The Crosswalk Devotional

Trust returns when we remember that God is good. When we believe there is hope. When we repent of unbelief and decide to break up with it. When we remember, He can do the miraculous.

If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God?

God knows life can get hard, and our faith can waver from time to time. However, He doesn’t want us straying away from Him. He is our hiding place where we can go and find safety, security, and hope.

Grace in abundance is available to those who ask! We must learn how to ask for grace when we have reached our limit, or when we feel like we are being crushed under the weight of our suffering.

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

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

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

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

Jesus was never hurried, rushed, or needed to prove His worth by His productivity. You don’t either. As you start your day, remember to slow down and spend a few moments in prayer.

I am not obligated to be best friends with everyone, but I can love them in my mind, pray for them from my heart, and extend to them a gracious act of kindness from the deep gratitude I have for what Jesus did for me. Because Jesus loved me while I was yet a sinner, I can love them too.

Do you feel rooted and grounded in Christ, or are you wandering, lost, or disconnected? Perhaps you are somewhere in the middle, where it literally feels like you have one foot on each side of the dividing line that separates surrender and self-reliance.

It’s amazing to dream. Let’s keep hoping, but let’s not forget to make the most of each moment we’ve been given. To serve God exactly where He has us, to love the people He has placed in our path.

As Christ followers, we should have the highest respect for God. Respecting Him means we don't take part in evil or wicked schemes. Instead, we will obey Him.

Father, let us be people who rest. Let us understand that rest is a necessity in our lives, not merely something to do to prevent exhaustion. Help us create firm boundaries around our mental, emotional, and physical state.

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, ask God to help you find reasons to be thankful for our country, our godly heritage, and the freedoms we still enjoy today.