The Crosswalk Devotional

Friend, wicked people might make your present situation more painful and difficult than it needs to be. But they cannot thwart God’s very good, hope-filled plans for you. Remember that the next time someone does something that leaves you feeling vulnerable and threatened.

When we face rejection from others, we must remember that Jesus understands rejection better than anyone, as He has experienced it firsthand.

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

We cannot simply will our own fearlessness into being. But we can surrender our need for control and fear of hardship over to God, and we can ask him, in prayer, to make us more alive, no matter what comes our way today.

Maturity matters! Far too many people are becoming confused and deceived by messages spreading in this world from unreliable sources. As we grow in mature thinking, we become stronger in our faith and better able to help other people.

How might turning your heart toward the Lord in your fear and pain help alleviate the burden weighing on your soul, allowing you to walk just a little lighter?

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

We can call upon the name of the Lord to cry out for help when we are tempted to complain and grumble. He is our ever-present help in times of need and is faithful to strengthen us.

Though our emotions can get stirred up when “iron sharpens iron” in our relationships, and there are disagreements and deep hurts, the Lord has called us to love one another. It is amazing how quickly a heated situation is diffused when love and humility are applied.

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

In this fallen world, where too many people are shouting at each other, we can ambitiously choose a better lifestyle of quiet work and love.

What does it mean to bear God’s image? It means to care about the things he cares about, and to reflect his character out into the world. And one of the things that God cares about is order, which creates space for life to thrive.

God has called teachers and pastors to a higher standard to equip the Body for the work of the ministry by teaching us what God’s Word says. May we be quick to lift them up every day, knowing the seriousness of their high calling.

Your grief may continue for the rest of your life, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy the wonderful plans God has for you. He may even use this present pain to encourage you to help others. The plans He has for you are amazing; do not give up now, your life has just begun.

God always tells the truth. If God said it, it’s coming. If he planned it, it’s happening. Your job isn’t to make it happen; your job is to trust the One who is already doing it.