Episodios

  • A Heart Ignited with Purposed Passion
    Jan 26 2026
    God created every believer with purpose, passion, and a calling that extends far beyond themselves. This Christian devotional explores how a heart ignited with purposed passion presses forward in pursuit of Christ and His Kingdom. Rooted in Philippians 3:12–14, it encourages believers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, pressing on toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness. Highlights God gives every believer passion with a purpose Spiritual growth requires perseverance, not perfection True passion flows from devotion to Christ Scripture fuels zeal and keeps our focus on Jesus Letting go of the past frees us to press forward God’s grace sustains us when passion feels weak Christlikeness is the ultimate prize we pursue 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! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: A Heart Ignited with Purposed Passion By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14, ESV). What excites you and drives your passion? Being made in the image of God means that we all possess a unique passion. The vital question we must ask ourselves is: Is my passion directed inward, or does it fuel me to pursue Christ and His purposes? Our drive and passion for the Lord and His Kingdom are closely tied to our devotion to Him, revealing our purpose of knowing Christ and serving Him. Most of all, reading and studying the scriptures should fuel our passion because it sets our eyes upon the Lord and helps us take our eyes off of ourselves. What motivates your drive towards Christ? For the Apostle Paul, it was the prize of the upward call of God: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14, ESV). Intersecting Life & Faith: We can remind our hearts that if we are born again, Christ purchased our lives for a purpose and has made us His own. He did this so that we would bear fruit for His glory. Christ reached down and rescued me, so I should always be reaching for Christ. We press on to know Christ relationally and serve Him faithfully, and we must press on even more when we feel weak. We can look to Christ and ask for strength to keep going, and He will be faithful to give us His abundant grace. We shouldn’t be entangled by our past sins, sorrows, or even successes, as these things will distract us and hold us back from pressing on in our pursuit of Christ and His purpose. If you are lacking in passion regarding the things of God, perhaps you can write down some temptations and convictions regarding distractions that may be draining your zeal for the Lord. It is easy to become entangled by worldly pursuits, but God’s grace is available to us to turn away from anything that would keep us from running hard after Christ. May the Lord give us zeal and an increased pace and an increased engagement in Kingdom pursuits as we press towards the prize. Ultimately, Christlikeness is our prize. Let us seek the Lord and ask Him to increase our passion to become more like Him! He is faithful to give us more zeal, especially if our aim is that He would receive all the glory, not ourselves. Are you reaching for the upward call, longing to become more Christ-like in your pursuits and in the fruit of your life? What worldly pursuits might be hindering you from being conformed to the image of Christ? Let us not resist the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Our flesh is weak, but we must trust that we can find strength ...
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    7 m
  • We’re on God’s Mind
    Jan 25 2026
    In a universe vast beyond imagination, God’s attention remains deeply personal. This Christian devotional reflects on the comforting truth that we are constantly on God’s mind and lovingly cared for by our Creator. Rooted in Psalm 8:3–4, it invites believers to marvel at God’s power while resting in His intimate, unfailing love. Highlights God is mindful of every detail of our lives His love for us is constant, personal, and unconditional We are valued not because of our achievements, but because of God’s character Living mindfully of God means staying aware of His presence each day Noticing God’s blessings builds gratitude and trust God’s love frees us from the need for others’ approval Awareness of God’s care transforms how we live and love 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! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: We’re on God’s MindBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” – Psalm 8:3-4, NIV Do you enjoy looking up at the night sky? I love to look at the moon and stars as often as I can on my evening walks, and sometimes on clear nights, I’ll even go to a park away from city lights to get a closer look at the heavens. The beauty and vastness of space are awe-inspiring! In Psalm 8:3-4, King David considers our awe-inspiring universe and wonders: Why us? Why are we, these tiny creations on a small planet, the focus of the Creator of all that? The truth, David discovered, was that we’re on God’s mind. God – the gigantically powerful Creator who has made everything and everyone and sustains it all – is mindful of us. God constantly pays close, loving attention to us. In a cosmos of unimaginable scale, every single detail of our little lives matters to God! God’s care for us isn’t based on how good we are or how important our work seems. It’s a reflection of God’s character, which is pure love. Jesus describes God’s wonderful loving care for us when he teaches us that God even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7) and is mindful of his whole creation, including us and even small, common creatures like sparrow birds (Matthew 10:29). This incredible reality – that we’re always on God’s mind – can inspire us to think of God, as well. After all, since our Creator is mindful of us, shouldn’t we be mindful of him? Being mindful of God simply means to live with an awareness of God’s presence. It means letting the reality of God’s presence with us shape our thoughts, feelings, and decisions throughout each day. Just as God is mindful of our needs, we can be mindful of how God is constantly meeting those needs by pouring blessings into our lives. The more we pay attention to those blessings, the more we can be inspired to thank God for them and trust God to answer our prayers for our future needs. When we’re especially busy, it’s easy to push God to the margins of our lives. Being mindful of God involves placing our relationships with God at the center of our lives and choosing to live in the awareness of God’s love from day to day. The ultimate reason we’re on God’s mind is that he loves us so completely. We can’t earn God’s love, and we can’t lose it. We have it forever, and we can just enjoy it, because God is mindful of us. When we’re mindful of God, we remind ourselves to embrace the wonderful love that our Heavenly Father offers to us, and to love him back. The distance between us and the stars is nothing compared to the closeness of a God who carefully centers his attention on us. So, let’s live today and every day with the awareness that we’re loved and cared for because we’re on God’s mind! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you’re on God’s mind, reflect on these questions: When you look at the natural world (such as the sky, an ocean, or a forest), what’s one feature that inspires you with awe at God’s power, and how does that make ...
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    6 m
  • God Working in Us
    Jan 24 2026
    Sometimes life’s challenges feel overwhelming—but God is always at work in us. This Christian devotional explores how trials and difficulties refine our character, strengthen our faith, and deepen our hope in Christ. Rooted in Romans 5:3–5, it reminds believers that endurance through hardship produces lasting growth and a confident assurance of God’s love. Highlights Trials develop endurance and refine character Hard circumstances strengthen confident hope in salvation God’s love and the Holy Spirit fill our hearts even in suffering Endurance through trials brings glory and honor to God Faith is refined like gold through testing and perseverance God works in us even when we cannot see the outcome Scripture passages provide hope, purpose, and reassurance 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: God Working in Us By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” - Romans 5:3-5 Maybe what God is doing is working in you, I told my friend. I had run out of ideas. I didn’t know what to suggest. Her circumstances were not easy, and I could hear the frustration in her voice and tears on the other side of the phone. God must have a plan right now. In a season where she didn’t know what God was doing, I was sure He was doing something. I had heard this idea at church recently, that during challenging circumstances, God works in us. He works things out in us and through us. Whenever I go through trials or hard times, Romans 5:3-5 have been my favorite verses. It says that when we go through trials, it develops within us endurance and strength of character. There is something good that can come out of our suffering. One time, in particular, I can remember these verses speaking to me. During quarantine, sickness hit our home. At the same time, our air conditioner stopped working (it was late summer). I got a painful bite from what I guessed to be a horsefly. Then, our ceiling started leaking due to a storm. Surprisingly, at that point, I took it in stride, because so many things had been happening. I found my strength in the Word, in God. I turned to my Bible and read this passage from Romans aloud. If nothing else, I could trust that there is a purpose behind the hard things that happen. God is still doing something. He can work in us. Not only does God develop endurance and strength of character in us, but this passage in Romans says that “… character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:4). This encourages my heart. Paul continues, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” There is a purpose for our struggles, and we are reminded that our loving God is trustworthy. In this time of trial, my friend has also said that God is refining her. In 1 Peter, there is a passage that says, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:7). There have been many moments in my life that I haven’t understood, but the changes within myself have been worth it. His saving me and growing me brought me to the closeness I have with God and a better understanding of the Gospel. Intersecting Faith & Life: Another passage to lean on during hard times is James 1:2-4: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” How can the passages in Romans and in James encourage you during challenging times? Are you going through a hard time right now? Let His Word give you hope. Lord, Thank You that we always have hope in You. Thank You that there’s always a purpose for our suffering and that You are working something out in us. Thank You for what You are developing in our hearts. Lord, draw near to and comfort those who are suffering right now. In Jesus’s name, Amen...
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    6 m
  • Your Shield of Protection
    Jan 23 2026
    Feeling vulnerable, exposed, or weighed down by the words of others is a universal experience. This Christian devotional explores how God provides a shield of protection around us, guarding our hearts and lifting our heads when we feel isolated or criticized. Rooted in Psalm 3:3, this devotion reminds believers that God is our ultimate protector, ever-present and actively surrounding us with favor and strength. Highlights God is our shield, lifting our heads high when we feel down His protective favor surrounds us in ways we often cannot see The Psalms describe God as a shield repeatedly, showing His faithful care We don’t need to shrink, retaliate, or be consumed by shame Leaning on God enables us to prevail, persevere, and press forward Confidence and strength come from God, not our circumstances 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: Your Shield of Protection By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: But You, Lord, are a shield around me,My glory, and the One who lifts my head. (Psalm 3:3 NASB) Have you ever received a comment, observation, or insinuation that left you feeling vulnerable or exposed? Don’t you wish at times you had a protective shield you could hide behind, or at least have in front of you to catch those piercing arrows or darts, even the unintentional ones, that leave you feeling sad or defeated? My daughter is an only child who has always been quite independent and never needy of a man in her life, and never feels alone until someone (who means well, of course) asks her if she’s “in a relationship yet.” And after they express their confidence that she’ll one day “find a husband and be happy,” she can tend to feel singled out as inadequate or incomplete, even though she’s very content with where God has her, and is not striving for a relationship. A friend of mine who is recently divorced and knows a closeness with God she hadn’t experienced while married, will suddenly feel awkward and unprotected when someone mentions her “struggle” and expresses their sympathy—or judgment—for her predicament. And a young mom I know feels isolated and alone when she faces a decision concerning her toddler that other moms might criticize or at least not agree with. When there doesn’t seem to be any right or wrong answer or anyone to walk her through the right answer for her situation, she feels inadequate and lacks confidence in either choice. Oh, how you and I need a protective shield. Something to guard our hearts from even unintentional comments that feel like arrows piercing our hearts. And oh, how our God has already provided. David sang in Psalm 3:3 (NIV): “You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Our God is a shield of protection around us and the One who lifts our heads high when we would otherwise hang them low—feeling outnumbered, outclassed, outvoted, or just left out. Because He is a shield of protection around us, He enables us to hold our heads high in God-confidence. David also sang in Psalm 5:12: “You bless the righteous person, Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.” That means God’s protective shield around us is also a shield of favor. Do you realize, as His child, you remain in a circle of God’s favor that protects you in ways you can’t imagine? In Psalm 139:5, David must’ve been describing God’s shielding circle around him when he sang, “You have encircled me behind and in front, and placed Your hand upon me.” God, as a protective enclosing shield, goes before us, moves alongside us, and guards our backs. David continued his description of God as a shield in Psalm 7:10 when he sang: “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.” God, Himself, is our shield. And in Psalm 18, David described God as a shield of refuge when he said the God who is his rock, fortress, and deliverer, is also his “shield and the horn of [his] salvation, [his] stronghold” (verses 1-2). After describing God’s mighty rescue of him, David proclaims in verse 30: “As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the Lord is refined; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” And in verse 35, David declares his personal praise to God as his shield of support when he sings, “You protect me with your saving shield. You support me with your right hand. You have stooped to make me great.” (NCV) Intersecting Faith & Life: When someone says something to make us feel awkward, isolated, or alone, you and I don’t have to stoop down to their level for a cutting comeback or wilt inside with a sense of awkwardness, embarrassment, or shame. God has ...
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    7 m
  • Why Life Is Sacred
    Jan 22 2026
    Life is not accidental—it is sacred, intentional, and God-given. This Christian devotional explores the biblical truth of the sanctity of life and why choosing life matters more than ever in today’s culture. Rooted in Deuteronomy 30:19, this devotion calls believers to honor God’s design by valuing life at every age and stage. Highlights Life is a sacred gift intentionally created by God Scripture calls believers to actively choose life over death Every person is made in the image of God and has inherent value Our words have the power to influence life or destruction Biblical truth affirms life from the womb to the grave God’s design for humanity does not change with culture Christians are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves 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: Why Life Is Sacred By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19 Why are so many people choosing death over life these days? If asked, many individuals might disagree, not realizing what they are doing. Still, when we consider our culture’s views on the sacredness of life, we see the reality that individuals are choosing abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, suicide, and more. Because death is a popular choice for so many people, it’s more important than ever for us to speak out and help lead others to choose life over death. As Christians, we recognize that those who reject Jesus are choosing death, rather than receiving the life God gives us. A Day Set to Choose Life Every January since January 22, 1984, many Christians observe Sanctity of Life Day, a day set aside to commemorate God’s priceless and sacred gift of life. The United States' 40th President, Ronald Reagan, first issued the national proclamation setting aside a day to honor life and remember the millions of lives ended through abortion. It’s a day to remember those who can’t speak for themselves, committing to pray for and protect their life at every age and stage. Proverbs 31:8 urges us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Like Deuteronomy 30:19 urges, we, who are believers in Jesus Christ, are daily called to choose life over death, to believe that life is sacred. So, how do we put this into action daily? By choosing life through the words we speak, write, and communicate about it to ourselves, friends, family, community, and the world at large. Speaking Influential Words As Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Whether we realize it or not, the words we choose to speak and write influence those who hear and read our words. Because they do, it’s vitally important, a matter of life and death, that we celebrate and support life for those around us. Choosing God’s Truth God describes the very beginning of humankind, of their sacredness of being made in His image, as Genesis 1:27 describes, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Christians who replace biblical truth with other ideologies are choosing creator-less options, calling God a liar, along with removing the need for a Savior and devaluing life. But as believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to embrace and cherish the sacredness of life, of the truth of being formed in the image of our amazing Creator, who breathed His breath of life into us. There should be no doubt in our hearts and minds about who created us, the One who formed us with His own hands and has called us priceless in His sight. As Genesis 2:7 explains, God is very clear about where humans began and by whose hand. “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Sanctity of Life Remains Nothing changes God’s truth about life and the sacredness of it, despite the world’s efforts to promote abortion, assisted suicide, and selecting and euthanizing those who have physical and mental issues and disabilities, various illnesses, and the elderly. God’s plan for each individual is life, as Psalm 139:16 describes: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” Men and women, from the womb to the grave, are God’s glorious, sacred creations. As Psalm 8:4-6 describes, “What is mankind ...
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    7 m
  • When You Need Big Faith to Face Big Things
    Jan 21 2026
    Fear doesn’t wait for permission—and neither do life’s hardest moments. This Christian devotional offers biblical encouragement for finding strength in Christ when you’re facing overwhelming circumstances. Rooted in Philippians 4:12–13, it reminds us that big faith isn’t about our ability to endure—it’s about trusting the God who carries us through big things. From unimaginable loss to prolonged suffering, many believers face trials that seem impossible to survive. Yet again and again, Scripture and real-life testimony point to the same truth: Jesus is the source of strength. Like the apostle Paul, we learn that contentment and perseverance don’t come from personal resilience, but from leaning fully on Christ’s power when ours runs out. Highlights Big faith isn’t self-generated—it’s rooted in trusting Jesus God’s strength carries us when our own strength fails Contentment is learned through dependence on Christ Faith grows deeper when life grows harder God remains present in both abundance and need Jesus is faithful to do exactly what He promises Your faith is enough because God is more than enough 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 You Need Big Faith to Face Big ThingsBy Keri Eichberger Bible Reading:I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13 I’ve watched people face things I can’t fathom. I’ve seen young friends lose spouses and parents and babies. I’ve watched couples on the brink of divorce after extreme betrayal, then bounce back. I’ve sat with women who have battled more health issues than I can imagine. I’ve witnessed others who have taken on more tragedy in a couple years than I hope to endure in an entire lifetime. And I’ve wondered time and again how in the world they kept it together. Because they certainly seemed too. I have a strong faith. But how would my faith stand up against some of the hardest things I can hardly even contemplate. And I’m going to go ahead and tell you the common thread in these situations. Each of these individuals, who encountered the incomprehensible, pointed to Jesus. It was their faith in him they say held them up and together. But how about you? How solid has your faith felt in really difficult times? Or if you don’t think you’ve gone through such treacherous waters as mentioned, how do you think your faith would hold up if you were to? Do you, like me, hear the story of Paul in the New Testament—who shares enduring the worst of the worst, yet still rejoices in Jesus—and wonder, how in the world did he do it? But here’s what we have to remember: It’s Jesus. He was how. He is how. The longer I’ve lived I’m learning that it’s true. He really is who he says he is. He really does do what he said he’ll do. I have first-hand experienced his profound power and peace. Because though I am weak, he is strong. It’s not my power that gets me through it. It’s his. It’s him. And same for you. If you call him your Lord and Savior, he’ll be with you as well. If you look to and lean on him, if you place your faith in him, he will carry you just like he has carried all of his children through hard things. He really will. I’ve read about it, heard about it, and believe it more each day as I see it over and over in my own life. It is God who gives the strength. In Philippians Chapter 4 Paul remarks, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. He says he knows what it is to be in need. And does he ever. Yet he learned to be content. He learned how to withstand extreme trials and suffering while keeping the faith. And he doesn’t say it is by his strength he did this, he says it is by God’s strength. God reminds us time and again throughout his word that he will never leave us. He reminds us of his mighty power that resides with us and within us. This was true for Paul, it’s true for me, and it is true for you. It is your faith, it is God, that will strengthen you and hold you. And your faith is big enough to face big things, because God is big enough to get you through them. I hope this gives you some encouragement today. I understand it’s hard to imagine being able to endure the most difficult traumas and tragedies...
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    6 m
  • From Fearful to Courageous
    Jan 20 2026
    Fear doesn’t disqualify us from being used by God—it often marks the starting point. This Christian devotional explores how Moses transformed from a hesitant, fear-filled man into one of the most courageous leaders in Scripture, revealing how God grows faith through daily dependence. Rooted in Deuteronomy 34:10–12, this devotion offers hope for anyone longing to move from insecurity to confidence in Christ. Moses didn’t begin his calling with bold faith. In fact, he pleaded with God to choose someone else. Yet over time, as he repeatedly turned to the Lord instead of his fears, God shaped him into a leader marked by courage, intimacy with God, and unwavering trust. His story reminds us that spiritual growth isn’t instant—but it is possible. Highlights God often calls people who feel unqualified and afraid Moses’ courage was developed, not instant Faith grows when we consistently turn to God in moments of fear Fear deepens when we dwell on problems; peace grows when we seek God’s presence True confidence comes from intimacy with Christ, not personal strength God’s power is revealed most clearly through surrendered hearts You don’t have to stay stuck in today’s insecurity 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: From Fearful to CourageousBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. - Deuteronomy 34:10-12, NIV. Today’s passage, when understood in light of Moses’s full story, assures me that I can start afraid and end as a confident, influential, and powerful woman of God. While I’m nowhere near as faith-filled and courageous as I long to be, I’m encouraged knowing that I don’t have to remain stuck in today’s fear and insecurity. That’s not to say I expect my journey toward peace to feel easy or simple. Nor do I anticipate a smooth, linear trajectory where all fretting and overthinking steadily decrease day by day. Unfortunately, I’m much too inconsistent for that. The more I follow the examples set by the heroes of faith, however, the greater my intimacy with Christ, understanding and reliance on His truth, and trust in His care. You see, whenever I read Moses’ legacy, so beautifully preserved in Deuteronomy 34, I can’t help but think back on the man revealed in Exodus 3 and 4. If you’re familiar with the Old Testament, you might remember his not-so-courageous response to his awe-inspiring and miraculous encounter with God Almighty. After forty years living as a Prince in Egypt, he killed a man and fled to the land of Midian, where he remained as a fugitive. Perhaps assuming he’d forfeited whatever dreams he’d once held for his future, he soon settled into his new life, where he spent his time as a family man tending his father-in-law’s herds. Then one long, quiet, monotonous day, something captured his attention—a bush that kept burning without turning to ash. As he stepped closer to investigate, the voice of God Almighty called out from the foliage, engaging him in a life-changing conversation. The Lord told him that he’d heard the desperate cries of His enslaved people and was sending Moses to set them free. Understandably, this ignited anxiety within Moses. God responded through a series of miracles that displayed His power and authority, but this wasn’t enough to still Moses’s quaking heart. His fear of Pharaoh, the earthly ruler the Lord wanted him to stand against, was so great that he actually told God no, stating, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else” (Ex. 4:13, NIV). Eventually, however, he obeyed, and in the decades that followed, developed an unshakable faith able to withstand an approaching army, a militant raiding people group, constant complaints and revolts from those he led, near stoning, betrayal from his siblings, and all the hardships that came with wondering, for four decades, through an inhospitable wilderness enroute to an unknown land. What strikes me most, however, is the stark contrast he portrays compared to his fellow Hebrews. Like Moses, they began doubtful and afraid. Unlike him, they remained stuck in their unbelief and fear. Moses, on the other hand, grew so faithful and courageous; today’s passage memorialized him as, at that time, the greatest prophet known to man. Clearly, the difference wasn’t in their circumstances. He and they ...
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    6 m
  • Trading Perfectionism for Peace
    Jan 19 2026
    Struggling with perfectionism, productivity pressure, or the constant need to do more? This devotional reflection on Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that peace is found not in performance, but in God’s grace. When achievement becomes identity, rest feels uncomfortable—but Scripture gently redirects our hearts back to the truth that salvation, worth, and purpose are gifts from God, not something we earn. Through honest reflection and biblical truth, this message invites us to release perfectionism, embrace weakness, and rest in the grace of a God who completes the work He began in us. Highlights Perfectionism often disguises itself as faithfulness and diligence God’s grace, not our effort, defines our worth Productivity is not the same as purpose God’s power is made perfect in weakness, not strength Rest is an act of trust, not laziness Busyness can quietly pull our hearts away from God Peace grows when we surrender control and performance 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: Trading Perfectionism for PeaceBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“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.” Eph. 2:8-9 (NIV) Do you wrestle with the incessant need to do more, be more? Do you find yourself struggling to sit still? Are you bothered by empty hours or blank spaces on the planner? Do you worry about how others perceive your efforts, or lack thereof? Do you feel frustrated by days that cannot be quantified as “productive”? If any of these prompts ring true for you, know you are not alone. One of my greatest struggles in life has been my inner battle with performance and perfectionism. A typical, Type-A, first-born, I am naturally a mover, a shaker, and a doer. I can possess a fierce determination when something needs doing, and can conjure endless endurance to accomplish whatever goal lies ahead. If there is a job to do, you can likely find me in line, ready and waiting to help. Our current culture esteems and celebrates such traits, but at what cost? I used to be proud of these characteristics. However, I have learned over time that all of the “achieving” can cause unwanted repercussions. Several years back, I recognized this reality the hard way, through hurt inflicted on those I love most. Full of grief and repentance, I spent years surrendering my pursuits of performance and perfectionism to the Lord and saw a real change in my behavior and my heart, so much so that I joked that I was a recovering perfectionist. You would think, after putting so much effort towards such an outcome, I would steer clear of potential pitfalls in this area. However… “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9, NIV). As I reflect on where I find myself today, I am disappointed and frustrated that I have once again journeyed down the slippery slope of achievement and works. I am deeply grieved by the recognition of this repeated pattern. How do I keep ending up here? What am I doing wrong? I feel like Paul when he said, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate,” (Rom. 7:15, NLT). Perhaps you can relate. Despite my failings, hope remains because hope stems from a source far beyond me. “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.” Eph. 2:8-9 (NIV) Even further, the Bible says His power is best demonstrated through my weakness, not my strength (2 Cor. 12:9), and the good work God began in me will be completed by HIM (Phil. 1:6). I am not responsible for anything other than surrender and worship to HIM. The Lord does have work for each of us to do, but He is not requiring us to take on more than He asks. If you are anything like me, then there is a good chance you, too, are doing more than God has called you to do. He isn’t asking you to prove your worth to Him or anyone else around you. You are precious and valuable simply because you are. He is pleased with who He created you to be, and any effort to gain approval or satisfaction from busyness and productivity will only draw you farther away from Him rather than towards Him. Will you join me today in laying down the clamor and call of perfectionism? If so, pray this prayer with me: “Lord, I recognize that my longing for productivity is an attempt to validate my purpose in this world outside of you. Would you forgive me for trying to gain Your approval and the approval of others ...
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