focus on the limited knowledge we can see rather than the truth of what God says. I often find myself guilty of this. There are times when faith is louder than fear, yes, but there are other times when fear gets louder than my faith. 

What are you afraid of? Finances, or lack thereof, or the future?

The list could go on and on.

I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s provision recently, inspired by a much-needed conversation with a good friend. As someone who works in the creative industry, income can ebb and flow and sometimes be inconsistent, and it’s easy to let the fear of the financial future get louder than my faith.

And that fear hits even closer to home right now as I watch my family navigate a similar season. You see, my dad was laid off from his job late last year, and no matter how many doors he’s knocked on, as I write this, nothing yet has come through.

We know God will provide and that He’s never failed us, but as the days continue with seemingly no answers in sight, sometimes, we wrestle with fear.

Dwelling on fear, as easy as it can be to fall into that trap sometimes, is quite unhealthy. Whatever we dwell on and choose to think about will naturally affect what we believe and how we live. This means if we choose to fix our eyes on things above, then that will naturally affect what we believe about God, ourselves, and the circumstances we find ourselves in.

I had a moment recently where fear threatened to consume me. I’m talking about anxiety physically gripping my heart, even though at church the previous day we’d talked about the importance of believing God’s truth over the lies in our heads. Yes, the timing was quite “convenient.”

There’s a reason Scripture reminds us to focus on: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 ESV).

Instead of worrying God won’t provide, why not reflect on what He has done in our lives already? It’s good to remember and recount what the Lord has done.

When I chose gratitude and to remember His goodness instead of fear, my anxiety began to ease.

The truth is, God always provides for everything we need. Often it comes at what we call “the last minute,” but it is certainly never too late.

I love what Peter reminds us of in this passage here. God has granted us everything we need for life and godliness.

In addition to caring for our spiritual needs, God cares about our material needs as well.

When it comes to the practical side, what do we need for life?

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells the disciples not to worry about what they will eat, wear, or drink. And in verse 26 (ESV), he says: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Let that soak in.

If God cares for the birds of the air and provides everything they need, how much more will He provide for His children?

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Look around you. Do you have food to eat? Clothes on your back?

Maybe you don’t know how you’ll pay the bills this month, but maybe you’re not supposed to know right now. I heard a story once about a man who needed money for his little son’s birthday party, but he and his wife didn’t even have that. They didn’t know what to do, but they wanted to bless him. While out on a walk, the Lord led him to the exact amount of money he needed to bless his little boy.

When you need it, God will provide it.

Sometimes, He’ll provide through a family that gives eggs from their farm to yours all summer. Or who invites you over and offers to pray over you. Or maybe God will use the kindness of a friend who introduced my dad to leadership at the company he works for, in hopes it may open a door for a job. Or what about my friend who took 2 hours out of his day to point me to the Lord and be a listening ear when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it?

Sometimes, it’s simple things. Sometimes, we get to be that person for someone else, not realizing how a simple act of obedience can truly bless someone’s day and be what we didn’t even realize they needed. Other times, the Lord allows us to be on the receiving end of His goodness through His children.

Pray with me: Dear Father God, please help me to trust that You will give me everything I need for life and godliness. You care about the sparrows and lilies of the field, so how much more do you care for me and provide for me? Thank You for Your provision in my life. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

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When life feels heavy, it’s easy to remember the hurt and forget the help. Painful words, disappointments, and moments of betrayal can stay with us for years, while answered prayers, unexpected blessings, and reminders of God’s faithfulness can fade from memory. Scripture repeatedly calls us to remember what God has done—not because He needs reminding, but because we do.

Remembering God’s goodness can steady your heart when circumstances make you question His presence. As you intentionally look back at His faithfulness, you’re reminded that God has been patient, kind, faithful, and present through every season. Taking time to remember His deeds can shift your focus from what has gone wrong to the God who has never stopped working in your life.

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Full Transcript Below:

Remembering the Lord’s Deeds

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” - Psalm 77:11

It seems that, as people, we so easily forget the good things in life much more quickly than the bad, like the cruel words someone spoke to us as a child or the way someone betrayed us.

Whereas traumas, tragedies, heartaches, and disappointments sometimes seem impossible to forget, some even lingering for a lifetime, joyful and wonderful events and experiences are often easily forgotten.

Maybe it’s why God calls us to purposefully remember His goodness and faithfulness in our lives, knowing the enemy can keep us focused and stuck in the sorrows and losses of life, forgetting all the ways God has been present and active in our lives.

Often, we hear of individuals who, in life-and-death situations, say it seemed as if their life events flashed before them, reminding them of things they had forgotten.

Like them, the prophet Jonah had a similar experience, where it took death’s threats to remind him of God’s goodness. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to You, to Your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7).

But it doesn’t have to take us being at death’s door to remember God’s good deeds in our lives, especially since He calls us to remember them, knowing better than we do how forgetting them can lead our hearts astray.

Remembering helps us stay on God’s pathway in our lives. Jeremiah 2:32 describes how easily people forget: “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet My people have forgotten Me, days without number.”

Forgetting has serious consequences as described in Deuteronomy 8:14: “Then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

In addition, Deuteronomy 8:19 points out: “If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.”

What Remembering God’s Deeds Reminds Us Of

The following are seven reasons why remembering is so important to us, and what we are reminded of when we remember:

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Make time today, this week, and every coming week to remember the Lord’s deeds and remind yourself of why it’s good to remember. Commit to making time throughout the coming year to remember the good of the past.

Further Reading:

A Prayer to Remember Life Is But a Breath

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Fear can feel like a warning system we can't turn off. We worry about the future, replay conversations, imagine everything that could go wrong, and slowly discover that anxiety has taken more from us than we realized. It can affect our faith, relationships, peace, time, gratitude, and even our ability to experience joy. Yet Philippians 4:6-7 offers a different response: instead of carrying our fears alone, we can bring them to God through prayer and thanksgiving and trust Him with what we cannot control.

The good news is that fear doesn't have to have the final word. When anxiety starts shaping the way we see God, ourselves, or the people around us, Scripture calls us back to truth. We can choose faith over fear, gratitude over constant worry, connection over isolation, and prayer over overthinking. God doesn't promise that we will never have reasons to be afraid, but He does promise a peace that can guard our hearts and minds even when our circumstances haven't changed.

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Full Transcript Below:

How Fear Robs You
By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

Bible Reading:
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, CSB)

Can you relate to worrying about something that you had no business worrying about in the first place? You knew everything would work out; perhaps the stakes were low, or maybe you were prepared for whatever happened. Still, nervousness ate at you.

Anxiety grew.

We hear that word so much these days. Anxiety. And it’s such an innate part of the human experience. Some struggle more than others, but we all have those pressure points that cause us to fret every now and again. What will the future bring, or what won’t it bring?

The word anxiety didn’t come about until the 16th Century, but the concept isn’t new. God’s Word talks about human fear time and time again, from Adam and Eve to Peter denying Jesus.

Fear of the future leads to us making silly, and even reckless, choices. So, while we have fear in common, what we also have in common is what fear takes away from us. This is especially true when we sit with our worries for a prolonged period of time.

If you’ve been living like that, take hope. You’re not the first to struggle with rational or irrational fears. You won’t be the last. But each of us can find encouragement in the same place. Our Father in Heaven.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Let’s go over a few things fear robs from each of us when we submit to it, and what we can do instead.

Fear robs you of faith.

The most obvious thing fear takes from us is faith, our ability to believe in and trust God. When fear’s talking, more than likely, our ears are not attuned to what God has to say.

Instead of thinking fear is telling the truth, consider whether truth instead resides with God. Hint, it does. However hard it may be, keep a record of all the times your anxiety turned out to be true versus God’s Word.

Fear robs you of gratitude. 

Anxiety always causes us to overanalyze, overestimate, and underappreciate. Rather than thinking about all the things that could go wrong, ask yourself what could go right. When you weigh what could go wrong versus right, which seems more likely?

Fear robs you of connection.

By its very nature, anxiety consists of thinking negatively. That often means we think negatively of other people, however justified we may feel. The issue is that oftentimes anxiety is inaccurate, and as a result, we’ve given in to an inaccurate view of the other person.

Don’t dwell on their faults. Remember, they, too, are made in the image of God.

Fear robs your peace.

As mentioned, fear leads to negative thinking. You can’t be at peace while your mind is riddled with fear. You have to pick one and walk in that direction, doing all that you can to find it.

Fear robs your time.

How many times have you sat in one spot incessantly thinking about an issue, going over the ins and outs? How many times have you rehashed the same conversations over and over again with the same friend?

There’s a better way to be. Focusing on our issues often exacerbates the problem. But more to the point, instead of dwelling on fear, we ought to keep moving. Doing positive things to focus on more positive thinking.

Taking time to reflect and talk things out is important, but moderate yourself. Don’t give in to the urge to indulge. You won’t feel better, and the problem will just be more cemented in your thinking.

Fear robs you of joy.

Not only is peace impossible when you live life according to your fears. There’s also no way to be happy. Your mind is thinking about all that is going wrong, or could go wrong, instead of the myriad of blessings we experience every day. And we do experience them daily.

You just have to get specific and keep reminding yourself of them day by day. Anxiety is natural for the human condition, but finding joy in God is better for the human condition.

Further Reading:

1 Peter 5:7

Matthew 6:34

Proverbs 3:5-6

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When tomorrow feels heavy before it even arrives, worry can steal the peace God has given you today. The endless what-ifs—What if something goes wrong? What if I can't handle it? What if things don't work out?—can leave you exhausted from carrying problems that haven't happened yet. Jesus offers a different way in Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” He isn't telling us to ignore life's difficulties or pretend everything will be easy. He's reminding us that tomorrow belongs to Him.

Letting go of tomorrow requires releasing our need for control and learning to trust God's care one day at a time. Jesus points to the birds and flowers as reminders that our heavenly Father knows what we need and faithfully provides. We don't have to figure everything out today. Through prayer, thanksgiving, and trust, we can bring our fears to God and find the strength and peace we need for the day in front of us.

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Full Transcript Below:

When You’re Tired of Carrying Tomorrow

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34

Walking down a crowded street, gazing across a stadium filled with cheering fans, or even standing among a group of believers raising their hands in praise we often don’t think of the burdens everyone carries. Jesus, in his ministry here on earth didn’t see the masses, He saw the person. When the crowds would gather at the feet of Jesus, begging for help, Jesus looked and touched each one. The healing didn’t happen in masses, but individually. He did not stand on a stage and declare the Words of God. He reached out and looked deep inside our souls to show us the truth of God’s love for each us. He helps carry our burdens personally.

In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus talks about blessedness, prayer, and money. As he spoke to the crowds, did he see the worry, the stress, and the fatigue of each person? In the middle of His sermon He says to them: “don’t worry.” This phrase means to not be anxious or take on the cares of something. 

Although the idea carries with it a command, Jesus is not saying “try harder.” Instead, He invited them (and us) to let go. The birds and the flowers, which Jesus gives as examples here are not trying harder not to worry - they just don’t. They don’t work harder at gathering food. They work less. The flowers and birds were created by a loving God who meets all of their needs. 

Worry is about letting go.

Because of God’s loving care for us, we have the peace we need to let go of tomorrow's cares. We do not have to carry it any longer. Jesus will later say in Matthew 11:28-30 to lay down our burdens and find rest, true rest, in Him. Anxiety comes from a heart that spends its time overthinking. In a world and age that is consumed with knowledge, we have bought into the lie that more knowledge means more control. And more control means safety. 

The birds and the flowers don’t control nature and you and I know we sometimes cannot control the circumstances of our lives. In Matthew 6 Jesus is specifically talking about possessions, money, and treasure. Our treasure is what our heart holds dear. Control can sometimes become our treasure. If we try to control our life, keep it in check, we will  only be anxious about tomorrow. 

We are heavy and weary from carrying tomorrow’s questions. In the end, it is fear and not trust that keeps us from finding peace today. Paul uses the same word for anxious in Philippians 4:6. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

Paul offers us a different path. Instead of worry or control, he invites us to prayer and praise. Carrying tomorrow’s worry not only clouds our view but keeps us from connecting with God. Jesus never promised that tomorrow would be trouble-free. In fact, He acknowledged that each day carries enough burdens of its own. But He also reminds us that we were never meant to carry tomorrow before it arrives. Worry pulls us out of the present moment and places us into an imaginary future where fear often goes unchecked. Prayer, however, brings us back to the presence of God. 

Look at the birds today. Remember that they depend on the care of their Creator without worry. The flowers bloom without a thought of concern. We, too, can trust our Creator, who loves us deeply. In fact, Jesus says in Luke that we are worth more than any other created being.  God invites us to trust Him, and in our prayers, asking God to work, we find peace. God already knows what tomorrow holds, and He holds tomorrow. It isn’t ours to carry anymore. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you live in fear of the future? All of the what-ifs are out of our control, but they are safe in the loving, sovereign hands of our Savior. Jesus died on the cross, securing our eternal home. We can trust Him with our tomorrows. 

Our tomorrows might be filled with sorrow, and today you might be facing a daily trial that you wish you could wake up tomorrow and it would be over. Tomorrow might come with hardship and pain. Take Paul’s advice and go to God in prayer. Trust that God’s grace will be sufficient for each day. More than that, we know our God says we do not carry our sorrows alone. What burden are you carrying today that God never asked you to hold alone? Take that worry to Him in prayer. 

Further Reading:

Psalm 55:22

Lamentations 3:22-23

Philippians 4:6-7

1 Peter 5:7

Exodus 16:18-21

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When a dream falls apart or a door you prayed would open suddenly closes, it can leave you wondering what God is doing. Maybe you've worked toward a particular career, relationship, opportunity, or ministry, only to hear “no,” “wait,” or nothing at all. Closed doors can feel like rejection, but what if God is using them as redirection? Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we make plans, the Lord ultimately establishes our steps.

Surrendering our plans to God isn't always easy, especially when we genuinely believe we've found the path we were meant to take. But God's “no” doesn't mean He has abandoned us. Sometimes He is protecting us, sometimes He is preparing us for something different, and sometimes we may never know why a particular door closed. The invitation is to trust the Author of our story, release our grip on the outcome, and pray, “Your will be done.”

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Full Transcript Below:

When God, the Author, Rewrites Your Plans

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 ESV).

I just returned from living in the beautiful state of Tennessee for over 4 weeks, working on a feature film project. As I’ve been processing all the Lord has done, I’ve reflected on this verse in Proverbs in particular.

When I was a little girl, it was my dream to serve the Lord through media missions.

As a young woman, how is that dream now a reality?

Only God.

The truth is, we all have dreams, hopes, and plans. There is nothing wrong with making plans and hoping for something. In fact, God often places these desires in our hearts.

What about when our plans fall through? When we feel like we’re praying, begging for a breakthrough, but heaven seems silent, or worse yet, God says no?

There have been times in my life when I found myself on my knees praying for something, only for the door to slam shut. When we have our plans, sometimes we can question why.

Why would God withhold something good from us?

I can’t claim to know God’s reasons. After all, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-11). Sometimes, rejection is our protection.

I have often found in my life that God will open doors that will draw me closer to Him and will bring Him the most glory. When He withholds something, it could simply be that I long for that thing more than I long for the will of the Lord to be done.

That’s convicting.

I want to desire God’s will far more than I desire anything else.

That’s hard.

When Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, He tells them to start by praying “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (v. 9, 10 ESV).

Notice the part about “your will be done.” God’s will is perfect. We should have a heart that desires to see God’s perfect will unfold here on earth as it does in heaven. We know God has good plans for us that are far better than anything we could dream or even begin to hope for.

It’s one thing to agree with our lips, but quite another to truly desire in our hearts when God’s will isn’t always ours.

What about when God says no?

When God allows a door to quietly close?

I wish I could say it’s easy to accept those no’s, but I don’t know that it ever gets easier.

When we receive a no from God, sometimes, we may never understand why. Other times, we’ll look back and realize it was His protection or He had different plans that may’ve never unfolded otherwise.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

It can be incredibly difficult when our plans fall apart, when a dream begins to fade, or when a door we’ve knocked on stays firmly locked. It’s okay to grieve and to take our pain to Jesus. In fact, He wants us to share everything on our hearts with Him.

But a closed door, a changed plan, or a dream that feels dead isn’t a sign of God’s abandonment. Instead, it’s proof of God, the Author’s hand over each of our lives, writing in each moment, caring for us so deeply as He sketches out all the details. Think about that.

He cares about us so deeply that He’ll tell us no, shut a door, or change our plans.

As I reflect on my own life, I can see the doors God has closed and others He has flung wide open. If it weren’t for the “no’s” of the past, I don’t think I would’ve received or appreciated all the “yeses” of today. That doesn’t mean there aren’t “nos,” “not yets,” or “waits” in this current season.

But when there are, I want to remember that every closed door isn’t a rejection but a redirection, a beautiful gift from God.

His plans aren’t always ours. His thoughts are often far beyond what we could imagine.

And honestly?

Thank God.

If you are facing a closed door today, take some time to consider the following questions:

Are you gripping a specific outcome so tightly that you’re missing where the Lord may be leading you next? Can you find peace in the truth that God’s "no" is an act of sovereign protection? How can you shift your prayers today from "Lord, do things my way" to "Your will be done"?

Pray with me:

Dear Father, thank You that Your plans aren’t always mine. Thank You for every "no," for every time You tell me to wait, or when You whisper, “not yet.” Thank You for the times You shut doors just as much as when You open them. Please help me surrender to Your leading and release my plans to You. Lord, please don’t let me miss where You are calling me next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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When your adult child is going through heartbreak, it can be difficult to know what to do. You want to protect them, take away their pain, and somehow make everything better—but you can't walk through the heartbreak for them. Whether they are grieving a breakup, betrayal, disappointment, or another painful relationship experience, Christian parents can learn to support their adult children while trusting God to carry them through the storm.

Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that God doesn't promise a life without painful seasons, but He does promise His presence in the middle of them: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” As a parent, that means you don't have to fix your adult child's heartbreak. You can listen, offer a steady and loving presence, pray for them, and give their pain and future to God, trusting Him to bring healing, wisdom, and hope in His timing.

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Full Transcript Below:

Giving Your Adult Child’s Heartbreak to God

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. 

– Isaiah 43:2, NIV 

As Christians, we know that Jesus doesn’t promise a trouble-free life here on earth. Which naturally means we can expect that there will be days or seasons of pain, heartache, confusion, or grief. However, just knowing that we’re human (and that hurt will find us eventually) doesn’t prevent the sadness and anger heartbreak causes—whenever and however it shows up. We can try to gird ourselves with gratitude, faith, and hope. Relying on this inclination can help us weather storms. But we can’t make the storms simply not come.

Being a parent of two adult children, I deeply understand the desire to wish every hard thing away from your children’s lives. It starts early, before their very first injury, and continues through your entire parenting journey. And although you know that surviving struggles will help your children build compassion, wisdom, and strength, this can get dicey when it comes to someone mistreating them or breaking their heart. 

Because you’ve raised your child to be an adult, you know they’re “out there” in this world, taking chances, loving deeply, and making their own choices. Yet you still want to be there for them, whenever they may need you. But the role has shifted fully now, from daily provider to encourager as they chart their own path. You know it’s right to raise adults, and not “baby” your grown children, but it’s also a strange and somewhat tender passage. It means letting go of having a say-so and just being available for them as they seek direction from the ultimate parent, God. 

In Isaiah 43:2, God is reassuring the Israelites that he is carrying them through their exile, no matter how hard it seems. And he is assuring all of us today that no matter what your adult child is walking through, God promises to step right into the murky water with them.

Later in Isaiah 43:18-19, God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Some biblical scholars say that God is clearly stating here that when a situation is dire and feels unbearable, he will never abandon you and is working on something new for you.

This is good news when your own heart is aching because someone has broken your adult child’s heart. It means you can be sure that God is in control of your child’s recovery. Remember, it’s a promise. And for your own heart, while you’re believing in God to carry your child through grief, you can lean into 1 Peter 5:7, and “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 

When someone hurts your grown child’s heart, leaving them holding a heavy load of bewilderment or loneliness, let them know you love them and are right here for anything they want or need. Keep checking in and listening. It’s likely they’ve been through enough maturing to not want or need you to preach to them, offer them pity, or even cry with them—though I know you want to. Because God is with them, you can be the same present, interested, loving parent you’ve always been, and have faith in better days ahead. 

You may have been through to the other side of heartbreak yourself and seen the kind of redemption your child hasn’t. Yet. It’s certain they will encounter their own unique ups, downs, and renewals. 

So be patient. Be kind. And remember that the final verse of the famous 1 Corinthians 13 “love chapter” that tells us true love is patient and kind, also encourages us: 

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Remind your child that God loves them, and so do you. And that you believe God’s promise: that He will carry them through. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When you want to “fix” your adult child’s relationship heartbreak, consider instead offering your loving presence in ways like these:

Further Reading:
Psalm 147:3

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 23

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Sharing your faith doesn’t have to mean having the perfect answer to every question about Christianity or knowing exactly what to say. Christian witness is about showing and sharing the love of Jesus with the people around you. But how can you talk about your faith without coming across as judgmental, pushy, or disconnected from where someone is? The Bible calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and that starts with the way we live, listen, and treat others.

When we approach evangelism with kindness, humility, and genuine love, we create opportunities for meaningful conversations about God and the gospel. We may not see an immediate response, and we may not have every answer, but we can faithfully plant seeds of faith and trust God with the results. A Christ-centered witness isn't about winning an argument—it's about pointing people toward Jesus in a way that reflects His love.

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Full Transcript Below:

A Kinder Way to Witness

By Alexis A. Goring

Bible Reading:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)

One evening, as I was leaving the building where I worked in Washington, D.C., I saw a man standing in the middle of walking traffic, holding a megaphone and shouting at everyone as they passed by. He was telling them to stop sinning and was using a lot of words that only Christians who know the Bible understand. I also noticed that he had an angry demeanor. I walked away thinking, “That’s not how you get people to want to know Jesus Christ.”

I’m not an expert nor an evangelist, but I believe there is a kinder way to witness. The Bible says we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). God doesn’t tell us to hit people over the head with The Holy Bible, shout angry words of condemnation through a megaphone or microphone, nor tell people bluntly that they are going to hell or make them feel lesser than for not yet knowing Jesus. 

I would like to suggest a kinder way to witness. Here’s what I believe: First, we preach with our lives. John MacArthur, an American pastor, stated, “You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.” According to Google, “This quote highlights the concept that for non-Christians, a believer’s daily actions, character, and life testimony serve as their very first (and sometimes only) exposure to the teachings of Jesus. The quote challenges believers to live a consistent, transparent life that accurately reflects God's Word. It emphasizes that a Christian's behavior should draw others toward Christ rather than drive them away.”

Second, Christians should acknowledge that we are all sinners who need a Savior. But then speak the truth in love. Start by telling people about a King (God) who loves them so much that He left the glory and perfection of Heaven to come to Earth in human form to save our souls. Encourage them to read John 3:16-17 for details. Let the people know that this Eternal King offers them life after death in a place (Heaven) so wonderful that no human words in any language can describe. Let the people know that the way to have eternal life after death is through accepting the free gift of salvation offered through a relationship with God’s Son (Jesus Christ). 

Third, be prepared to share your testimony about why you believe in God and have accepted Jesus as your Savior. When I worked as a journalist, I had a conversation with a co-worker. He wanted to talk about my faith in God. After I told him why I believe in God and follow Jesus Christ, the conversation turned to the Bible. He told me that the Bible doesn’t make sense when you read it from a journalist's perspective. I didn’t know what to say then, but years and more life experience later, I realize I should have responded that you have to read the Bible through a lens of faith with help from The Holy Spirit to understand it because spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

When I told him that God has sheep in other pastures (John 10:16), he became offended. He told me that he hates it when Christians say that because he is not dumb like a sheep. I realized then that I didn’t know how to reach him with God’s truth. I knew not to be aggressive in witnessing about Christ to him, and I did my best to speak the truth in love, but I didn’t have the life experiences and deeper wisdom that I have now. I wasn’t equipped to effectively win his soul to Jesus. But I believe I did plant a seed of faith in him during that conversation, and I know that God can send more Christ-followers to him and everyone else who doesn’t know Jesus yet, and those Christians can water the seeds I and others planted to the point where, if he is willing, he can have faith in Jesus that blooms. 

Finally, I’d like to say that people have to be willing to follow Jesus. God will never force anybody to believe in Him and follow Christ. He gave us all free will. But He does encourage us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19).

What I learned from my conversations with people over the years is that when witnessing, it is more effective if you meet unbelievers on their level and speak in terms they can understand. Just like an effective teacher learns the learning styles of each of their students, then tailors each lesson to speak to them in a way they will understand, we as Christians need to follow a similar suit when witnessing.

In closing, I’d like for you to listen and reflect on three songs (listed below). 

Song of Reflection #1: “The Introduction” by Laos in Harmony. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #2:“Know Us By Our Love” by Moriah. Listen to it HERE. 

Song of Reflection #3: “Forever” by Kari Jobe Carnes. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? How can you, who know Jesus, tell the world about our Savior in a kind way?

Further Reading:

John 14:1-6

Romans 6:23

1 Peter 3:15-16

Matthew 5:16

2 Corinthians 5:20

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Through the story of Abraham, we see what it means to trust God before seeing the outcome. God promised Abraham descendants, a land, and a legacy that would bless generations. Yet many of those promises took years—and even generations—to unfold. Abraham did not always understand how God would fulfill His promises, and he did not live to see every part of them completed. Still, God remained faithful.

When progress feels slow or the results of our work remain unseen, it can be tempting to quit. But a lack of visible results does not mean God is absent or inactive. Faith often means continuing to obey, trust, and move forward while we wait for God's purposes to unfold.

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Full Transcript Below:

Faith While We Wait
By: Laura Bailey 

Bible Reading:

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)

“I am done! I have spent hours investing in this ministry, and after a year, still nothing has changed,” I yelled into the air. I’d felt confident in God’s leading me to start this new program for the community, yet everywhere I turned, I was faced with opposition, roadblocks, and general disappointment. 

Admittedly, I am great at starting things but horrible at finishing them– especially when I can’t see the fruits of my labor. I shared with my husband that I was contemplating throwing in the towel; I’d obviously misheard God speaking to my heart.

My husband, who, thank goodness, is always there to calm me and offer a word of encouragement or a different perspective, gently nudged me to recall what we’d been studying in Sunday School recently. A few months prior, my husband and I began teaching through the book of Genesis, line by line. Just the previous week, we covered God’s promise to Abraham to make him into a great nation. God promises to give Abraham a purpose, a place, and people, but God doesn’t tell him how or when He will fulfill them. ⁠ 

Let’s look at the first part of God’s promise to make Abraham into a great nation. This promise would have been difficult for Abraham to digest because at the time, he and his wife, Sarah, were childless. Abraham did have a son with his female slave, Hagar, but God is clear that he is not the one to whom God will fulfill his promise (Genesis 21:5). Eventually, God does give Sarah and Abraham a child, Isaac, but it is 25 years later! Talk about a test of patience and faith. 

 The Lord also promises, “To your offspring I will give this land (Genesis 12:7). Abraham moves his family from the place they’ve always called home into a foreign land where they are strangers, temporary residents, all on a promise of future ownership. 

Abraham spends his life traveling through the Promised Land as a visitor; he never takes ownership in his lifetime. And, it will be many years before the Israelites inhabit it, after centuries of trials and tribulations. God does make Abraham’s name great so that he can bless the many generations before him. Yet, this doesn’t happen overnight; Abraham dies before he sees the fulfillment of God’s promises. But as we know, God was faithful to keep His promise.

It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see earthly results, but that doesn’t mean God isn't at work. God works on His timeline, not ours. Abraham is listed in Hebrews 11 as a man who walked by faith. If you read through Abraham’s story, you will see that he didn’t always walk by faith flawlessly, yet he trusted in God to keep His promises. Abraham obeyed God’s commands without knowing the outcome.

As I think about Abraham and the numerous others in Scripture who walked by faith, even when they didn’t see results, they continued to press on to what God called them to do. Selfishly, I pray I will be able to see positive movement in ministry visually, but if not, I’ll remind myself that even when I can’t see it, God is faithful. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Has God called you to something, but you are struggling to remain faithful? Write down 3 promises that God fulfilled in Scripture and put them somewhere to encourage you when you're wavering.

Further Reading:

Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty 

Hebrews 11

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What does it mean to keep going when life takes an unexpected and painful turn? We reflect on Hebrews 11:1 and the importance of cultivating faith, hope, and confidence in God—even when we cannot see what lies ahead.

Through the story of Otto Frank and the legacy he carried forward after unimaginable loss, we are reminded that pain does not have to be the end of our story. While we may face seasons of doubt, grief, uncertainty, or struggle, faith invites us to continue trusting God when the path ahead is unclear.

The Bible reminds us that faith is more than simply believing when life is easy. It is confidence in God when we cannot yet see the outcome. Through prayer, Scripture, and an active relationship with Him, we can strengthen our trust and keep moving forward—one faithful step at a time.

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Full Transcript Below:

Cultivating the Faith to Keep Going
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). 

Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the eight Jews in hiding within the Secret Annex, would have felt intense loss upon his return to Amsterdam after the Allies' defeat of Nazi Germany. He was already notified by previous prisoners about the death of his wife, Edith. She had died in Auschwitz due to starvation. However, he had hope that his two daughters, Margot and Anne, were still alive. This was the hope that ultimately kept him alive. 

Through the Red Cross, sisters Janny and Lien Brilleslijper, contacted Otto and notified him of the death of his two daughters. They had both died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen. Unable to stand the pain, he confided in the helpers of the Secret Annex: Miep Gies, Jan Gies, Victor Kugler, Johannes Kleiman, Bep Voskuijl, and Johan Voskuijl. Although several of them had been taken by the Nazis after their hiding place was discovered, they were able to escape or be released based on medical reasons. Once Miep was notified that Anne had passed away in Bergen-Belsen, she handed Anne’s beloved diary to Otto. 

At first, Otto could not bring himself to read it, yet with time, he became absorbed in his daughter’s writing. He would later reflect that it was only through Anne’s diary that he truly knew her. In Anne’s Diary, Anne disclosed how there were two versions of herself: the outgoing, bubbly version and the quiet, reserved, and thoughtful version. Otto said he never knew his daughter held such expressive views and thoughts. He encouraged every parent to truly get to know their child, support them, and be the parent you wanted your parents to be to you. 

For the rest of his life, Otto dedicated his time and energy to bringing awareness to Anne’s diary, advocating for acceptance over hate, and the need to end anti-semitism. To prevent the past from repeating, we must learn from it. Although Otto had been through unspeakable pain, he used what resources he had to keep the memory of his daughter alive. Through Otto, the Anne Frank Fonds was founded in January 1963. He also founded the Anne Frank House, which attracts over 1.3 million people every year. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Although Otto’s hope was dashed to pieces after hearing the news of his daughters’ deaths, he kept pushing forward in life. He had a purpose: to make his daughter’s memory known to the world and to fulfill her wish to become a writer. In our own lives, we must advance with this same confidence.

If we have faith in God, nothing can hinder our lives. Cultivating faith in God can be challenging, especially if we have experienced a troubling time, but we are never without help. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can foster a steadfast hope within us. This hope is like an everlasting candle; a candle that can never burn out. 

What is currently bringing doubts into your heart? Perhaps you are doubtful that God will bring you out of this difficult season, or if you will overcome a certain sin you are struggling with. Rather than doubting God, believe. As the father of the sick child said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Overcoming doubts and unbelief can be realized by spending time with God in prayer and Bible reading. By actively participating in your relationship with God, your faith in Him will grow. There may be difficult times ahead, but if your faith in God is strong, you can overcome even the toughest of situations. As the writer of Hebrews says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Foster hope in God; He will never fail you. 

Do you doubt God in your daily life? What are some ways you can cultivate hope, confidence, and trust in God?

Further Reading:

2 Corinthians 5:7

Romans 15:13

Isaiah 43:2

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Strong relationships are not built simply by having the right advice or knowing exactly what to say. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is listen. Kelly Balarie explores the wisdom of James 1:19 and the importance of becoming a thoughtful listener instead of rushing to conclusions.

It can be easy to hear only part of someone's words and fill in the gaps with our own assumptions. But truly listening requires patience. It means slowing down long enough to understand not only what someone is saying, but also what may be beneath their words and what they may genuinely need from us.

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Full Transcript Below:

One Tip to Forge Strong Relationships
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]…” – James 1:19 AMPC

I heard the first half of what she said, “Mom, I really don’t want to…because…”. 

But what I didn’t hear was everything after she spoke the word “because”. All that?  Her words were muffled. I entirely missed the last part of everything she said.

So, I just filled in the gap with my own conclusion. And my conclusion was not positive. I figured the worst.

“Mom, that’s not even what I am saying,” she said. “You’re not even listening. You’re getting it all wrong; I didn’t even say that.”

She was right; I jumped to conclusions.

Ever been there? Maybe I’m not alone. Sometimes it is easy to fill in blanks with our own thoughts. It’s hard to endure gaps, waits, and the unknown. It is easier to get to the point, the end of the story, the conclusion, and to wrap things up with a bow.

I’m sure that most of us love to get to our favorite part of a song. The beginning lines hang in waiting until we can make it to the chorus that unloads the song. We don’t like waiting.

However, I’m learning, waiting is wisdom.

James 1:19 AMPC says, “Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]…”

True understanding is thoughtful listening. Thoughtful listening often requires us to listen more deeply to understand more fully. It requires us to hear:

What is being said on face value? What is under the surface of the speaker’s words? What the other person needs.

Words have the ability to heal or hurt. 

How many of us can remember a mean word spoken over us in middle school? It’s funny, the kind words don’t last, but the mean ones seem to. We remember a word for decades, as if it were yesterday.

God knows, this is why His Word instructs us to be slow to speak. Not everything we think needs to be said. In fact, the less we say, the more impact what we do say has.

The key? Rightly discerning what God wants said. Rightly understanding what needs to be said. Rightly noticing the proper time to say it. 

A wise counselor could give the most biblical advice ever, but if it is said with the wrong tone, at the wrong time, or belabored in the wrong way, it most certainly will fall on deaf ears. We can be right in our words and absolutely wrong in our delivery.   We can speak the truth and actually hurt someone with it if we do so from a spirit of anger.

To build strong relationships is to seek to understand. People know when one wants to be right and when they want to understand; there is a difference.

This is why we are quick to listen. Because loving is listening. Understanding lets others know we are there for them rather than proving a point. 

And love is what we are after.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What would it look like for you to truly listen? Do you formulate comebacks in your mind before the other person is done speaking, or do you truly listen to what they are saying?

Rather than giving advice or having all the answers, what would it look like for you to put yourself in their shoes – and care. Doing this forges strong and trustworthy relationships.

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Parenting can come with plenty of unsolicited comments, especially when you're out in public with your children. In “Reminding Our Hearts That Children Are a Blessing,” Emily Rose Massey challenges us to look beyond cultural attitudes toward children and remember what Scripture says about their value. Psalm 127:3 calls children a gift from the Lord and a reward, giving parents a biblical perspective when the world may treat children as a burden or inconvenience.

Our words matter, especially because children are always watching and listening. Emily encourages parents to respond to insensitive comments with truth and grace while also challenging Christians to become people who encourage other parents rather than add to their burdens. When we see children as God sees them, our response can become an opportunity to point others toward His goodness, faithfulness, and grace.

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Full Transcript Below:

Reminding Our Hearts That Children Are a Blessing

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NASB 1995).

“You have your hands full!”

If I had a dollar for every time I have heard that phrase in my ten years of being a mom when I was out and about with my kids in public, I would probably be a quasi-millionaire! Well, that might be an over-exaggeration, but I have heard it quite often! Although I know most people are just trying to find something to say to connect with a stranger, I do wish we could find a different phrase to say that encourages moms with little ones who take them out in public. 

A few times recently, that common phrase was followed up with some extremely rude and inappropriate remarks when they found out that I did not, in fact, have all my children with me and that I had more at home. Our children also hear those negative comments about them. They are much smarter and more observant than we give them credit for sometimes. How do we think their little hearts are being impacted by what strangers believe about their mere existence? It often makes me question how we, as a society, truly view children or big families in general. I only have four children, so I cannot imagine what moms with more than that might hear while grocery shopping!

Truthfully, I think we need to pay attention to what the scriptures say about children because God created them. God calls children a blessing, a gift from the Giver of good gifts. Do we have eyes to see them as a blessing?

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NASB 1995).

Intersecting Life & Faith:

I understand that those who are not Christians dismiss what the Bible says about any topic, so we should not be very shocked when the world behaves in a worldly way or says unlovely things about what God has created. Unfortunately, our culture speaks more highly of pets than of children. As Christians, though, we need to live counter-culturally and not get swept up in the world’s ways or thinking. We all might be guilty of viewing children as a burden or annoyance from time to time. It’s human nature to be selfish and bothered by anyone (even those tiny ones) who may interrupt our plans or embarrass us in public. We must remind our hearts of what God says about these precious little souls, and we must lead by example. 

I have shared some of my thoughts regarding these comments in public with my friends who are moms of little ones to encourage them not to grow offended, but to meet these remarks with truth and love. One idea a dear friend shared with me was that when someone tells her that she has her hands full, she responds, “Not as full as my heart!” 

Friends, this is our opportunity to boast in the Lord’s goodness for blessing us with these children that He calls a reward! Our response to them testifies to our faith in Jesus Christ and can challenge their own thinking about how they view God’s blessings, especially if the person professes to be a follower of Christ. I think it is important to be prepared to have these kind and truthful responses when we are out in public with our children. What other phrases come to mind that you can offer to the strangers who might choose to connect with you about your kids? Ask the Lord for these opportunities to not only respond lovingly but perhaps even engage in conversation about God’s faithfulness and grace that you experience in parenthood. 

Let’s live our faith out loud when we are running errands at the grocery store, the post office, the doctor’s office, or waiting in line to order some lunch. How can you encourage moms and dads when they are in public with their kids so that they also know that their children are not seen as a burden or nuisance? Our kids are always listening and watching! What kind of response will they hear from your lips when someone tries to shame their existence? I hope they hear how much you love them and thank the Lord for giving you such amazing gifts from above. More importantly, the Lord is listening and watching how we speak of children in our lives or around us. Thank You, Lord, for our children… what abundant blessings they are to our lives! May You receive all the glory in our hearts and lives as parents to these precious souls. 

Further Reading:

Matthew 18

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Stress can affect every area of life, from finances and work to family and relationships. But when pressure builds, where do we turn first? In “Staying Strong, Not Stressed,” Cindi McMenamin explains why taking our stress to God before placing emotional expectations on the people around us can strengthen both our faith and our relationships.

God already knows every thought, frustration, and word before we express it, making Him the perfect place to bring our burdens first. Cindi shares three practical habits for navigating stressful seasons: tell God first, trust His promises, and thank Him constantly. While these practices may not immediately change our circumstances, they can change how we respond to them and help us become a source of encouragement rather than additional stress for those around us.

Highlights

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Staying Strong, Not Stressed
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all (Psalm 139:4 NASB). 

Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can take its toll on any of us. 

But how do we handle stress so we don’t push others away from us? 

I used to find myself reaching out to my husband or my young adult daughter to get the relief, encouragement, or support I needed to get through stressful times. I would provide explanations for my stressed-out behavior and seek their understanding. But I’ve learned through the years that having such expectations of others can backfire. 

You and I can push our marriages over the edge if we let our spouses know they are not meeting our emotional needs or expectations at a time when they might be dealing with multiple frustrations as well. 

We can also damage our relationships with our children—regardless of their ages—when we expect them to be there for us, emotionally, when they might not feel equipped to do what it is we are expecting of them, or respond in a way that will meet our emotional needs. 

There have been many times in the past several years that I’ve had to make a conscious decision not to lay my expectations on my husband or daughter when I’ve felt particularly stressed, regardless of the source. And as I began to take my troubles and stressful times to God first, I found that I was not only more able and stable to deal with whatever came my way, but I could help others in my family through whatever they were going through, as well. 

David sang in Psalm 139:4 that God knows everythingwe are going to say, even before there is a word on our tongues. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we say them, and our actions before we carry them out. 

Certainly, a God like that is the One we should be going to first when we begin to feel stressed. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

Today, when stress starts rearing its ugly head in my life, I practice these “Three T’s” on a daily basis to stay strong during difficult times: 

Tell God First—Sometimes you and I need to vent or just talk aloud about what we’re feeling. But our frustrations can come across as accusations or complaints if we’re not careful. And since it is natural for others who love and care about us to try to find a solution to fix our stressful situation, when we just wanted someone to listen, it’s better to go to God with the venting first. Sure, God already knows what we’re going to say, according to Psalm 139:4. But by telling God first all that is on our hearts and minds, He can be the “buffer.”   Trust God’s Promises—The Bible is full of God’s promises about His provision and protection. So, when we become troubled about finances, or a work deadline, or health issues, we can find comfort just by remembering some of God’s encouraging words to His people. In Philippians 4:19, Paul says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Keep stress sidelined by banking on the promises in the Bible and taking God at His Word. 

Thank God Constantly—No matter what the situation, there’s always something to be thankful for. One of my friends was discouraged that her husband’s new job didn’t pay as well as his previous one. But someincome was better than none. Another friend complained about her teenager’s disinterest in school and his unwillingness to "apply himself,” yet he was still very interested in his church's youth group. We can become people of praise with a contagious positive attitude when we obey God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful spouse, parent, or friend is pleasant to be around. 

When you and I practice these three T’s—telling God first, trusting His promises, and thanking Him constantly—our circumstances might not change immediately. But by depending on God—and not solely on others—we can not only alleviate the stress in our lives, but we can become encouragers who model to others how to handle stress in their lives as well. 

Further Reading:
Psalm 62:5-8

To grow more dependent on God, and improve your relationships, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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Is your life part of a greater purpose, or can it sometimes feel like a collection of random circumstances? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores what Romans 8:28-30 teaches about God’s purpose, His sovereignty, and His ability to work through every part of our lives. Your story is not an accident, and your circumstances are not beyond God’s reach.

From creation to the way God knows and loves each of us personally, Scripture points to a God who has been present throughout our entire story. Even when we cannot understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is working all things together for good and drawing us closer to Him.

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Full Transcript Below:

Working All Things for Good
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” - Rom. 8:28-30 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered if God has a plan and a purpose for you? Or does it seem like your life has aimlessly evolved over time? Do you believe the circumstances you are in now are the result of fate or predestination? Or do you think your journey on this earth has simply been happenstance, a completely random assortment of events with no rhyme or reason behind each occurrence? 

These are tough questions that many of us tend to wrestle with internally. Whether we share these musings with others or not, many of us ponder whether our lives really have a purpose, and, if so, who or what is behind it. The world offers boundless explanations for humanity’s origin and design. From pointless existence to eternal destiny, it seems there are ideologies ready to appease any appetite or preference. However, an abundance of theories can cause chaos and confusion rather than promote confident assurance. This is why we must carefully consider and ask for God’s help with discernment as we contemplate the deeper meaning of each of our lives, so that we… “won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth,” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). 

As you seek to understand your reason for being, the answers might be much closer than you think. You do not need to travel the world or climb the highest mountain peak in search of purpose. You don’t need to exhaustively study to ascertain the origin of wisdom. You simply need to look up and look out. The answers you seek are evident right in front of your very eyes through creation. Nature, in all of its glory, demonstrates the divine. Majestic, intelligent design causes the sun to rise and set, the earth to orbit through the universe, and each individual heart to beat without conscious thought or effort.

John 1:3 states, “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him,” (NLT). Our Maker separated the sky from the waters, established all manner of life from the smallest seed to the giant sequoias, and formed you personally, individually, uniquely in your mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). He knew you before you spoke your first word. He treasured you before you were even aware of his existence. So great is God’s love for you that he chose to proactively cover your sin and separation from God through the sacrifice of his only Son (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). Even further, he has caused all things to work together for your good. Your life is not an accident. It is not the result of an arbitrary series of events. He has known you and chosen you. His eye has been upon every moment of your life. He has predestined your steps so that you would be drawn closer to him and share in his glory.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you feel that your life has meaning and purpose? Or do you wrestle with a lack of fulfillment and clarity? Have you wondered if your journey through life has been a haphazard assortment of random events? Or do you believe God has had a plan and a purpose behind every step? 

Regardless of which side you find yourself on, may I encourage you to take some time to reflect on today’s truths? If you read these words with confidence and assurance that God has been at work in your life, take some time to thank him for his good work. Think through specific circumstances where you know God was a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Ps. 119:05) and offer a prayer of gratitude. 

If today’s message was unfamiliar and challenged you to consider God’s presence in the design of your life, may I encourage you to recite this simple prayer below? As you pray, ask the Lord to give you eyes to clearly see how he has been at work in and through your life.

Lord, I come to you today unsure of your plans and purpose in my life. Would you help me to visibly see how you have been present and at work in my journey thus far? Even though I am still a bit unsure, I choose to believe that you see me and know me. Help me to fully comprehend your love for me. Amen.

Further Reading:
Rom. 5:5-11
John 3:16

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When someone breaks a promise or betrays your trust, forgiveness can feel far more difficult than simply saying, “I forgive you.” Laura Bailey shares how a broken confidence left her wrestling with hurt and resentment—and how a rainbow after a summer storm reminded her of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and promises.

God remained faithful even when His people were not. Through the rainbow given to Noah and the ultimate promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful to forgive and restore. Remembering how much God has forgiven us can change the way we respond when others hurt or disappoint us, helping us release resentment and pursue peace while still recognizing that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation.

Highlights

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Full Transcript Below:

The Promise That Teaches Us to Forgive
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13 ( NIV)

I’ll never forget one of the first times I  experienced the heartache of someone breaking their promise. As I think back to the day my friend gave away the seat at the lunch table that had been promised to me, it seems so trivial.

While I’ve moved on from past adolescent hurt, the reality is that the painful feelings of broken promises and unmet expectations are present in adulthood. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher than eating lunch alone. A breach of confidence can lead to family tensions, severed relationships, and future mistrust of people. As an adult, I long for the simplicity of recess drama, where misplaced trust held little consequence.

Recently, a close friend I confided in let slip some details of our conversation to a group of ladies. I’d specifically asked that she keep our conversation between us, and she assured me that she could be trusted. So, when, later that week, a mutual friend sent a text that read, “I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time; I’ll be praying for you,” my initial response was not one of gratitude but grievance. 

I was deeply hurt by my friend's inability to keep her lips zipped. However, I decided not to say anything to her, but by my frosty “hello” at church the following Sunday, she knew something wasn’t right between us.  She invited me to coffee and apologized profusely for her carelessness; she genuinely didn’t mean to overshare. I could tell that she was sincerely sorry, but even as I looked into her tear-pricked eyes, my heart remained hardened towards her. We left our time together with a hug, and I said that “all had been forgiven,” but truthfully, I was still fuming inside.

While we were at the coffee shop, a summer storm came through, leaving a curtain of fresh steam, inescapable puddles, and a beautiful rainbow. On my drive home,  I couldn’t help but feel like the rainbow was following me. “I know, God, I know,” I muttered into the air. 

One of the first stories we learn as children is about Noah and the Ark and God sending a rainbow– a reminder that God keeps His promises. I began to think about the first rainbow. I wonder if, as he looked to the sky, Noah questioned whether God would keep his promise never to flood the earth again. Scripture often speaks of God’s covenants with His people, His first being that He would send a Savior to save us from our sins (Genesis 3:15). We see the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus, and every rainbow we see is an affirmation that God is faithful in keeping all His promises. 

I began to recall the countless times I hadn’t kept God’s commandments, my word, or broken a promise. Yet God is quick to forgive me and even promises to remember my sins against Him no more (Hebrews 8:12). If God, the creator of the Universe, can forgive my many acts of disobedience, both unintentional and intentional, who am I to withhold forgiveness from my friend? I was stewing over a few misspoken words when my own sinful nature was the reason why God sent His son Jesus to cleanse me of my sin—the ultimate act of love and full redemption. I could forgive my friend because I’d been forgiven, and when I’d been unfaithful, God continued to be faithful. 

It can be difficult to move past hurt, especially at the hands of someone we trust. There will be times when forgiveness is appropriate, but reconciliation may not be due to the need for boundaries or distance. But let me encourage you: let us live out the words of Paul in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:How does remembering God’s faithfulness to His promises—even when we are unfaithful—help you when you struggle to forgive others?

Further Reading:
A Prayer When You Don’t Feel Like Forgiving
Hebrews 8:12

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Friendship can be easy when life is convenient, but biblical friendship calls us to something deeper: loyalty, intentionality, vulnerability, and sacrificial love. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi offers a powerful picture of faithful friendship rooted in a shared devotion to God. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects the kind of steadfast love and loyalty Christians are called to demonstrate.

Jesus gives us the ultimate example of faithful friendship. He invested His time, attention, affection, and ultimately His life in His friends, showing that genuine love is active and sacrificial. As we pursue Christ and allow His love to shape us, our friendships can become opportunities to encourage others, grow in faith, and point one another toward God.

Highlights

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Full Transcript Below:

Becoming a Faithful Friend like Jesus

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you” (Ruth 1:16-17).

“Biblical friendship exists when two or more people, bound together by a common faith in Jesus Christ, pursue him and his Kingdom with intentionality and vulnerability. Rather than serving as an end in itself, biblical friendship serves primarily to bring glory to Christ, who brought us into friendship with the Father. It is indispensable to the work of the gospel in the earth, and an essential element of what God created us for.” -Jonathan Holmes

We see evidence of faithful and committed friendships like that in the scriptures: Paul and Timothy, Jesus and His disciples, David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi. Let’s look at an example of loyalty in the life of Ruth in Ruth 1:16-17:

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

John MacArthur calls these verses Ruth’s “hallmark expression of loyalty and commitment to Naomi.” These verses (verses 16, 17) are commonly read at wedding ceremonies to express the depth of faithfulness and commitment in the union of marriage. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with using these verses to express loyalty and love in a marriage relationship, the proper context is rooted in the friendship between these two women, Ruth and Naomi, but it is interesting to note that their friendship was a very intimate one, a soul-quality one- the type of commitment that one would find in a Biblical marriage because it’s foundation is the same, love for God.

I believe it’s important to understand where Ruth’s ability to love and be loyal comes from. By God’s grace, Ruth turns away from the paganism of Moab and turns to Yahweh. This response is evidence of her repentance (a turning away from) and her faith (a turning towards) the One, True God. Her conversion to becoming a follower of God is where it all begins. By God’s grace, she becomes a lover of God and receives His love for her and then pours that out on Naomi. Oh, may we do the same!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If we love God and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God’s love will be evident in our lives by how well we show His love: for Him, most importantly, and for others. If you are born again, God’s love is abiding in you through the Holy Spirit. If that is true for you, is God’s love being perfected in you? How well are you loving others… how purposeful? How intentional are you with reaching out and showing the love of Christ to others? My pastor recently said that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy. If your love is being perfected, it is growing; it is not apathetic and idle. We can see how God’s love is being perfected in us by how we treat one another. 

The “One Anothers” in scripture help us to become better friends because they help us love like Christ! There are almost 60 of these verses in the New Testament. Clearly, the most common phrase in the list of “one anothers” is “love one another,” but really all of the verses are about loving one another—because love is an action, and because all of God’s commands can be summarized as loving God and loving your neighbor. Living out these verses in community is how we can love—and be loved—by one another.

Ultimately, we must be committed to glorifying God in our friendships, which is a Christ-enabled commitment to love God and love one another. Some practical ways we can grow in our friendships are to look for shared activities that provide an opportunity for us to talk because it is conversation that will deepen the friendship: work days at church, beach days, working out together, shopping together, play dates, and shared meals. Meals slow things down to become people-oriented instead of task-oriented. Conversation is engaged sharing and engaged listening. Let’s find a good balance between the two! If conversation is difficult for you, especially if the friendship is new, think about what to ask your friend on the way to meet with them so you have a fruitful topic you both can talk about casually and openly. Another idea would be to study a book together and use that as a way to start a dialogue. 

Jesus is our perfect example of how to love others well. How did Christ love His disciples? Jesus taught that friendship is the greatest expression of love. Jesus sacrificednot only by pouring out His life in His devotion to His disciples, His friends, by giving them His time, affection, and attention, but also by literally laying down His life. He laid His life down for His friends. He sacrificed it all, ultimately, in obedience and love for the Father who sent Him, but also because of His great love for His own. By God’s grace, may we all learn how to be sacrificial, selfless, faithful friends just like Jesus!

Further Reading:

Matthew 22:37-40

John 15

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

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When life feels too heavy to handle, it can be tempting to believe we need to pull ourselves together and figure everything out on our own. But Psalm 61 gives us a different path. Sarah Frazer reminds us that when we are overwhelmed, weary, or facing a storm beyond our ability to control, we can cry out to God and trust Him to be our refuge.

David’s prayer points us toward the “rock that is higher” than ourselves—a place of safety we cannot reach through our own strength. Like Peter walking on the water, we may become overwhelmed when we focus on the storm instead of Jesus. Yet Christ remains our strong tower and our hope, even when the waves continue to crash around us.

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Full Transcript Below:

When You Can’t Pull Yourself Together

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:
“... lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalm 61:2

No one likes to admit they can’t do something. In a world filled with social media, fake news, AI images, and doctored photos, who is really telling the truth about how hard life can be? Yes, we have this sense of transparency from some people online, but we know, deep down, we don’t have the full story. No one shows all of their cares or reveals all of their struggles, sorrow, and grief. Even if these people share their sorrow, there is little hope for us who suffer silently.

What if we can’t pull ourselves together? 

The place I have found to be completely honest, but also provide complete hope, is the Book of Psalms. In Psalm 61, we read an honest prayer, filled with heart-wrenching troubles, but it doesn’t end there. David, the author, gives us a path forward. As New Testament believers, we see the fulfillment of David’s hope in the life of Jesus. 

Psalm 61 was written by King David, who had his fair share of trouble. We don’t know the exact circumstances David faced with many of his psalms, but I think that is the point. We have this cry of David recorded in scripture for us to use in any of our situations. David describes his heartache in the second verse. He says his heart is “faint.” The word means to be overwhelmed or covered. The very core of David’s life, his heart, was deeply troubled. 

Maybe you woke up this morning tired, weary, and overwhelmed with the things going on in your life. We all face burdens too big, sorrows too deep, and heartache that goes beyond words. We think about the trials we are facing, and maybe they feel like waves of the ocean. David mentions a rock in the last part of verse 2, and this word is actually the word for cliff. 

In the image David is creating for us in Psalm 61, we might see this trouble, this trial, this overwhelmed feeling as being caught in a storm or shipwrecked. Imagine swimming in an ocean of grief, with the waves pounding down on you relentlessly. Life can feel like that. Maybe it is the same trial, or various trials all happening at once. A man who is shipwrecked is a hopeless man. If the waves are too high and the depths loom below, no matter how strong he swims, the shore is impossible to get to. 

There are some things we face that we cannot rescue ourselves out of, and this is the situation David describes here in Psalm 61. In the midst of his flood of emotions, David asks God to bring him to the rock that is higher than himself. It is a cliff, at the edge of an ocean. If you’ve seen pictures or videos, you know that the ocean is rarely calm beside those types of rocks. And we all know cliffs are not easily climbed. 

David recognizes that he cannot rescue himself. You and I must come to the point where we stop trying to deliver ourselves from the trial and cry out to God. Four times, David mentions crying out to God in Psalm 61. This crying out to God is prayer. He begs God for help. Not because he has waited and now prayer is the last resort, but he says this is too big, too hard. He says that his only hope is God. He does this because in Psalm 61:3 David says, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” The waters were rising, but David looked up. He remembered what God had done and believed God could save him. 

You and I might be facing a storm so big that we wonder if God really can rescue us. Maybe the trial you are facing is the first of its kind. You haven’t needed God like this before. How can you look back and have confidence? Take David’s. Take mine. I have walked through many storms and through many valleys. Never once has God left or stopped working. 

God will be a refuge and a strong tower. God will lead you to the rock that is too far and too high for you to reach on your own. This rock is Jesus. Our hope, our defense, our strong tower. The disciples in Matthew 14:22-34 faced the literal waves of the sea. They were physically in a storm, about to die. Jesus comes out to them, walking on water. Peter asks to join Jesus and jumps out of the boat. Looking at Jesus, Peter begins to walk on water as well. 

The waves and the wind drive Peter’s gaze from Jesus to the storm. It is then that Peter begins to sink. Jesus reaches down and saves him. You and I will face storms too big, too powerful, and amazingly hard. When our eyes are focused on Jesus, we find the rock on which to cling. The waves might still crash and the storm rage, but we can find rest in Jesus. Let us even now reach out in our hearts and ask God to save us. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The storm might still be beating you down, but can you remember that you are safe in God’s hands? Jesus doesn’t ask you to pull yourself together. He invites you to come, cry out to Him, and know you will be held. How might you stop striving and be still before God? How does knowing He is with you in the storm and is more powerful than any waves comfort your heart? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 18:1-3

Isaiah 40:28-31

Matthew 11:28-30

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Hebrews 6:18-19

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How can you experience God’s love in your everyday life? Kelly Balarie shares a practical way to recognize God’s love in ordinary moments, experience His presence, and allow His love to transform how you live and love others.

God’s love is more than something we learn about—it’s something we can personally experience. In this devotional, Kelly Balarie reflects on Ephesians 3:19 and the importance of moving beyond simply knowing about God’s love to intentionally looking for His presence in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Highlights

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Full Transcript Below:

A Super-Practical Tip to Encounter God’s Love 
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

I wake, deep into the night hour. My mind circles one thought: All that matters is love. I can’t get my mind off this thought. Besides love? Everything else is like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

In this midnight hour, this thought both consumes me and compels me. I understand the sobering truth; I have one life to live.  This is it! One grand stage to go all out for Jesus… It is here. I don’t want the world’s conveniences, accumulation of material items, or online contempt to drive me; I want love of Christ to compel me. 

I want to be so driven by love that people will reflect upon my life and say, “Wow. That could have only been Jesus.” 

Wouldn’t that be an amazing legacy: “We saw Jesus in her.”

Theology studied will not produce that.  Bible verses intellectually memorized will not result in that. More messages heard will not miraculously make this happen. Only love. Real love. Outpouring love. Genuine love. Caring love. Moving love. 

It is not just what we know; it is the love experienced in Christ Jesus that changes us.

“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)

Love transcends the mind to live out from our heart, in real action.

This morning, provoked again by this thought, I came to terms with the fact that God’s love is beyond me. But still, He miraculously welcomes me into it.

In my day, to see forth Ephesians 3:19, I can do something. I can look for God’s love in the minuscule, in the ordinary, and in the mundane. I can seek Him and find Him.

What does it look like? 

I see a heart in the concrete of the sidewalk I walk on. Many would just see it as a small hole. I see and remember God’s love for me. God, you love me so very much.

I notice the waves that are continual; they never stop or end. God’s faithfulness always works. Like those waves will never stop, so do His promises for me never stop or end.

I was given grace on a speeding ticket and only given a warning. God, like this warning for a speeding ticket, your mercy has entirely let me off the hook, and your grace, even more, blesses me. 

I notice the bird with the worm in its mouth. Oh God, you always provide the daily bread needed, right on time.

God is encountering me all the time… if I look for Him. And, to seek Him is to find Him. When I receive His love, I am filled with His love. When I am filled with His love, I can impart His love. If He floods me, then I can flood the world. This is life-changing, and even world-changing. 

The presence of His love is the starting point of real joy, contagious joy. 

Doing this requires one to move past the distractions of the world, to dive into the intentionality of God’s heart in creation, in people, in circumstances, in the skies above and the world around. 

He is speaking, though many miss Him. He is telling us, often, of how much He loves us.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does the world distract you? Are you buried in your phone or looking for God wherever you go? What would it look like for you to forgo the world to find His love? 

Perhaps, today, start with asking God to give you understanding of His love? Ask Him to show you His love. Ask Him to help you to receive His love.

Then, keep your eyes open to what God may be doing or saying in your world. Notice Him. Permit Him to love you as He makes His Word come alive in your life.

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Shame, guilt, and regret can make us feel like we are still paying for our past mistakes, but Jesus paid for our sins once and for all. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we can receive God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and freedom from condemnation rather than trying to earn our way back into God’s favor.

When guilt makes you feel unworthy of God’s love, Scripture reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is our Savior, Advocate, and Intercessor, and His sacrifice makes reconciliation with God possible. Discover what it means to stop carrying the weight of sins Christ has already paid for and learn how His grace can replace shame with freedom, hope, and peace.

Highlights

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Resources Mentioned

Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2:“Jesus Paid It All” by Fernando Ortega. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #3:“East to West” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #4: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it HERE.

Full Transcript Below:

Jesus Paid for Our Sins

By Alexis A. Goring

Bible Reading:
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve. He does not repay us according to our guilty deeds.” - Psalm 103:10 EHV

When someone was having a bad day, he said, “I am paying for my sins.” 

This statement and belief many people hold is not true because the Bible says Jesus Christ paid it all (1 Peter 2:24, Romans 6:23) and God doesn’t deal with us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). 

I know that I have struggled with this when shame, guilt, and despair hit me as my mind recalls everything I said or did wrong. While God doesn’t keep a record of our sins after we ask Him to forgive us, we sure can tally up everything in our minds. When we do that, it feels like we must pay for our sins. We may feel remorse and want to fix things. But the truth is, we cannot fix the past, the present, or our future. This is one of the reasons why we need Jesus Christ in our lives. He is our Savior.

God is full of grace and mercy. While He will discipline us like a loving parent would (Hebrews 12:5-6), and while there are always consequences to our sins that we might experience, never do we have to feel the need to pay for our sins because Christ already did that on the Cross at Calvary. The Bible says He who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that we may be reconciled to God. 

Isn’t that wonderful to know? What a relief that our Savior has already done the heavy lifting. We just need to repent of our sins, turn away from our sins, believe in God, obey the Holy Spirit, and follow Jesus all the way to Heaven. When I shared with a Christian friend my struggle of feeling burdened by my past mistakes and sins, she reminded me of Romans 8:1-2 (NIV). It says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

The first time she told me this, I struggled to believe it because I felt guilty as charged concerning my sins and mistakes. I wanted to make things right with God. I felt like I had to work my way back into His grace and mercy. But the Bible doesn’t say that. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) says, “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.” God knows we’re not perfect because we’re only human. Even our best efforts to be perfect may eventually fail. No matter how hard we try, we cannot work our way into Heaven by our righteous acts and desire to please God. The Bible says in Isaiah 64:6 (NIV), “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” But thank God for His grace and mercy! He knows we need it. 

The Bible says that Christ is our Advocate when we sin and are guilty as charged (1 John 2:1). He knows we’re not perfect, and He wants to help us. The Bible says that Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus reminds God about His sacrifice for us (John 3:16-17). We are covered by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7) so that God sees His perfect Son (Jesus) when He looks at us, not our imperfections and sins. Though this is not an excuse to keep sinning and take advantage of God’s grace, because eventually, time will run out, and when we see Jesus returning to earth to take His children home to Heaven, it will be too late to repent and ask forgiveness for our sins (Revelation 22:11-15).

Let’s circle back to my original point, which I mentioned at the start of this devotional, about feeling like we suffer because we are paying the penalty for our sins. Oftentimes, we as humans believe that if we are suffering, then it is because God is punishing us for our sins. I invite you to dig deeper into this common misconception and receive an accurate Biblical perspective by listening to this “Dare to Be True” podcast episode hosted by Madison Prewett Troutt, where Anne Graham Lotz explains the truth about suffering and helps you realize that God isn’t making you pay for your sins by subjecting you to pain.

In closing, I’d like for you to listen to and reflect on these four songs…

Song of Reflection #1:“Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2:“Jesus Paid It All” by Fernando Ortega. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #3:“East to West” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #4: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does it feel to know that we don’t have to pay for our sins because we have a Savior who paid for all of it? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 103:11-14

2 Corinthians 5:18-19
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Romans 5:10
Colossians 1:21-22

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Emily Rose Massey explores biblical marriage, selflessness, forgiveness, and Christ-centered love, reminding us that marriage is one of the ways God shapes us to become more like Jesus.

Through Philippians 2:3-5, we are encouraged to look beyond our own desires and consider the needs of others. Marriage reveals areas of selfishness while creating opportunities to practice humility, grace, and forgiveness. Rather than viewing marriage as a limitation, Scripture shows us that it is a gift God uses to transform our hearts and teach us how to love sacrificially.

Highlights:

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding the Sacrificial Beauty in Marriage 

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV).

Summertime in America is marked by so many celebrations and wonderful holidays: graduation parties, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, lots of pool days and BBQs with friends and family, and of course, weddings upon weddings! I’m sure you know at least one couple who is getting married this summer or who at least celebrate their anniversary in June, July, or August. It is truly a very popular time of year to get married– so much so that many people call it “wedding season.” I guess my husband and I wanted to go against the norm, as we so often do, and went to the opposite end of the calendar and got married in December. I truly look forward to celebrating with loved ones who “tie the knot” during this season. Almost 20 years later, I still get choked up witnessing someone else’s “big day.” 

Weddings are so lovely and fun, but they clearly represent something so much more important and beautiful that the Lord has providentially ordained that we should give our attention to outside of that one special day: marriage. The union of marriage is so important to God that His word equates it to the love that Christ has for the church, His Bride (Ephesians 5:22-33). 

Reflecting upon that kind of love that Christ has for His own, two words come to mind: humble and sacrificial. Christ modeled this kind of love and asks husbands and wives to walk in His footsteps. These verses in Philippians 2 capture this selflessness that we should long to foster in our homes and marriages:

 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I have had two situations within the last handful of months where women who were much older than me (women I should be gleaning wisdom from) painted marriage in such a terrible light and boasted in their divorces and singleness. It truly made my heart heavy that because of their personal experiences, they could not see the beauty in marriage. When they should see it as a gift from God to sanctify us and make us less selfish and more others-focused, they saw it as bondage, keeping them from living their own life freely. As Christ followers, if we want a right view of marriage, we must look to the scriptures. We cannot rely on others’ experiences or even our own to determine what God says on a matter. 

The more we dive into His word, our naturally selfish minds are renewed to love sacrificially as He does, extending the same grace and mercy we have received from Him to others. The word transforms us from the inside out, all for the better, and we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) develop and mature in our lives, which we need to fully love others in humility and sacrifice, preferring them above ourselves. What happens when our spouse hurts us? Because we have been forgiven through the cross of Jesus Christ, we must forgive others. We have received such great mercy; therefore, we must extend that same mercy to our spouse, even if they have wronged us or offended us. When we are quick to apologize because of humility and choosing the other person over ourselves, our hearts are free of bitterness, pride, and selfishness. 

None of us are made of that; God gives us the grace to do that. Many people would define grace as “unmerited favor” to the undeserving, especially in terms of salvation, which is true, but it doesn’t stop there- it is God’s power to conform us into the image of Christ, and God uses marriage to make us humble and sacrificial. This grace that strengthens us and trains us is what we experience in the majority of our Christian walk: in faith and obedience, with each step, we grow in holiness and Christlikeness, day by day. Truthfully, marriage gives us countless opportunities to reflect Christ by laying down our lives for our spouse, in humility and sacrifice. Oh, how beautiful!

Further Reading:

Ephesians 5:22-33

John 13:34-35

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Why does God allow difficult seasons? When life feels uncertain, painful, or unfair, it can be easy to question God’s character and wonder if our struggles are a result of something we did wrong. But Scripture reveals a different truth: God’s heart toward us is rooted in love, grace, and mercy—not punishment or condemnation.

Vivian Bricker explores how knowing who God is helps us navigate suffering, uncertainty, and the lies we often believe about God’s intentions. Through Scripture, we are reminded that God’s love does not change based on our circumstances, and that hardship is not proof of God’s rejection or displeasure.

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How can a deeper understanding of God’s character change the way you view hardship?

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Full Transcript Below:

Understanding God’s Character
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). 

In my opinion, the scariest thing in the world is the unknown. Whether that be an undiagnosed illness, starting over in a new city, or thinking about the future, the unknown can be terrifying. None of us can truly know what is ahead because we are not the ones in control. 

For some of us, there will be good times ahead and for others, there will be hard times. One cannot be dogmatic and say that those who have good times are in the will of God and those who are going through tough times are not. It is never within God’s will for us to be in pain, to be depressed, or to be sick. He never intended for us to go through any of these things, and it is not right for people to believe in the ideology that if you do good, good returns to you from God and if you do bad, bad returns to you from God. 

This is not biblical as this is actually a belief in karma. Karma is part of the religious beliefs contained within Hinduism and Buddhism. Although karma has become popularized within mainstream media, Christ followers do not need to endorse it. Karma is refuted in the Bible as Psalm 103:10-11 says, “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Therefore, we don’t need to say that God blesses certain people while cursing others. 

The aspects of blessings and curses based on your actions were true within the Mosaic Covenant, but it is not true for us today. We are under the New Covenant by the blood of Jesus (Luke 22:20). Within the Mosaic Covenant, Israel was petitioned to obey God, and blessings would come to them; however, if they did not obey God and did evil, curses would come into their midst. 

Since we are not under the Mosaic Covenant, we don’t need to hold ourselves or others to this type of thinking. If we are having dreadful things happening in our lives, they are not caused by God. And if we are having good things happening in our lives, we cannot always be dogmatic to say it is caused by God either. To say that “God has blessed me because I’m doing well, but He has cursed you because you are not doing well” is not rooted in biblical truth. This is why Christians need to be more aware and not to flaunt things they believe are blessings. This only gives the idea that if you are struggling, you have done something terrible in the eyes of God, and you must be cursed. 

As Christ followers, this type of thinking needs to end. We all have free will, and with it, we have chosen to do terrible things (Romans 3:23). Additionally, we live in a fallen world that is covered in sin. This is why we shouldn’t be quick to say, “It is God’s will for you to suffer from (fill in the blank).” God never intended for evil, sin, or death to be in the world. He wanted us to live in perfect harmony with Him in the Garden of Eden. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible tells us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God’s character is found in love. Since God is love, why do we believe the lie that He brings curses into our lives or into the lives of others? This goes against His very nature.

God is love, and He is not going to bring harm into our lives. As Christ followers, we need to be aware of who God is and His characteristics, as this can help us weed out lies that pull us away from Him.

Even well-meaning Christ followers can say unhelpful and unbiblical things, which is why we must be level-headed and fully understand the Bible ourselves. Regardless of what you are going through, remember the truth that God is love, and you are loved by Him, and neither of these things will ever change. 

Have you ever thought a terrible thing happening in your life was due to God punishing you? What made you think like this? How can having a proper view of God’s character help you understand Him better? 

Further Reading: 

Romans 5:8

1 John 3:1

1 John 4:19

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A grateful heart can transform the way we see life, handle challenges, and grow closer to God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin explores biblical gratitude, why giving thanks in all circumstances matters, and how cultivating thankfulness can strengthen our faith.

Highlights

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Full Transcript Below:

Cultivating a Healthy Heart
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). 

How healthy are you these days? And how healthy is your heart? 

While you can try to steer clear of germs, eat more nutritionally, and exercise regularly, one of the healthiest habits you can develop is to regularly express a grateful heart. 

That's right. Gratitude makes your heart healthier. 

Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive attitude and improved health (and even a longer life!). To be positive, in short, means to be grateful. To find the good in every situation. To be thankful in all things. 

I'm sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the apostle Paul to write these words to the Thessalonians. After admonishing them to display proper Christian conduct, he wrote:

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). 

Did you notice that Paul didn’t just say, “In every good circumstance, give thanks.” He also didn’t write, “When things work out well for you, give thanks.” He specifically said, “In everything give thanks.” In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. That’s because when we’re thanking God, we're focused on our blessings, rather than the bitterness of whatever else might be going on.

There’s also another beautiful result of having a grateful heart. When we are thankful in all things, not just the good things, we are living out God’s will for us. That verse, after telling us to be thankful in all things, reinforces the reason to do so: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It couldn’t be said any clearer. Being thankful in everythingis how you and I display God’s will for our lives. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

As you and I focus on our circumstances, we can tend to become more depressed and more critical if we're not guarding our hearts and minds. So, all the more reason to be a person of gratitude rather than a bad attitude. I've found in my own life that when I'm praising God in the aches and pains, or the losses that seem more frequent these days, or just thanking Him during the mundane, it helps me become a person of gratitude in anycircumstance. And that keeps me healthier and happier, overall. 

Here are seven simple prayers you can begin saying to practice gratitude when the bad attitude starts seeping in to steal your joy, harm your relationships, and attack your health: 

Thank You, Lord, for the things You have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize. 

Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go.  

Thank You, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf.  

Thank You, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You. 

Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and moldable.

Thank You, God, for the times I haven't been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are on the throne. 

Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven.     

Can you begin saying “Thank You" a few more times throughout your day? Start expressing gratitude toward others for their kindness, and remember to thank God, throughout the day as well, for everything He allows to come your way. As you do, you may find it lightens your load and makes you feel better physically as well. 

Further Study:
Psalm 9:1

For daily encouragement to keep a healthy heart, see Cindi’s book,The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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Prayer is more than a simple request—it is an invitation to trust in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God. In this devotional, Lynette Kittle explores what it means to pray with genuine faith and believe that God is able to answer, provide, and move in ways beyond what we can accomplish on our own.

Through the story of the father who cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” in Mark 9:23-24, we are reminded that God does not ask us to rely on our own strength or add our own efforts to make prayer effective. Instead, He invites us to come to Him with confidence, trusting that all things are possible through Him. When we struggle to believe, prayer itself becomes a place where God strengthens our faith and teaches us to depend on Him.

Highlights:

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Where do you find yourself struggling to believe that God can answer your prayers? What would it look like to bring your doubts and requests to Him with greater faith?

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Full Transcript Below:

Is Prayer Enough on Its Own?

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’” - Mark 9:23

How often do we pray, believing it will take more than prayer to receive our answer? By that meaning, do we, or someone else, need to do anything in addition to praying for God to answer us?

Do we tend to believe that we have to give money, or volunteer, along with prayer? That it’s not enough in itself for God to answer and move on our behalf? 

Are we struggling to believe, thinking we can’t just ask and rely on Him to answer our prayers without adding to them in some way through our own efforts?

Fox News reports that a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine found that, “Adult patients experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety after just five minutes of in-person prayer,” more than from listening to five minutes of music.

Scripture describes how David, as a shepherd boy, played his harp to soothe King Saul, so history documents the popular saying “music soothes the savage beast.”

As 1 Samuel 16:23 describes, “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.”

If God gave David’s music the power to bring relief, how much more has He given prayer the power to intervene in our lives?

When We Ask, Do We Believe Jesus Can?

Mark 9:22 reveals a man who wasn’t sure if Jesus could help his son who was being tormented, explaining and asking, “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

I love how Jesus answers, questioning the father and clarifying to him that it’s not a question of whether He can. It’s a given, because everything is possible with God, it just depends on our belief in Him.

It’s not up to Him, but up to us to believe, because how many times before praying do we preface our requests by “Lord, if you can”?

God doesn’t want us asking Him if He can; He wants us to believe that He is more than enough, as Jesus taught in John 15:7: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

He is calling us to believe that all things are possible with Him, as He explained in Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

So if we struggle to believe, lacking in faith when we ask God, we can follow this father’s example as described in Mark 9:24: “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”

Prayer Is More Than Enough

A powerful example of prayer being enough is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. “On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon’” (Joshua 10:12).

Many of us wouldn’t even attempt to pray such an unlikely and seemingly impossible prayer. Yet, Joshua did ask, and when he did, the following happened: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day” (Joshua 10:13).

Sadly, many of us disqualify our requests to God before even asking Him, deciding that we’re asking too much or more than God can do. We make the decision ahead of time, rather than asking Him and seeing what happens.

As James 4:2 explains, “You do not have because you do not ask God.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you find yourself praying, but believing it’s not enough? Ask God to help your unbelief and to teach you how to believe that He can, and that prayer is more than enough.

Further Reading:

Does Prayer Really Change Things?

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The pursuit of more can leave us exhausted, restless, and searching for fulfillment that only God can provide. Through John 3:30, Megan J. Conner explores what it means to surrender our desire for recognition, success, and achievement so that Jesus can become greater in our lives.

Our culture often celebrates bigger, better, and more, but John the Baptist modeled a different path: humility, surrender, and a life centered completely on Christ. This devotional explores how true joy is not found in being noticed or praised by others, but in making room for Jesus to receive the glory. When we let go of the need to be seen, we discover the freedom and peace that come from knowing we are already fully known and loved by God.

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The Beauty of Less
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“He must become greater; I must become less.” - John 3:30 (NIV)

How many of us have felt trapped by the demands of “more?” More accomplishments, more accolades, more money, more security, more doing, more going, more belonging, more pursuing, more achieving… More, more, more… with no end in sight. The mantra bigger is better reigns king in many of our lives and incessantly clamors for attention. So, we work our fingers to the bone while fraying our nerves and destroying our peace.  More often than not, even if we are able to acquire the elusive pot of gold at the end of our desired rainbows, the emptiness we are attempting to fill remains void. 

Why is it that we are so drawn to the pursuit of more? Simply explained, it is part of our human nature. Without the Lord, we are naturally selfish and long for praise and exaltation. We want to be seen as important. We want to be “known.” But the truth is, we are known and deeply loved by our Heavenly Father, and His validation is the only one that will truly satisfy. John the Baptist understood this when he declared, “He (Jesus) must become greater, I must become less,” (John 3:30, NIV).

John the Baptist was the beloved cousin of Christ and lived for the sole purpose of preparing the way for the Lord’s coming. John was the first messenger to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. He called people to repentance and cleansing through baptism. He reminded listeners that all are in need of a savior; that all have fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). He was bold in his preaching and refuted the religious who refused to acknowledge their own sin. Because of the impact John had on the region, his actions earned him notoriety, even fame. So much so that his followers were upset when they felt like John was being upstaged by Jesus and His disciples.

“They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.’ To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” - John 3:26-30 (NIV).

John’s joy was not found in greatness; it was found in Jesus. His joy was complete in less. John understood that the more he diminished, the more others saw Christ. The same is true for us. When we pursue our own attention and accolades, we are beckoning to others - see me… recognize me, pay attention to me. For those of us who consider ourselves disciples and ambassadors for Christ, these efforts actually steal the spotlight from the true source of light and hope for a hurting world. It is through humility, not celebrity, that love shines the brightest. 

If decrease rather than increase is the goal, how then can we practically walk that out? First, we must lean into prayer. As shared earlier, we are naturally selfish.  So, any attempt to force meekness upon ourselves to accomplish our gospel mission will likely result in false humility. This is why we must ask for God’s help through prayer and genuine surrender.  Only then can we, like John the Baptist, truly declare, “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you someone who feels weighed down by the demands of more? Are you seeking the affirmation and acceptance of others to fill a void in your heart? Do you struggle to remain still when opportunities are present for you to gain recognition? 

If you answered yes to any of these, first, please know – you are not alone. We all wrestle with the allure of pride. After honestly confessing your inner battle, may I encourage you to take some time today to be still before the Lord? Ask Him to show you the motivation behind your desire for attention. Then, ask Him to help you surrender those desires as you look to become less so that He can become greater in your life.

Further Reading:
Matt. 20:1-19
Rom. 3:21-26

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When anxiety, stress, and constant distractions leave your heart restless, Psalm 62:1-2 points us to the only source of lasting peace. Discover how trusting God, quieting your mind, and resting in His presence can help you find peace when the world feels loud.

Life rarely slows down, and our minds often become just as noisy as the world around us. Sarah Frazer reflects on David's words in Psalm 62, showing that true rest isn't found by eliminating every distraction but by intentionally turning our hearts back to God. As we remember that He is our rock, refuge, and salvation, we can experience steady peace even when our circumstances remain uncertain.

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Quieting Your Soul When the World Feels Loud

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. - Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV) 

Have you ever wished to turn off the noise of life? I don’t mean physically, although sometimes we find ourselves in loud places. I have five children, and our house can get very loud, very quickly. But the noises that bother me, the ones that I wish I could get rid of, are the noises of this world. The news, the stress, and responsibilities all seem to keep my heart from experiencing peace. My inner thoughts will dominate my life so that it's not just external noise, but my mind that feels loud too. 

In Psalm 62, King David says that his soul waits for God in silence. I’ll admit that when my soul is restless, waiting for God to rescue me or to show up or give me answers, I don’t wait in silence. I’m usually spending my time worrying and trying to fix things myself. David reminds us that rest is not automatic, but intentional. David had to learn stillness; it doesn’t just happen. 

David does this because he has spent time thinking, mediating, and dwelling on the truth of who God is - a rock, fortress, and strength (Psalm 62:2). David reminds himself that he is not going to be “shaken.” This word means to “totter, get off course, or slip.” It reminds us that yes, we can feel disoriented for a moment, but God can get us back on track when we turn to Him. 

In the next few verses, David acknowledges the pressure he is under. He mentions being attacked and feeling shaken. The reality is we will face stress, noise from the world, and anxieties within our hearts. We do not ignore these things, but we take them to God. David, amidst his fears, reminds himself of where true rest comes from in Psalm 62:5-6.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God…”Notice that David speaks to himself. Taking the time to reflect on the truth about God is key to quieting the sounds of life around us. As we do this, we redirect our hearts back to God. In Psalm 62, David says the same thing in verses 1-2 and then again in 5-6. As David does this, he then turns his voice outward, telling us how we, too, can have a rest-filled soul. 

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.” - Psalm 62:8 (ESV)

Stability comes from who God is, not what life feels like. In our lives, there are many things that can be loud, things that would distract us from God and His Word. David was intentional in Psalm 62, and we need to be as well.

Returning our thoughts back to God is the way to quiet the noise. Peace is possible, and rest can be found. Jesus invites all who would come to Him to find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). We must come, though. God is the steady peace, the rock and fortress we need daily. 

Let us be like David and find our quiet in God.  If your mind feels noisy tonight, I walk through Psalm 62 slowly on my podcast, Psalms to Help You Sleep, helping you rest in God’s presence.

As David reminds himself of the truth about God, his soul slowly grows quieter. The noise around him does not immediately disappear, but his heart becomes anchored in something steadier than his circumstances. The same is true for us. We may still live in busy homes, face stressful situations, or carry anxious thoughts into the night, but we do not have to be ruled by them. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

God invites us to return to Him again and again, finding refuge in His presence and rest for our weary souls. Peace is not found in controlling every circumstance, but in trusting the One who holds us steady. So tonight, when the world feels loud, pause and remind your soul who God is. He is still your rock, your refuge, and your rest.

How might you be intentional with God today? 

What distraction can you get rid of that will help quiet your soul? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 46:10

Isaiah 26:3

Matthew 11:28-30

John 14:27

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1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us that the message of the cross is the power of God to those who believe. Discover how living out your faith with love, humility, and authenticity can point unbelievers to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Our culture often questions God's existence or dismisses Christianity altogether. Michelle Lazurek explores why believers shouldn't be surprised by skepticism and how our greatest witness isn't winning arguments—it's reflecting Christ through our words, actions, and unconditional love. As we faithfully share our testimony and live transformed lives, God can use our example to draw others to Himself.

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How has your personal testimony helped someone better understand the hope found in Christ? What opportunities has God given you to reflect His love to those who don't yet believe?

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Bitterness can quietly take root in our hearts, affecting our relationships, our spiritual lives, and even our well-being. Hebrews 12:15 warns believers not to let a "root of bitterness" grow and cause trouble. Discover how forgiveness, God's grace, and surrendering your burdens to Jesus can free you from resentment and restore lasting peace.

Holding onto past hurts often feels justified, but it ultimately weighs us down more than the people who hurt us. Kelly Balarie explores the biblical call to release bitterness, embrace Christ's forgiveness, and trust God with the pain we were never meant to carry. When we remember how much Jesus has forgiven us, we find the strength to forgive others and experience true freedom.

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Have you experienced the freedom that comes from letting go of bitterness? What has helped you trust God with past hurts and choose forgiveness?

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How to Get the Root of Bitterness Gone
By: Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
“See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…” – Hebrews 12:15 AMP

My husband and I have a friend. He’s one of the top national scholars for cancer medicine and research.

Curious, we asked him, “Have you identified a link between unforgiveness and bitterness with a cancer diagnosis?”

His answer? 

“Yes, in fact, my mom couldn’t forgive. She had cancer two times.”

Interestingly enough, beyond his mom, he saw a correlation. So do various scientific studies. According to the website Doctors Beyond Medicine, studies show suppressed anger and emotions are linked to cancer. They note, “emotional toxicity is most likely the cause of their cancer, and that forgiveness, if used with appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes that address the physical, is a ‘first-line’ primary treatment.”

Wow. I was astonished.

But, I wondered, what does scripture have to say about this?

“See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…” (Heb. 12:15 AMP)

Biblically speaking, defilement does not only happen in thought, but it can also happen in our body, soul, and mind. 

We are the temple of God and not to defile God’s temple, our body (1 Cor. 16:19-20).
We are instructed to be cleansed of anything defiling in body or spirit (2 Cor. 7:1)
We learn that what defiles us is what comes out of our hearts (Mark 7:20-23). 

Clearly, I don’t have all the answers on cancer, but what I do have a clear answer on is that we don’t want to be defiled in body, soul, or mind.

This certainly made me sure that I don’t want to be “defiled.”

What about us – are we defiled? Do we harbor bitterness? Do we keep resentments, nursing them like a baby? Do we hold records of wrongs against people, convicting them via our thoughts? Might we be angry?

The irony? What we hold against others does not hurt them; it hurts us.

What pain we keep inside of us – grows within us.  We may think this doesn’t matter, that it doesn’t hurt anyone, that no one can see it, but it absolutely does hurt – us. Not only that, it oozes onto others.

Can’t we all see that person we know with a face of anger? They think no one knows, but certainly, when you look at them, you can easily identify their eyebrows furrowing in. They believe they hide it well, but it takes a second to recognize their facial tension from all they are holding in. You can feel the edginess in their responses. Their pent-up stuff doesn’t just exist in their mind; they hold it in their body, and it speaks between the lines of their words.

May this person never, ever, be us…

If we have been defiled by a root of bitterness, what we think we are hiding is most likely residing on our face, living in our body, and oozing out from our responses.

God, help.

Of course, we know that life has a way of sucker punching us. People will be people. Circumstances hurt. Offense is rampant. 

How do we forbid defilement in our body, mind, and spirit? 

We remember The One who was reviled, so that we don’t have to live defiled. Jesus.

Jesus carried the weight of our sin, so we don’t have to live under its weight. Even more, Jesus carried the weight of fellow believers’ sin, so we don’t have to live under its weight. 

If Jesus forgave us so much, how can we not forgive others the same way? We can forgive much, because He forgave much. We can love much, because He loved us so much. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What does this look like practically?

To release from the mind, the body, and the spirit looks like something. Scripture invites us to cast our cares on the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7). “To cast”, biblically, does not look like a light and airy casting; it looks like a complete throwing off, like someone might throw a saddle on a horse.

It’s getting off of you and releasing onto Him what He already paid the price for. Why not cast your worries, cares, bitterness, anger, or resentments onto Jesus? Let Him take care of them. He will do a much better job than you will.

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Being left out, overlooked, or rejected can leave lasting wounds, but those moments don't determine your identity. Ephesians 1:4-6 reveals a greater truth: through Jesus Christ, God has chosen, adopted, and accepted you into His family. Discover how your identity in Christ brings lasting security when the approval of others falls short.

Rejection has a way of making us question our worth, but God's love tells a different story. Emily Rose Massey reminds us that while people may disappoint or exclude us, our Heavenly Father has already declared us His beloved children. When we anchor our identity in Christ instead of others' acceptance, we find the confidence, belonging, and peace that only He can provide.

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How do you recognize the lies that fuel fear, doubt, and insecurity? Based on 2 Timothy 1:7, this devotional explores how to reject thoughts that contradict God's truth and embrace the power, love, and sound mind He has given every believer. Discover how replacing fear with faith leads to lasting confidence in Christ.

Negative thoughts can quietly shape how we see ourselves and even how we view God. Cindi McMenamin reminds us that discouragement, shame, and hopelessness are not the voice of our Savior. Through Scripture, God calls us to reject fear, trust His promises, and live with confidence in His power and faithfulness. As we replace lies with biblical truth, our faith grows stronger and our lives become a testimony to God's goodness.

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What lie have you found yourself believing lately? Which promise from God's Word helps you replace fear with faith and confidence in Christ?

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What does it mean to be clothed in Christ? Rooted in Romans 13:14, we explore how seeking God's will instead of our own desires leads to lasting peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Learn how to resist the pull of self-focus and daily choose to follow Jesus.

Every day presents opportunities to follow our own desires or surrender to God's leading. Megan J. Conner reminds us that while our hearts can be easily swayed by the world's distractions and instant gratification, God invites us to seek His face first. As we intentionally "clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ," He transforms our hearts, strengthens our discernment, and produces the fruit of the Spirit, enabling us to walk in obedience and experience His best for our lives.

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When have you found yourself choosing between your own desires and God's direction? What practices help you seek Christ first before making important decisions?

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Clothed in Christ
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“… Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14, NIV)
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8, NIV)

Every day, all day long, we face one decision after another. Sometimes these choices are practical: What do I need from the grocery store? Or how much money should I pay off on the credit card? But other times, the dilemma is a matter of the heart – a tug-of-war between what I should do and what I want to do. Even more seriously, a decision between what we know to be right and what our conscience tells us is wrong.

When choosing between what we think we want and what the Lord desires as his best for us, the struggle can be REAL. The allure of the world is powerful.  Especially in this modern, technology-driven era, where even our devices are labeled with the pronoun “I,” the pull of selfishness and self-focus is strong, to say the least. The phones in our hands provide us with constant access to commercialism and propaganda that suggest it's all about me and that I should have or do anything I want simply because it is available or sounds appealing. And though we may logically identify the potential pitfalls in these scenarios, when our emotions or sinful desires kick in, the waters of clarity can be quickly muddied.

The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9, NIV). Do you agree? I certainly do. There have been many times in my life when I rationalized or justified decisions without even realizing what I was doing, only to come out on the other side, shocked that I had made such a choice. Why? Because my own heart deceived me. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, shares a similar sentiment when he states, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God (Rom. 3:10-12, NIV). Even when we are trying to walk with the Lord, it is so easy to choose what we want rather than to intentionally seek God’s will first and then wait upon him for direction.  

We are terrible at waiting, aren’t we? We want our entertainment instantaneously, our food fast, and our products delivered to our doorstep the same day we order them. Though the world around us can move at breakneck speeds, the Lord often calls us to be still and know that he is God (Ps. 46:10). To trust in him for direction and discernment. He calls us to look to him rather than our own flawed perceptions. If we are willing to run to him before grasping for self-satisfaction, we “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” which will then produce his godly fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-5:23). 

Left to our own devices and relying on our own strength can often lead us down paths we would ultimately prefer not to take. But if we choose to seek him before everything else, he promises that he will respond and provide us with all that we need. 

“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.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

If you, like me, struggle to choose God’s best over your own selfish desires, I pray today is a new day for both of us. A day where we cry out as the psalmist of old did so many years ago and declare:

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8, NIV)

Let’s believe together that he is faithful to fulfill all of his promises, and when we call upon him, he will answer. And no matter how loudly the clamor of this world tries to overshadow our minds and hearts, may we surrender our wills to the only One who can offer us true peace and satisfaction. May we clothe ourselves in Christ.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your own heart deceived you? If so, are you able to look back and identify where you struggled to let God influence your decision-making? How might you better approach these types of crossroads in the future? 

I encourage you to take some time today to write out the steps you will take the next time you face similar circumstances. Perhaps your action items might include reciting scripture, calling a friend for prayer, or simply waiting a day or two before making a final decision. Whatever that looks like for you individually, I pray you find peace and guidance as you seek God’s best for you.

Further Reading:
Psalm 27
Galatians 5:13-26

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Trusting God when life doesn't make sense requires faith beyond our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust the Lord with all our hearts instead of relying on what we can see or explain. Discover how embracing life's unknowns can deepen your faith, replace worry with peace, and reveal God's greater purpose.

Life is full of unanswered questions, unexpected detours, and closed doors that challenge our faith. Whitney Hopler shares how a frightening highway experience became a powerful reminder that God sees what we cannot. Even when His plans remain a mystery, His wisdom, protection, and love never fail. When we surrender our need to understand every circumstance, we discover that not knowing isn't a weakness—it can be one of God's greatest gifts, drawing us into deeper trust and lasting peace.

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Has there been a time when you didn't understand what God was doing, only to later see His purpose? We'd love to hear how God has grown your faith through seasons of uncertainty.

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The Gift of Not Knowing

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5, NIV

Before I began a road trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, I prayed for a safe trip. In my mind, I had a very simple understanding of how the trip would go. I would stay in the right lane, drive the speed limit, and stay completely safe because of my own careful driving. But things changed in a heartbeat on the highway. Without warning, a car merged into my lane, right in front of me. The driver wasn’t paying attention at all. Cars were speeding by in the next lane, so I couldn’t move over. I was trapped! I had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting that car. Behind me, a massive tractor-trailer truck was coming fast. I remember feeling terrified when I looked in the rearview mirror and saw it speeding toward my car. The truck came within inches of my back bumper before it somehow slowed down enough to stop in just enough time before hitting me.

In those few seconds, my previous understanding of the trip was gone. I was helpless. But God wasn’t. God knew that experience was coming long before I even started driving that day. He had already planned toanswer my prayers for protection.

Looking back, I realize something important: if God had shown me a video of that near-accident before I left my driveway, I would have been so scared that I may not have taken the trip at all. But God, in his kindness, kept that information from me. He gave me the gift of not knowing so that I could move forward in faith. I’m so glad I trusted God to handle the details I couldn’t see.

Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to trust God completely rather than relying on our own understanding. As humans with limited perspectives, there’s a lot we don’t know. But God, who knows everything and can do anything, uses that unlimited knowledge and power for good. We can trust in God’s goodness to us, even when we don’t understand what’s happening. There’s wisdom in being willing to say that we don’t know, but God does.

We all sometimes face closed doors. Maybe we applied for a job we thought we were perfect for, but didn’t get it. Maybe a relationship we valued suddenly fell apart. Or, maybe a plan we prayed over for months still didn’t work out.

Often, we try to figure out why. We replay the situation in our minds, because we think that if we can understand it, we can control it. We believe understanding will bring us peace. But the truth is that we can’t force God’s big plans into our small human boxes. God works in ways that go far beyond our understanding. God’s possibilities for our lives are bigger than the ones we’ve imagined for ourselves. When we choose to trust God in situations that don’t make sense to us, we welcome God’s very best into our lives by making space for all of God’s possibilities to happen.

We can still be at peace when we don’t understand what God is doing.Mysteries can challenge us to grow our faith in God by stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting him in new ways. When we don’t know something, we can be sure that God does.

In the gap between what we know and what God knows, we can find grace. Not knowing something is sometimes a gift from God.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why it’s important to trust God when you don’t know something, reflect on these questions:

Further Reading:

Isaiah 55:8-9

1 Corinthians 13:12

Romans 11:33

Psalm 131:1

Ephesians 3:20

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