The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Understanding the "fear of the Lord" begins with recognizing God's character. Proverbs 8:13 reminds us that reverence for God is not about living in constant terror but about honoring Him so deeply that we reject what He calls evil. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, obedience becomes less about fear of punishment and more about love, trust, and respect for the One who is perfectly holy and perfectly good.
This devotion encourages believers to move beyond a distorted view of God as someone waiting for them to fail. Instead, Scripture reveals a Father who calls His children to walk in wisdom, love, and holiness. Genuine reverence for God transforms our hearts, shaping the way we speak, make decisions, and respond to temptation because we desire to reflect His character.
Highlights:
Reverence for God grows out of knowing His holy and loving character
Respecting the Lord leads us to reject pride, evil, and sinful behavior
Obedience is rooted in love for Christ, not merely fear of consequences
God's desire is to draw His people closer, not push them away through intimidation
A healthy view of God inspires joyful faithfulness and spiritual growth
Join the Conversation
When you hear the phrase "fear the Lord," what comes to mind? How has your understanding of God's character shaped the way you approach Him in worship, obedience, and everyday life?
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Full Transcript Below:
What it Means to Respect the Lord
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13).
Many of us grew up hearing about the fear of the Lord. As someone who did not grow up in the church, I didn't hear about this until much later. However, I can imagine the anxiety it raised in the hearts of children.
The idea of fearing the Lord suggests that we are supposed to be afraid of Him. When we look at the Bible, we don't see Jesus as a scary, fear-mongering God. Instead, we see Him being born into the world as an innocent baby on one silent night (Luke 2:11).
Fearing the Lord has bred many problems within preaching as well as theology in general. This is because far too many people take fear to literally mean being afraid—and this is a completely reasonable conclusion to draw. Some translations include footnotes to guide the reader; however, for most of us who are reading the New International Version or the King James Version, the word remains “fear.”
When I was in Bible college, a professor went over this exact issue. Anytime the Bible uses the phrase “the fear of the Lord,” it refers to respecting the Lord. My professor said a more accurate understanding of these passages would be “the respect of the Lord.” To respect Him is to love Him.
While many people will continue to preach the message of fear, we must remember that fear doesn't last… love does. If someone places faith in Jesus and follows Him out of fear, their faith will not stand. They will only be obeying Him because they fear Him. With time, their obedience will waver because they won't be afraid of Him anymore.
However, if a person loves God and respects Him out of this love, their conversion will be true. Their obedience to Him will also show up in their daily life because they are walking in true love and respect for the Lord. They won't fear the Lord because they know Jesus is not “out to get them” or waiting for them to fall.
Far too many believers think this is how God works, but it is not true. God is not a mean God who tries to get you to mess up. The person who does this is the devil. God is the one who is standing by your side, supporting you, encouraging you, and lifting you up (Romans 8:31).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Bible says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). Once again, rather than understanding this passage as “To fear the Lord,” we are to know it means “To respect the Lord.” Therefore, to respect the Lord is to hate evil.
The Lord hates evil, pride, arrogance, and perverse speech. Those who adhere to these practices will be brought to judgment. Those who continue down this wicked road, ignore God's wisdom, and fail to seek it will pay the due penalties. Folly and wickedness will lead to falling, separation from God, and an eternity of pain.
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. Jesus tells us, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
The Lord’s teachings are nourishment to our bones and will fill our hearts with extraordinary joy. If the fear of the Lord has brought you away from God, allow this new understanding to give you renewed hope. God doesn't want you to fear Him. Rather, He wants you to love Him and to respect Him. By doing this, you will follow Him all your days, continue to grow in Him, and help others to know about Him.
Did you hear about the fear of the Lord growing up? Did it affect you negatively? How might you start learning what it means to respect the Lord rather than to fear Him?
Further Reading:
Psalm 145:8
Proverbs 6:16-19
Ecclesiastes 12:13
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Rest often gets treated like a reward for surviving a busy week, but Scripture paints a very different picture. In Mark 4:39, Jesus speaks peace over chaos and demonstrates that rest is not weakness or avoidance—it is part of a grounded, faithful life.
True rest isn’t only about sleep or downtime—it’s also about rhythms that create space for God to quiet the internal noise. When life becomes loud, rest becomes a way of returning to trust instead of strain.
Highlights:
Rest is modeled by Jesus as part of a healthy, faithful rhythm
Ongoing stress without restoration affects emotional and spiritual clarity
Rest is proactive, not just recovery after exhaustion
Boundaries around time, attention, and input protect well-being
Spiritual rest includes time with God, not just physical pause
Join the Conversation
Where in your current rhythm do you feel most stretched or depleted? What would it look like to build a pattern of rest that actually restores you instead of just catching up after burnout?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Rest Like Jesus
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” - Mark 4:39
As someone who has an anxiety disorder, I must be very careful about how much stress I put on my body. Extra stress can leave me emotionally, physically, or mentally exhausted. If I don't get the right amount of sleep, it can cause my anxiety to flare and wreak havoc on my mental health. Since the diagnosis, I'm careful to watch my body's physical signs to indicate that my emotional or mental state is more stressed than I even realize.
For example, if at the end of the week I put my hand out and it's shaking for no reason other than I've worked too hard, I know I'm putting my body under extra stress. This causes me to take a step back and take an extra day off to rest physically, but more importantly, mentally and emotionally.
I struggle with the idea of rest. As someone who likes to be productive, I often like to make the most of my days. Resting feels like I'm wasting time and not producing anything. Yet, rest is important for my physical, emotional, and mental state. If I don't watch how I take care of myself, this is an easy target for Satan to come in and plant doubts in my mind and flood my thoughts with lies. These lies, if I'm physically exhausted, I won't check against Scripture. If gone unchecked, this can lead to an unhealthy fear of the future.
It is important for me to operate from a posture of rest, not merely rest after pushing myself too hard physically, emotionally, or mentally. But that is easier said than done.
Jesus operated out of a posture of rest. The above verse comes from Jesus emerging from a storm after waking from a nap. The disciples, scared by the storm that quickly arose on the sea, woke Jesus up even though he was sleeping on the boat. They ask him to do something because it feels as though he's prioritizing rest over caring for them.
However, Jesus realizes that rest is one of the most important things he needs to complete his ministry. He knew he simply couldn’t operate without being physically, emotionally, and mentally rested. Not only was he performing signs and miracles, but he was also healing the sick, preaching, and averting arrows thrown by the Pharisees.
Jesus knew that his ministry could quickly become overwhelming if he did not take care of himself. When he needed the rest, he stopped at nothing to get it.
Take a minute and analyze your life. Are you someone who rests only after a hard week at work? Are you someone who operates from a posture of rest, someone who starts Monday morning feeling refreshed, knowing you rested properly throughout the weekend?
It is easy for you, as it is for me, to neglect the importance of rest. You may also see rest as something to be endured, not something necessary for the work God has for you. Over the next week, jot down the number of times you've rested.
This does not necessarily mean sleeping in on a weekend (although that could be part of your rest.) Do you take time to unplug from social media? Do you have good boundaries when it comes to scrolling your phone or trolling the Internet?
If we're honest, we all could use a lesson in rest. Although it may be impossible for us to rest during crises, we need to take Jesus' example and rest appropriately. We need to rest regularly to care for ourselves, not merely a result of an overextended, overpacked schedule.
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. Let us not only rest physically but also take time to spend with you. When we spend time in your word and in your presence, it helps us rest because we then lay all our cares (including our bodies) before you. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you struggle with rest? What is one thing you can do to better incorporate rest into your daily life?
Further Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30
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Across generations, public moments of prayer and thanksgiving have shaped how many people understand national identity and responsibility. Whether one looks at early proclamations or later seasons of national hardship, the consistent theme is simple: gratitude toward God is meant to be expressed, not assumed. It keeps perspective steady and prevents freedom from turning into entitlement.
At its core, this kind of reflection isn’t just about looking backward—it’s about asking what we do with what we’ve been given today. Gratitude becomes a posture that influences how we live, serve, and treat one another right now.
Highlights:
Scripture invites believers to actively remember and proclaim God’s works
Gratitude is a stabilizing force in how we view history and present blessings
Public and personal thanksgiving have long shaped spiritual and cultural identity
Freedom carries responsibility, not just privilege
Remembering God’s faithfulness helps anchor perspective in the present
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Full Transcript Below:
A Call to Be Thankful for America on Its 250th Anniversary
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done.” - Psalm 105:1
As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, we, as citizens of the United States, have much to be thankful for!
History books record, and historical monuments stand, in honor of the Christians whom God led across the ocean, who were seeking a land where they could freely and openly serve Him, those willing to leave all they had behind and risk their lives to set sail for a New World.
As the forerunners, the Pilgrims’ trek led them to America, where they brought their deep spiritual convictions to lay the groundwork and foundational biblical beliefs; truths that led our Founding Fathers to base our Declaration of Independence on godly principles; and truths that have given us the right to worship God freely and without reserve since their coming.
Without our founders humbling themselves before God, there would be no USA today.
As American history records, prayer and fasting were called for and practiced in America’s founding and the establishment of our nation, playing a major role in establishing America by the first patriots who practiced James 4:10 on a national level: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
By our leaders calling our nation to humble itself before God in prayer and fasting, our founders followed 2 Chronicles 7:14, urging, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
By humbling ourselves as a nation, our leaders seemed to understand what Galatians 5:13 reminds us: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
America’s History Reveals Decades of National Thankfulness
Even before the official establishment of the United States, historical documents record that, throughout the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, in response to winning critical battles, called for national days of Thanksgiving, asking colonists to express gratitude to God for His divine protection over the troops.
After the Declaration of Independence, national thanksgiving continued, beginning in 1789, with President George Washington issuing the first official United States Thanksgiving proclamation, calling upon all Americans to demonstrate gratitude to God for the end of the war and the Constitution’s successful ratification.
President Washington said, “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
Following Washington’s example, Presidents John Adams and James Madison also called for national days of Thanksgiving during their presidential terms.
As well, President Abraham Lincoln, on October 3, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.
A Nation’s Living Testament to God’s Faithfulness
The United States is a living testament to God’s faithfulness and to what happens when a nation is willing to humble itself before God… recognizing His sovereignty over the earth and publicly thanking Him for His protection and provision for its leaders and people.
As citizens of the USA, we have much to be thankful to God for our nation, as we celebrate our 250th anniversary.
Thankfulness to God for what He has done in America through the faith of our Founding Fathers, who feared and worshipped Him and laid a godly foundation for our land based on biblical truth, and whose beliefs continue to this day across our nation.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
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. As well, ask the Lord to move in the hearts of people across our nation, encouraging them to praise and thank Him for all that He has done for us as a country.
Further Reading:
A Prayer to Praise God for Our Nation

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Even the most ordinary parts of life can become heavy when repetition wears down our joy. Yet Scripture reminds us that joy is not dependent on circumstances—it is supplied by the God of hope. Romans 15:13 points us to a deeper reality: when we believe and trust Him, the Holy Spirit fills us with joy and peace that can exist even in the most routine, repetitive seasons.
This kind of joy isn’t loud or flashy. It shows up in small, faithful moments—choosing gratitude over frustration, presence over complaint, and trust over fatigue. Over time, those small choices reshape how we experience everyday life, turning what feels mundane into something meaningful.
Highlights:
Joy and peace are gifts rooted in trusting God, not in ideal circumstances
Monotony often reveals where we need renewed perspective and dependence on God
Gratitude is a practical way to resist discouragement and complaint
The Holy Spirit actively produces joy as we yield our attitudes to Him
Even ordinary responsibilities can become meaningful when offered to God
Join the Conversation
Where in your daily routine do you feel most drained or disconnected from joy? What would it look like to invite God into those small, repetitive moments this week?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Finding Joy in the Mundane
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NASB).
As a mother, I am reminded quickly how much I need God’s grace to make it through each day. Even though I thrive on tackling tasks ahead of me, so I can check them off my to-do list, I wrestle with the monotony of it and keeping a good attitude in front of my children. I have found myself starting my day in a pretty sour mood, dreading another day of the same routine.
Realizing that is not Christ-honoring at all, I told my husband the other day that one thing I want my children to remember about me is how much I laughed, how joyful I was, no matter what. That isn’t my natural bent- I am more introspective and melancholy most of the time. Even though I am incredibly thankful to be a mother, the fruit of the spirit that seems to be a struggle for me to hold on to in this season of my life is joy. Instead of allowing my circumstances and personality to become excuses for my lack of a joyful outlook and demeanor, I must look to Christ and trust that He will fill me with joy and hope, even amid the boring, monotonous routines of life. For me, that is finding joy in serving my family.
In his letter to the Romans, in chapter 15, the Apostle Paul speaks of self-denial on behalf of others, reminding them (and us) that Christ was a servant to His people and the Gentiles. This truth should cause us to glorify God and rejoice no matter what as we seek to serve others and share the gospel with hope and joy. Paul prays in Romans 15:13:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NASB).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The scriptures encourage us and give us strength to persevere when we find ourselves discouraged, bored, or tempted to complain and grumble. As God’s children, we are not to grumble. We must remember that, ultimately, grumbling is complaining against the sovereign God of the universe and saying He isn’t good, which is sinful. When we complain or have a sour, ungrateful attitude, we should repent, reset our minds by thinking on things above, and rejoice and give thanks to God for His graciousness and goodness towards us. There are new mercies available to us every single morning. Perhaps it would be a beneficial habit to create a daily list of things that you are grateful for to help cultivate a heart of contentment and joy.
Despite hardships and inconveniences in our lives and relationships, we are called to rejoice and find our joy in Christ alone and all that He has done for us. It all comes down to the attitude and posture of our heart, which God is shaping to look more like Jesus every day. The God of hope has given us Himself through the Holy Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit are all available to us the more we yield to the Spirit instead of giving into our flesh that wars against the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:17). We can call upon the name of the Lord to cry out for help when we are tempted to complain and walk in ungratefulness, and He will empower us with His Spirit. He is our ever-present help in times of need and is faithful to strengthen us with His grace and fill us up with His peace, hope, and joy, even in the mundane.
Although it is easy to find excuses for our behavior and mood, we must trust that God’s word is very clear about the posture of our hearts and attitudes, especially in difficult, stressful, or even mundane circumstances. The Lord cares about the condition of our hearts and the attitude that we exude because, as Christ followers, we are to look and behave differently from the world. People are watching all the time how we react when we are struggling under the weight of the cares of life.
Do you need to ask the Lord to give you a hunger for more of His word? It is so important because this is where your mind is renewed; it helps us cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and walk in obedience with abundant joy and hope as you seek to serve Him and others. If you struggle with complaining about your mundane daily tasks, ask the Lord to help you guard your heart and avoid grumbling; He can help you find joy in all circumstances, even in your monotonous routine. May the joy of the Lord be your strength today!
Further Reading:
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
James 1:2-4
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Scripture reminds us that rest is not something we manufacture—it is something we receive from God’s presence. Just as Moses needed reassurance before stepping into the unknown, we often need the same reminder: we are not navigating life alone. God goes with us, goes before us, and stays with us. His presence doesn’t remove every difficult decision, but it does remove the burden of carrying them alone.
In that truth, rest becomes more than physical relief—it becomes spiritual confidence. Worry loses its grip when we remember that God already sees the outcome, already knows the path, and is actively guiding each step forward.
Highlights:
God’s presence is the foundation of true rest in uncertain seasons
Feeling overwhelmed often comes from trying to carry decisions alone
Like Moses, we are reassured that God goes with us into every situation
Rest in God means releasing anxiety, second-guessing, and fear of failure
Trust grows when we believe God is already ahead of our circumstances
Join the Conversation
Where in your life do you feel the need to slow down and trust God’s leading more fully? What would it look like to exchange anxiety for rest in His presence today?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
When You Long for Rest
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14 ESV).
Do you ever get tired of trying to solve all-consuming problems by yourself? It’s inevitable at times to lie awake at night, running through the options in our minds, and deliberating about what the best decision might be, and then worrying if that really is the best decision or direction.
I was there recently, unsure about my next step. I had a number of options in front of me and didn’t want to overlook God’s best for what looked easier or more attainable. For a moment, I felt paralyzed.
“God, what should I do”? I prayed aloud. “I feel so alone and lost in this.”
As soon as I mouthed the words, I was convicted by the realization that I am never alone. God’s presence goes with me everywhere I go. He knows all about my situation, and He already sees the solution. And He is leading if I will just follow.
I wonder if Moses, at one time, could relate.
When Moses was charged to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan, he was uncertain of his next step, too. Moses was hesitant because he believed the stubbornness of the Israelites would cause the Lord to decline going up to the land with them. I wonder if Moses, momentarily, thought he was on his own. Did he feel panicked or paralyzed?
Scripture tells us in Exodus 13:12-13 that Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight.”
God’s reply to Moses in verse 14 was short and sweet: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
That was all Moses needed to hear and know. God’s presence would be with him, so he didn’t need to stress, worry, or fear. God had the next step, and the next one after that. And God would give him rest. Rest from feeling he had to do it on his own. Rest from having to make the correct decision. Rest from the burden, the pressure, the obligations, and the fear of failure.
How many times have I feared a situation because I’ve forgotten that not only will God go with me, but His presence has already gone before me? How was this situation of mine any different? God would go with me, and He would give me rest.
As Moses implied, God’s presence and His rest are evidence that I know Him, and He knows me and has taught me His ways.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Our knowledge of God and trust in Him are evident in how we respond to difficulties and certain crossroads in our lives. Will we worry, stress, or quietly rest in His leading? Can you trust, regardless of what your situation looks like, that God knows you, He is intimately familiar with your situation, and His presence is going with you in your circumstances to guide you and get you through? Can you rest, not lie awake at night trying to figure it all out, because God already knows how to get you to where He wants you to be?
Today, I will not be worried, stressed, or fearful because God’s presence goes with me and He will give me rest. His rest means no anxiety, no confusion, and no second-guessing what I should have done. He leads. He accompanies me. He provides peace and rest. And He can provide it for you too.
Thank you, Lord God, that Your presence goes with us everywhere we go. And thank You for the assurance that You are familiar with all of our circumstances and all of our fears. We praise You today that Your presence means peace and rest.
Further Study:
Matthew 11:28-29
For a closer walk with God and daily reminders to rest in Him, see my newest book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.
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