The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Understanding God's generosity helps us move beyond taking our blessings for granted and develop a deeper attitude of gratitude. Scripture reveals that God gives us His Holy Spirit, strength, endurance, encouragement, victory through Christ, and everything we need to live a godly life. His greatest gift is salvation through His Son, Jesus. As we reflect on these blessings, we can become more aware of His quiet provision, thank Him for what we often overlook, and allow His generosity to shape the way we care for others.
Highlights
Why God is a generous giver rather than someone who withholds good things from His people.

How God's quiet generosity can be easy to overlook when we focus on what we think is missing.

Eight ways God demonstrates His generosity through favor, provision, the Holy Spirit, victory, and strength.

Why believers can depend on God's endurance and encouragement during difficult seasons.

How the gift of Jesus Christ reveals the depth of God's love and generosity.

What Scripture teaches about God's provision for living a faithful and godly life.

Practical ways to recognize God's blessings daily, grow in gratitude, and extend generosity to others.

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:
The Quiet Generosity of God
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11
During this season of Thanksgiving, we have so much to thank God for. When it comes to talking about His generosity, where do we even begin? How could we possibly cover even a small part of it, when His generosity toward us in this life and the life to come could fill entire libraries?
Often, we hear and see individuals raise their fists and voices, accusing God of withholding from them. But that couldn’t be further from the truth because God is a giver, not a withholder. He is love, and out of His love for us flows unlimited generosity beyond belief.
Even those who don’t know Him may not realize or recognize His generosity in their lives. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:45, “…He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
God’s Quiet Generosity
Because God doesn’t announce every time He is generous to us, many of us are prone to take His generosity for granted, missing just how much He gives us.
Although the list could go on and on, the following are eight ways God is quietly generous to us.
God gives us favor and honor. We may not always feel it, but God gives us favor and honor. As Psalm 84:11 tells us, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
God gives so that there is no lack in our lives. There isn’t any lack with God, as 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us, “God has given us all that we need in this world and the life to come.”
We are not only set for this life on earth but also for eternity and everlasting life. Psalm 34:10 assures us that even if “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
God gives us His Holy Spirit without limits. Because we’re used to limits on almost everything in life, from sales to paychecks and more, we tend to believe God is limited, too. But He’s not, as Jesus describes in John 3:34: “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”
We don’t ever have to be at a loss for God’s Holy Spirit, at least not on His end, because He generously gives Him to us. If we feel distant from Him, it’s not because God has pulled away. He has given us a sure guarantee of His presence.
2 Corinthians 5:5 explains how, “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
God gives us victory. With God, we are winners, not losers, even when we might feel like losers at various times in our lives or when it looks that way to others.
As 1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God gives us strength. Even when we feel weak, we can be strong because God gives us the strength we need through Him.
As Philippians 4:13 describes, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
God gives us His Son. Throughout the ages, since Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection, God has continued to offer the gift of salvation through His Son to all who will come to Him.
As Romans 8:32 describes, “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
In Jesus, God gives us more than we could ever deserve, as 2 Corinthians 9:15 reminds us, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
God gives us endurance and encouragement. Sometimes we feel like we have to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and endure life's challenges through our own strength. But Romans 15:5 explains how God wants to be our source of both endurance and encouragement:
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
God gives us everything we need to live a godly life. Sometimes we may think it’s too hard to follow Jesus and live a godly life, but God gives us everything we need to do so.
As 2 Peter 1:3 describes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Why not take time in the coming weeks to consider God’s generosity in your life and remind yourself of it each and every day? Make a list on your phone or write down examples of His generosity and stick them on your refrigerator. Let these reminders encourage you to be grateful and thank God for His quiet generosity.
Further Reading:
A Prayer to Stir up Thanksgiving Gratefulness
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Healing from betrayal takes time, prayer, and a willingness to place the hurt in God's hands. Forgiveness does not mean excusing someone's actions, restoring a broken relationship, or removing necessary boundaries. It means choosing not to let another person's wrongdoing control your future. By trusting God with justice, releasing the questions we cannot answer, and continuing to move forward, we can begin to recover from betrayal and find renewed hope. Even when the pain remains, God can strengthen us and guide us toward healing.
Highlights
Why betrayal by someone close to us can cause deep emotional wounds and lasting pain.

How Psalm 55 reveals David's experience with the heartbreak of being betrayed by a trusted friend.

Why forgiveness is essential to healing, even when reconciliation or restored trust isn't possible.

How to establish healthy boundaries without allowing bitterness to control your life.

Why trusting God means placing the burden of justice and unanswered questions in His hands.

How to stop dwelling on what someone else may do and focus on the healing God is working in your own life.

Why healing from betrayal takes time and requires patience, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward.

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:
Healing the Wounds of Betrayal
By Aaron D’Anthony Brown
Bible Reading:
“Now it is not an enemy who insults me—otherwise I could bear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me—otherwise I could hide from him. But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend! We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.” (Psalm 55:12-14, CSB)
We all have that experience of watching a show or a movie where the hero gets betrayed by someone he never expected. Like the protagonist, we feel a sense of anger, hurt, and fear for what comes next. The greater the stakes, the more we emotionally respond as viewers. And in those instances when we know what’s about to happen, but the hero doesn’t, there’s dramatic irony on top of all of that. Surely, God must feel the same way for us in the midst of our own betrayals (Psalm 34:18).
In fiction, betrayals are hardly ever expected. In real life, even less so. There’s something quite profound when we experience such a hardship firsthand. They catch us off guard and leave us with pains that feel indelible. Many of us know the sting of a friend turning their back, a cheating spouse, or a coworker who did something devious to get ahead.
If God is the author of our lives, then nothing catches him by surprise. Still, these things happen. God allows them to, which can be painful in and of itself.
Certainly, we’ve asked God why. Certainly, we’ve wished to turn back time. If only we could prevent ourselves from getting hurt by doing something different. But that’s not possible. What happened, happened. Now, we have to pick up the broken pieces and recover.
So, how do we heal those wounds left behind by betrayal?
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Hereare a few (but not all) of the ways we can heal the wounds left by betrayal:
Forgive
Healing starts with forgiveness. Forgiving does not mean the relationship will restart, nor does it mean you move on without boundaries. Forgiveness simply means you won’t live your life dwelling on someone’s wrongful deeds.
Remember, God forgives those who forgive (Matthew 6:14-15). So, forgive.
We might tell ourselves we’ve forgiven, but how much do we dwell on the hurt? Are you constantly reminding yourself of what happened or talking about it with others? If so, you might need to reexamine whether or not you have truly forgiven.
Trust God
Psalm 55 is not only well written but quite informative in that David presents readers with a problem and a ready solution. He casts his “burden on the Lord,” praying for justice and that evil would reap a rightful end (Psalm 55:22). This is a reminder to us to seek God for strength when the unimaginable becomes a painful reality. We can pray that He would enact justice. We should also pray that He would take care of us, too, helping us grow from the experience, learn, and hopefully, never fall into such hardship again.
Keep Moving Forward
There are so many questions we ask after a betrayal. Most of them are unhelpful. We shouldn't wonder if God will bring them back, or if they are maturing, or if they will ever apologize. The truth is that you don’t know. And you won’t know until you know, if ever.
Instead, keep moving forward. Trust God to work in their life as He works in your own.
Give the situation to Him and continue to live. Betrayal may mean the end of a relationship, but you still have so much more to live for and look forward to.
Remember, healing is not a one-and-done affair. Sometimes we have to try various strategies time and time again. That’s to be expected. What you shouldn’t do is give up. Yes, what happened in the past hurt, and it may still hurt now, but the past does not predict the future.
Further Reading:
Job 4
Job 42:7-9
Psalm 13
Psalm 55
Psalm 56
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Building strong Christian friendships requires humility, patience, and a willingness to look beyond personality differences, backgrounds, and personal preferences. Just as Paul depended on the Thessalonian church for encouragement and partnership in ministry, we need other believers to strengthen our faith and help us grow. Whether you're outgoing, introverted, or somewhere in between, you have something valuable to contribute to your church family. Discover how embracing the blessing of needing one another can lead to deeper relationships and a stronger, more loving Christian community.
Highlights
Why God designed Christians to experience meaningful community rather than surface-level relationships.

How friendships with people who have different personalities and perspectives can strengthen our faith.

What Paul's relationship with the Thessalonian church teaches us about mutual encouragement and support.

Why Christian fellowship requires humility, patience, gentleness, and love.

How the early church brought together people from different backgrounds through their shared faith in Jesus.

Practical ways to move beyond casual church interactions and build deeper Christian friendships.

Why every believer, regardless of personality or background, has a valuable role in the body of 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!
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Full Transcript Below:
The Blessing of Needing One Another
By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:7 NLT
One of my closest friends, Amber, and I send each other memes throughout the workweek, poking fun at each other’s personality quirks. I check almost every extravert box, while she fits neatly (for the most part) into the introvert mold.
We are wildly different: I often struggle to say “no,” and she needs a push to say “yes.” You can never have too many invites on the guest list; in my opinion, she'd rather spend time with a party of one, herself. I invite and seek out change, while my friend finds comfort in consistency. On paper, our friendship doesn’t make sense, except for one, well, two things.

First, we both love the Lord and have a deep affection for theology, doctrine, and diving deep into Scripture to unpack and discuss questions that have answers and those that will never have a black-and-white response. Secondly, we both live by the motto, “I’d rather be reading.” I know you're thinking, “I thought you said you are an extravert?” I am! But I love to read, and more importantly, I love to talk about books with others. See where the extravert side comes in?!

A few years ago, Amber and I were paired together to help at a family friend’s wedding. That day, while passing out cake slices, we bonded over books and theologians. I remember getting in the car and telling my husband that Amber was going to become my new bestie, and he said, “They’ve been going to our church for almost 2 years; you are just now getting to know her?”
That’s the thing about church community: you can spend hours each week with people—exchanging pleasantries, sharing prayer requests, and serving together—without ever really getting to know them. We had done all of those things, but we’d never taken our friendship to the next level. I think we valued each other corporately but hadn’t yet realized how much we needed each other personally.
I think about the ancient church and the demographics of people worshiping together. The congregations that formed after Jesus were made up of followers from all sorts of backgrounds, many of whom were enemies before coming to Christ. I am sure assumptions and prejudices were prevalent and were major hindrances to people developing close friendships. God created humanity for community, not just surface-level associations, but deep, rich friendship and fellowship, but it’s not always easy.
In the opening chapter of Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, sharing how encouraged he was by their hospitality and mutual love for the gospel. Paul isn’t shy about letting them know he needs them; their steadfastness under persecution, continual prayers, and partnership in the gospel strengthen and equip him to continue in ministry. Paul likens this congregation’s care, and his view of them, to that of a mother and child– a relationship marked by love and mutual affection.
No matter what your disposition is- outgoing, shy, talkative, quiet- we are called to care for the body of believers. Ephesians 4:2 tells us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” It is a blessing to have a church family that needs us, and we need them too. When we care for each other and develop relationships filled with humility, service, and love, it doesn’t matter our personality, background, or personal preferences; we are united in Christ– we are family.
I am beyond grateful the Lord allowed Amber and me to bond over books and the Bible; she has become one of my most cherished friends. I covet her perspective and her different view of things; sometimes our differences clash, but more often than not, we celebrate them. Embrace the blessing of needing each other; people are a gift from God, so let’s treat them as such.
Intersecting Faith & Life:

Is there someone in your church or community you’ve been hesitant to connect with because, on the outside, they are different from you? Let this devotional encourage you to reach out and get to know them as you experience the blessings of the body of believers.
Further Reading:
Ephesians 4
A Prayer for the Gift of Fellow Believers When We Need Encouragement
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever looked back on your life and realized how many dangerous situations could have ended differently? God’s protection is not always something we recognize in the moment. Sometimes, we only see His guiding hand years later when we consider the accidents, harmful encounters, and unexpected dangers that never became part of our story. Second Thessalonians 3:3 reminds us that the Lord is faithful, strengthening and protecting His people from evil.
While the reality of evil and the uncertainty of life can make it easy to worry about what might happen, God does not want us to live consumed by fear and anxiety. We can trust His sovereignty, rest in His presence, and thank Him for the ways He has protected us—even when we were unaware of the danger. Reflecting on God's faithfulness helps us develop a deeper sense of gratitude, recognize His care throughout our lives, and find peace in knowing that our safety ultimately rests in Him.
Highlights
How looking back on past experiences can reveal God's unseen protection.

Why we can thank God for dangers, accidents, and harmful situations that never happened.

What 2 Thessalonians 3:3 teaches us about God's faithfulness and protection from evil.

How the reality of evil can create anxiety if we focus too much on what could happen.

Why we should trust God more than human circumstances or the promises of others.

How Psalm 4:8 reminds us that we can rest peacefully because the Lord makes us dwell in safety.

How recognizing God's protection can deepen our gratitude, strengthen our faith, and help us live without fear.

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:
Thank God for What Never Happened
By Melinda Eye Cooper
Bible Reading:
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. - 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
I like true crime shows. But only if the perpetrator is caught by the end of the program.
Honestly, I wrestled with this about myself for a while. Why? What exactly is it that I like about horrible things happening and criminals getting busted? And it boils down to one word. Justice.
I believe in justice.
These days, advances in forensic science make it possible to solve very old, cold cases.
An investigative genetic genealogist can figure out whose DNA belongs to through family trees. A perpetrator can be caught by DNA he left behind before most of us even knew what DNA was. I imagine some criminals are shaking in their boots knowing they could get busted any day for something they did thirty years ago.
Still, justice can take many years.
So, as I watch true crime shows and see how these poor folks ran into people with evil intent, I see how easily I could have been one of the victims because I’ve also found myself in many of the scenarios.
Back before cell phones and the internet, we crossed our fingers and said a prayer that we’d get wherever we were going. Once, when I was eighteen, driving home from closing a fast-food restaurant at one a.m., the alternator went out in my car. I coasted, with dimming lights, into a local cemetery entrance while my car slowly died.
Soon, a truck pulled up, and a strange man offered me assistance. Nervous, I declined and bolted across the street to a nearby house, banging on the door until an elderly lady finally answered. Thankfully, she allowed me to use her phone to call home, and soon my dad showed up, much to my relief.
That’s just one of many precarious situations I found myself in my youth.
The older and wiser I become, the more I know God has had me in His protection without a doubt. And I’m sure I’m not aware of many dangerous situations where He’s kept me safe without my knowledge.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The truth is, not only are we subject to human nature, our own and others', but also forces of evil that would like nothing more than to cause us harm. But we could easily become full of anxiety if we allow thoughts of “what could happen” to overwhelm us. God doesn’t want us living in fear or anxiety.
We’re reminded in the Psalms:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8 NIV
God is with us. He’s protecting us, and He alone is making us dwell in safety.
Sadly, people can do some awful things to other people. And we should never trust another person the way we trust God. Evil is real. The demonic spiritual realm is real.
But so is God. And He’s sovereign, faithful, and trustworthy.
Looking back through the lens of our youth, we’ll see God’s protective hands covering us more times than we can count or even imagine. The things He protected us from have allowed us to move forward and live the life He has for us.
A good life.
We may not make the connection of His protection until many years later. But He has us tight in His grip. If God allows us to experience something good or bad, there’s purpose. And He uses those things for our good, one way or another. He strengthens us as we walk with Him. He loves us more than we can comprehend and has our best interest at heart.
Throughout our lives, we might get a tiny glimpse of just how much God must love us to give His only Son to pay the price for our sin. Though we can never truly grasp the depth of His great love. We know He has good plans for our lives, and His protection is part of those plans.
Knowing it could have easily been us but wasn’t makes us grateful for His protection and guidance.
And truly thankful for things that never happened.
Father, thank You for protecting me even when I didn’t realize the danger in my midst. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Wholehearted devotion to God requires us to continually examine what has our attention, who influences our decisions, and where we look for fulfillment. Scripture calls us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength, but that commitment can weaken when we become comfortable or let other priorities take His place. Solomon’s example challenges us to guard our relationships, resist spiritual complacency, and keep pursuing Christ with intentional faith. No one is immune to spiritual drift, but we can continually return our focus to the Lord and grow in a life devoted to Him alone.
Highlights
How King Solomon went from building God's temple to constructing altars for foreign gods.

Why spiritual wisdom and a strong beginning do not guarantee lifelong faithfulness.

How relationships and outside influences can gradually pull our hearts away from God.

Why wholehearted devotion means loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength.

The danger of becoming spiritually complacent and taking Jesus’ saving work for granted.

How to recognize competing priorities and influences that may be becoming idols.

Practical ways to renew your love for God and remain faithful throughout your walk with 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:
Pursuing Wholehearted Devotion to God
By Sophia Bricker
Bible Reading:
“On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command” (1 Kings 11:7-10, NIV).
One of the most jolting accounts in Solomon’s life as king of Israel was when he built places of worship for the gods of other nations. We read about how he constructed altars for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech–false gods that would continue to ensnare the people of Israel. Sure, his act was under the guise of creating places for his wives to worship their “gods.” Yet, the most shocking aspect is that this king was the one who built the temple for the living and true God: Yahweh.
Multiple chapters in the book of Kings detail how he dutifully gathered the supplies for the magnificent Temple (1 Kings 5-7). He used the materials his father, David, had gathered and appointed a craftsman to create beautiful engravings and metalwork for the place of worship. For this was not a typical building; it would serve as the house for the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of the Lord’s presence with His people.
At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon had lifted his hands in praise and prayer, entreating God to hear those who prayed toward His holy dwelling. Yet, those same hands later constructed stones and altars in service to idolatry.
There was no excuse. The Lord had appeared to him twice, once after he had become king and sought wisdom to rule justly, and again after the dedication of the Temple. This man, who was renowned for his knowledge and wisdom, had foolishly turned away from God. His focus was captured by his many wives, and they turned his heart away from following the Lord. Unlike his father, Solomon was not known for being a man after God’s own heart.
His example not only provides us with a warning against allowing ourselves to be led astray by others, but it also reminds us of the continual need to pursue wholehearted love for the Lord. Earlier, at the giving of the Law, the Lord had told them: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, NIV). When Jesus, God the Son, came, He also reiterated this as the greatest command (Mark 12:30-31). Our Lord demands nothing less than our entire selves in devotion to Him, and to Him alone.
Even though we might not be tempted to bow down to a graven image or seek out rituals to honor Molech, there are other things in our lives that can tug our attention away from God. Solomon’s example shows the power of relationships in leading us astray. We are wise to guard the company we keep, including those who are closest to us (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Many of the kings who were faithful at the beginning of their reign drifted away as time went on. Likewise, if we are not careful, we can grow comfortably accustomed (and unaffected) by Jesus’ saving work and begin to look to other sources for fulfillment and happiness. Even the Apostle Paul described his effort to faithfully finish the race of life (Philippians 3:13). None of us is immune from straying from our Lord, but He remains faithful.
As followers of Christ, we are wise to reflect on the warmth of our love for our Lord, whether it is cold, warm, or lukewarm. For the same hands that are upturned in prayer to our Savior can also be used to serve idols in our lives. May we continually grow in our ability to be individuals after God’s own heart.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are there any areas in your life that are taking your attention away from the Lord? What are some ways you can fan into flame your love for Him?
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
Nehemiah 13:23-27
Philippians 3:12-14
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Hebrews 12:1-3
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.