The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

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
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:
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:
Mark off time to bring your past burdens to God in prayer and ask for His wisdom
Pencil a decluttering day on your calendar and donate at least one physical item from your life that no longer serves you and could serve someone in need
Try to articulate the lesson learned from a hard season and commit to holding on to the wisdom, not the worry
List three things, blessings, or relationships that you truly love and thank God for them
Make yourself a promise to spend a little less money on purchases and a little more time with people who need you, including yourself
Further Reading:
Isaiah 43:18-19
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 12:2
Philippians 3:13-14

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

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

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
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 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 you seek 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. Since God 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 prioritize talking 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 through renewal and revival!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider how seeking and following God’s guidance will help you thrive, reflect on these questions:
What areas of your life currently feel “sun-scorched” and how can you seek God’s help to bring those situations back to life with his living water?
How do you feel most connected to God’s guidance day by day?
What is a recent piece of wisdom from God that you feel called to act on right now?
What makes it challenging to follow God’s guidance instead of relying on your own plans, and what helps you trust God as he leads you?
What changes do you notice in yourself when you choose to seek and follow God’s guidance?
Further Reading:
Psalm 23:2-3
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Psalm 32:8
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 32:8
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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