Episódios

  • Trading Perfectionism for Peace

    Trading Perfectionism for Peace
    Jan 19 2026
    Struggling with perfectionism, productivity pressure, or the constant need to do more? This devotional reflection on Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that peace is found not in performance, but in God’s grace. When achievement becomes identity, rest feels uncomfortable—but Scripture gently redirects our hearts back to the truth that salvation, worth, and purpose are gifts from God, not something we earn. Through honest reflection and biblical truth, this message invites us to release perfectionism, embrace weakness, and rest in the grace of a God who completes the work He began in us. Highlights Perfectionism often disguises itself as faithfulness and diligence God’s grace, not our effort, defines our worth Productivity is not the same as purpose God’s power is made perfect in weakness, not strength Rest is an act of trust, not laziness Busyness can quietly pull our hearts away from God Peace grows when we surrender control and performance 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: Trading Perfectionism for PeaceBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9 (NIV) Do you wrestle with the incessant need to do more, be more? Do you find yourself struggling to sit still? Are you bothered by empty hours or blank spaces on the planner? Do you worry about how others perceive your efforts, or lack thereof? Do you feel frustrated by days that cannot be quantified as “productive”? If any of these prompts ring true for you, know you are not alone. One of my greatest struggles in life has been my inner battle with performance and perfectionism. A typical, Type-A, first-born, I am naturally a mover, a shaker, and a doer. I can possess a fierce determination when something needs doing, and can conjure endless endurance to accomplish whatever goal lies ahead. If there is a job to do, you can likely find me in line, ready and waiting to help. Our current culture esteems and celebrates such traits, but at what cost? I used to be proud of these characteristics. However, I have learned over time that all of the “achieving” can cause unwanted repercussions. Several years back, I recognized this reality the hard way, through hurt inflicted on those I love most. Full of grief and repentance, I spent years surrendering my pursuits of performance and perfectionism to the Lord and saw a real change in my behavior and my heart, so much so that I joked that I was a recovering perfectionist. You would think, after putting so much effort towards such an outcome, I would steer clear of potential pitfalls in this area. However… “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9, NIV). As I reflect on where I find myself today, I am disappointed and frustrated that I have once again journeyed down the slippery slope of achievement and works. I am deeply grieved by the recognition of this repeated pattern. How do I keep ending up here? What am I doing wrong? I feel like Paul when he said, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate,” (Rom. 7:15, NLT). Perhaps you can relate. Despite my failings, hope remains because hope stems from a source far beyond me. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9 (NIV) Even further, the Bible says His power is best demonstrated through my weakness, not my strength (2 Cor. 12:9), and the good work God began in me will be completed by HIM (Phil. 1:6). I am not responsible for anything other than surrender and worship to HIM. The Lord does have work for each of us to do, but He is not requiring us to take on more than He asks. If you are anything like me, then there is a good chance you, too, are doing more than God has called you to do. He isn’t asking you to prove your worth to Him or anyone else around you. You are precious and valuable simply because you are. He is pleased with who He created you to be, and any effort to gain approval or satisfaction from busyness and productivity will only draw you farther away from Him rather than towards Him. Will you join me today in laying down the clamor and call of perfectionism? If so, pray this prayer with me: “Lord, I recognize that my longing for productivity is an attempt to validate my purpose in this world outside of you. Would you forgive me for trying to gain Your approval and the approval of others ...
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    6 minutos
  • When We Don’t Know What to Do

    When We Don’t Know What to Do
    Jan 18 2026
    Feeling overwhelmed when you don’t know what to do? This devotional reflection centers on 2 Chronicles 20:12, where King Jehoshaphat faces an impossible battle and responds with humility, prayer, and complete dependence on God. When fear rises and answers feel out of reach, Scripture reminds us that fixing our eyes on God invites His power, peace, and deliverance into our circumstances. Through Judah’s story, we see how seeking the Lord first, admitting weakness, and trusting God’s sovereignty transforms fear into faith—and reminds us that the battle ultimately belongs to Him. Highlights Fear is often the moment God invites us to deeper dependence Jehoshaphat chose prayer and fasting instead of panic Admitting “we don’t know what to do” is an act of faith, not failure God responds when His people seek Him with honesty and humility Worship came before victory, not after Faith fixes our eyes on God, even when fear is present The battle is God’s, but obedience is ours 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: When We Don’t Know What to Do By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” - 2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV One afternoon, as I flipped open my Bible, my eyes landed on 2 Chronicles 20:12. As I reread the entire chapter, I was struck by what I uncovered in that passage. Picture this. The tribe of Judah receives word that three different armies, the Ammonites, Moabites, and those from Mount Seir, are plotting to attack them. When God’s people first entered the land, He had not allowed them to conquer Ammon, Moab, or Mount Seir (see Deut. 2). And now? The enemy was coming for God’s people. Not one. Or two. But three powerful armies. King Jehoshaphat, the king reigning over Judah at the time, was afraid. He was the leader. Perhaps he was even expected to have all the answers to protect Judah from this threat. But you know what struck me the most? As we read the passage, we notice the Scripture says, “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord” (v. 3). In addition, he proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah. In the midst of fear, he turned to God and encouraged others to do the same. As I read that, I was instantly convicted. If a nation’s king could lead with such humility and grace, should not each of us respond the same? Yes, when Jehoshaphat saw that these armies were coming, he was afraid. How many of us can say the same? How many of us see something, are afraid, but then set our face to seek the Lord? How many times have I done that? Not as much as I wish. Think about it. Usually, so many of us are afraid and run to numb that fear. We often numb fear - whether through distractions or endless scrolling - instead of seeking God. It doesn’t really matter how we numb our fear. The fact is, we all have all been tempted to turn to something other than God when we are afraid. If we try to numb our fear with anything other than God, we will come away dissatisfied. Only God can truly satisfy us and give us peace. Turn to God. Not only did Jehoshaphat set his face to seek the Lord in his fear, but he chose honesty instead of what made him look good. He was upfront and honest with all of Judah, sharing in his prayer to God, “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). He could’ve tried to appear strong, like he had all the answers. But he openly and freely admitted he didn’t. This was a fix only God could get them out of. In essence, he was saying, “God needs to do this. God needs to work because I can’t.” And then, he sought the Lord in prayer and encouraged all of Judah to seek the Lord with him. His dependence on God is what defined his leadership and set an example for the people. In addition, I noticed that Jehoshaphat recognized God’s sovereignty. In the beginning of his prayer in verse 6, he says, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you." He recognized that God was sovereign and the only one who could save them. Second, he clung to God’s promises, recalling how the Lord had given them the land (v. 7-9) and trusting He could deliver them again. But even though God already knows everything, the Lord loves it when we share our hearts with Him. Finally, Jehoshaphat begged God to execute judgment on their enemies. “For we are powerless ...
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    7 minutos
  • Coming Home to the Father

    Coming Home to the Father
    Jan 17 2026
    Coming back to God after pain, doubt, or distance can feel overwhelming, but Luke 15:21–24 reveals the heart of a Father who welcomes His children home with compassion, grace, and celebration. Even when suffering, illness, or disappointment shake our faith, God remains loving, present, and ready to restore what feels lost. Highlights Seasons of pain and unanswered prayers can cause believers to drift from God. Feelings of doubt don’t define truth—God’s Word does. Chronic suffering can deepen faith rather than destroy it. God is not the author of pain but the author of redemption and hope. The parable of the prodigal son reveals God’s eagerness to restore, not reject. Confession leads to restoration, not punishment, in God’s kingdom. No matter how far we wander, we are always welcomed home by our Heavenly Father. 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: Coming Home to the FatherBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:21-24). Most of us have had times when we have strayed from God. Due to something bad happening in our lives, we just wanted to leave everything, including our faith. Since we know God is all-powerful, we become disheartened when He doesn’t bring us out of a troublesome time. I strayed from God when I was in the middle of being diagnosed with a now-known autoimmune disease. When I was still in the process of finding a diagnosis, I was scared of the worst-case scenario: an incurable disease. I constantly prayed to God and asked that I would not have to walk through the rest of my life with a chronic illness. During that time, I saw my faith begin to crumble. The excruciating pain I was experiencing made me question God, His goodness, and His presence in my life. I saw other people around me, who were thriving and healthy, yet here I was, sitting in a hospital, waiting to undergo another imaging test. For months, I did not talk to God, and I blamed Him for my pain. I hit rock bottom in my mental health as I fell into the belief that God didn’t love me or care about me…. But I must remember that feelings are only feelings—they are not facts. By reading the Bible and relying on what I know rather than how I feel, I have been able to make headway in renewing my mind to know that God does indeed love and care about me—and He loves and cares about you, too. While my disease hasn’t changed much from the time I was first diagnosed, my faith has changed tremendously from the days when I was doubting God. Going through that process has brought about much growth in my spiritual walk with the Lord. I no longer see God as the author behind my pain, but rather, as the author of beautiful endings. Intersecting Faith & Life: Within the Parable of the Lost Son, we are met with this wonderful encounter: “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:21-24). The prodigal son had squandered his father’s wealth in wild living and left his family behind. However, when he had passed the point of no return, he fell before his father, confessed his sins, and told him he was not worthy to be his father’s son. The father chose to have his servants bring the best robe to his son, put a ring on his finger, sandals on his feet, and celebrate with a fattened calf. This would have been a surprise to the son, as he would have expected his father to send him away, yet his father richly adorns him and throws him a celebration. The father and the son in this parable are allegorical to our relationship with God the Father. We were lost, and now we are found. Even though we might not have left God and squandered our lives in wild living, we have all drifted away from Him at some point in our Christian walk. The beautiful reminder we have here is that if we ever drift away, we are always welcomed home in the arms of our Heavenly ...
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    6 minutos
  • Carrying the Unnecessary Weight of Condemnation

    Carrying the Unnecessary Weight of Condemnation
    Jan 16 2026
    Condemnation can quietly weigh down even the most faithful believers, especially when perfectionism and performance replace grace. Romans 8:1 offers freeing truth: for those in Christ Jesus, condemnation no longer exists because Jesus already carried the full weight of sin and shame on the cross. Highlights Perfectionism often disguises itself as faith but leads to exhaustion and emptiness. Guilt and shame push us away from God, while grace draws us closer. Self-condemnation is a burden Jesus never intended believers to carry. Romans 8:1 declares complete freedom from condemnation for those in Christ. Jesus paid the full debt for sin—nothing more is required from us. Our identity is found in Christ’s finished work, not our performance. Grace is a gift to rest in, not something to strive to maintain. 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: Carrying the Unnecessary Weight of Condemnation By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV). For many years, I was driven by perfectionism and the feeling that I had to work successfully or perform well in life to be loved by other people… and to be loved by God. On the outside, I looked like I had it all together- high honors throughout school, hyper-involvement in extracurricular activities, serving in any ministry I was asked to be involved in, star of the high school plays and musicals, head cheerleader, first chair clarinet player in the band, and the list goes on and on. But on the inside, I was so empty and constantly searching for true fulfillment. I knew God was there for me, but somehow, I thought I could be perfect in my own strength on my walk with Him. Because we are human, we fail time and time again. We make a mess of things more often than not. Guilt and shame can often push us further away from God, instead of closer. For so long as a Christian, I was allowing self-condemnation to take root in my heart, and it weighed me down as I walked around carrying all of the baggage of my past sins and failures, thinking that I had to continue to strive to keep God’s forgiveness. Thankfully, today, I no longer live burdened by a work-based mentality. I find my identity in the finished work of Christ, and I want to encourage you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, you should too. Grace is a gift that cannot be earned, and you do not have to strive to keep it either. In Romans 8:1, the Bible tells us that we do not have to carry condemnation in our lives when we’re truly in Christ. If you are a born-again believer, condemnation does not exist because the punishment for our failures and sins does not exist. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV). This means that when we embrace and believe what Jesus did for us on the cross, as He took the punishment for our sin that we deserved, our lives are now hidden in Christ. When we come to God with a heart full of repentance, resting in this glorious, finished work of the cross, we can stand before the throne of God without any shame because Jesus bore all of it for us. The debt we owed has been paid in full- we are free from all bondage. Intersecting Life & Faith: Jesus took all of your sin and your shame upon Himself and cast it as far as the east is from the west, friend. Do you struggle with thoughts of shame from your past? Fix your eyes on the finished work of the cross. Christ bore the weight of your sin; you no longer have to live with the weight of your failures. You can come boldly to the throne of grace, beloved, because it is grace that did the work for you. You can rest assured that God sees you as blameless and perfect because you are in Christ. There is no reason to carry that heavy burden of condemnation upon your shoulders… surrender it to Christ today. Let’s pray that you learn to no longer walk around carrying the weight of your past and stop striving for perfection. Remember, Jesus is blameless and perfect for you… lean upon Him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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    6 minutos
  • We Don’t Need a Resolution: We Need Revival

    We Don’t Need a Resolution: We Need Revival
    Jan 15 2026
    True revival doesn’t begin with better habits or stronger resolutions—it begins with humble repentance and a renewed pursuit of God. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 7:14, this devotional reminds us that healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal start when God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their sin. Highlights Revival is deeper than emotion; it begins with repentance. God’s call to humility starts with us, not others. Pointing out sin in the world without self-examination blocks spiritual growth. Repentance is an intentional turning away from darkness and toward God. Revival flows from obedience, not performance or perfection. When God’s people respond with humility, He promises forgiveness and healing. Personal surrender can ignite widespread spiritual renewal. 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: We Don’t Need a Resolution… We Need Revival. By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV As we are in the midst of New Year’s resolutions, I want to challenge you with an alternative option: instead of simply making New Year’s resolutions, what if we prayed for revival? Now don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions. There’s nothing wrong with saying “I want to do more of this” or “I want to do less of that”. But more than making New Year’s resolutions, what if we prayed for revival? We all need revival. We pray for it. We’ve seen it sweep across college campuses. We’ve studied the Great Awakenings in our history books, and now, we’re praying for it to happen again. We have always needed God, and we’ll never stop needing Him. But if we look around the shattered state of our country and our world, I think we can all agree we need Him now more than ever. Revival isn’t based on feelings. We recognize our nation needs revival, yes. Our world needs it, yes. But revival doesn’t happen because we have an amazing pastor or top-notch worship leader. I think a lot of people hear stories of revival and want the feel-good emotions they think will come with it. But honestly, revival is messy. Revival starts with us, and it starts with repentance. So many people desire the revival, but they would prefer to ignore the call to repentance that precedes the revival. Without repentance, there is no revival. Sometimes, we may look at the people around us and think, “This person needs God. They need revival, and they need to change.” Which is true. They absolutely need God, and maybe they do need to change. We all do. But look at what Jesus says in Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV): “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” This is a call of conviction. We are so quick to look at other people, at the rest of the world (and I’m not saying this world is not messy. It absolutely is). But we all need Jesus. Your kids’ nemesis at school who just won’t seem to leave them alone.The politician who makes you so angry when he steps up to the podium. The list could go on. Me. And you. But revival starts with each one of us individually. If we want revival? We must repent. What is the first thing God commands His children to do in 2 Chronicles 7:14? Humble themselves. Not their neighbor. Not the bully at school. Not the politician in the opposing party. Themselves. Next, they need to pray and seek the Lord’s face and turn from their wicked ways. This is part of the repentance and is the decision to surrender the sin we cling to—the conscious turning away from the darkness that has crept into our hearts. Intersecting Faith & Life: If we do these things, then God promises: “I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). Don’t get me wrong. Revival is not dependent on our good works. But we do need to be obedient to God’s call. If we keep pointing fingers and saying “They need to repent” while ignoring the log in our own eye, then we are no better than the hypocrites Jesus called out in the Bible. That humble individual act of turning away from sin and seeking the Lord—that is what is going to fan the flame...
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    6 minutos
  • God Looks for Humility

    God Looks for Humility
    Jan 14 2026
    Humility creates space for God to work powerfully in and through our lives. In Luke 1:46–52, Mary’s response to God’s calling shows how choosing worship over worry allows fear to shrink and faith to grow, making room for God’s strength to shine through human weakness. Highlights God notices and honors a humble heart. Mary’s worship shifted her focus from fear to God’s greatness. Humility helps us trust God with outcomes we can’t control. Fear keeps us focused on limitations; humility lifts our eyes to God’s power. God often calls people forward through blessings that feel both exciting and scary. Choosing worship over worry positions us to receive God’s plans with faith. God looks for humility when He wants to accomplish great things through someone. 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 Looks for HumilityBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” – Luke 1:46-52, NIV Mary had just received news that would completely turn her life upside down: an angel announced she would give birth to the Son of God. The news was wonderful, but also terrifying. Mary was a young, unmarried woman in a society where a pregnancy outside of marriage led to shame and even danger. The angel’s message was the best news possible for the world, but for Mary herself, it must have brought up feelings of fear about what her future would be like. Still, Mary responds with faith, despite her fear. She focuses on God’s greatness and she celebrates that God has blessed her because God has been mindful of her humility. Mary overcomes her very real fears by changing her perspective. She moves her focus off her humble state and onto God, the Mighty One who is greater than her problems, and who can work through her in powerful ways. Mary’s song of praise is about God, rather than herself. She realizes that if God is powerful enough to save the world through the Messiah, he is certainly powerful enough to take care of her reputation and her safety. God sees humble people like Mary and acts through their lives with great power. When have you heard some good news from God that’s a blessing, but also scary? Maybe God is calling you to start working toward making a dream a reality, but you’re afraid that you won’t be able to accomplish that goal, so you’re considering letting that dream go to stay in your comfort zone. Or, maybe God is encouraging you to forgive someone and restore a relationship, but you fear getting hurt again, so you’re neglecting God’s guidance because you want to protect yourself. Fear can cause you to miss out on making the decisions God wants you to make, because it directs your attention to only your own circumstances and limitations. When fear is in control, you only perceive the threat and miss the miracle. God’s good news is right there, but you can’t fully receive it because you’re so busy listening to worries in your mind. In order to fully hear and embrace the good news God sends you, you must make the same choice Mary did: Choose worship over worry. You can do that when you’re humble, because humility helps you see beyond yourself to God, which inspires you with reverence and awe for God. When you can see how big God really is, your fear shrinks, and you can step into the great plans God has for you because you can trust that God will empower you. God looks for humility when he looks for people to serve in great ways. Don't let the fear of what might happen in the future stop you from embracing the blessings God wants to send you. Like Mary, be in a humble state that’s ready to serve God. Then look forward to what God will do through your life! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to be humble for God to work in great ways through your life, reflect on these questions: What “good news” has God given you recently that’s both exciting and scary for you? What worries you about moving forward with how God is leading you, and what specific truth about God’s character (like his power or his love) can you remind yourself of to move past your fear? Like Mary, how can you focus on God’s ...
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    6 minutos
  • When You Feel Annoyed at Church

    When You Feel Annoyed at Church
    Jan 13 2026

    Feeling distracted, annoyed, or judgmental at church can quietly reveal places where freedom hasn’t fully taken root. John 8:36 reminds us that true worship flows from the freedom Christ gives—not from conformity, comparison, or comfort.

    Highlights

    • Judgment can quietly imprison our hearts, even in worship.

    • What looks distracting on the outside may be evidence of deep healing and redemption.

    • God often invites us to love the very people we instinctively avoid.

    • Freedom in Christ doesn’t always look neat, quiet, or familiar.

    • Worship involves the whole person—heart, mind, and body.

    • Letting go of fear of others’ opinions creates space to encounter God more fully.

    • Jesus frees us not only from sin, but from rigid expectations and spiritual pride.

    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:

    When You Feel Annoyed at Church
    By Kelly Balarie

    Bible Reading:
    "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." – John 8:36 NIV

    I tried to close my eyes. That was my best attempt to ignore the woman standing in front of me. If I close my eyes, I won't have to be bothered with her. That was my line of thinking, anyway. If I close my eyes, I can think about the words in the song, and the love for God in my heart—not her.

    Yet, before long, I squinted my eyes open to catch a glance. She was still doing it. She was moving her body during worship. She wasn't standing still. She wasn't being like everyone else. She was swaying her body, unlike the rest of the church.

    She's distracting. She is one hundred percent distracting. She shouldn't be allowed to do this.

    I was bothered in my heart, perturbed in my mind, and critical with my words. In the car, I told my husband about it.

    Later, though, at home, after praying about gathering a group of women at my house to experience God's love and the truth of His Word, she came to mind.

    God, do you want me to invite… her?

    Indeed, I had a strong impression on my heart that she is exactly who He wanted me to invite.

    Anyone but her.

    Despite my hesitancy, I obeyed. Once she was at my house, some of the ladies began to open up about their stories.

    When it was the dancing girl’s turn, she shared, "I used to be a stripper. Then, I found Jesus. He saved me and rescued me out of that. Now, when I move during church worship, it is like He is redeeming all the dances I did before. He is redeeming me, as He looks upon me in worship, I just know it..."

    My mouth wanted to drop.

    How could I have judged her? God was doing something with her. How could I have declared her a stumbling block? Her story was now healing me of judgment. How could I have been such a Pharisee? It was people like this that Jesus came to save and love.

    I was the one in the wrong.

    While I was in a prison of judgment, she was experiencing the freedom of Christ Jesus.

    "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 NIV)

    Maybe she knew something I didn't. Maybe moving during worship is part of experiencing freedom. Maybe moving breaks free of a room that may be conforming. Was she on to something?

    During worship, I started to sway a little. I started to raise my hands. I started to break out of normal to pursue God, not only with all my heart, but with all my body. And, wow! God met me in that place. I felt His heart near me. I felt His grace around me.

    Who knew?

    Intersecting Faith & Life:

    How might God be calling you to break a norm? How might He be encouraging you to worship Him with all your heart? What would it look like to stop fearing what you look like before man and to give Him more of yourself in worship? How do you fear what others think of you?

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

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    4 minutos
  • Pouring Out Your Heart

    Pouring Out Your Heart
    Jan 12 2026
    When emotions feel tangled or words won’t come out right, God invites you to pour out your heart to Him as a safe refuge. Psalm 62:8 reminds us that whether we speak freely or sit silently, God listens closely and welcomes every concern we bring before Him. Highlights God invites you to pour out your heart—without fear or filtering. Whether you process internally or externally, God can handle your words or your silence. God is a refuge, not threatened by emotion or overwhelmed by honesty. When words fail, the Holy Spirit helps express what’s on your heart (Romans 8:26). God bends down to listen, drawing closer rather than pulling away. David modeled honest expression through prayer, music, and worship. God can communicate what you cannot find words to say—even to others. 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: Pouring Out Your Heart By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8 NASB) Do you ever long for a safe place to pour out your heart? Some people are internal processors. They run thoughts through their minds and at times find it difficult to verbally express what’s on their hearts. At times, I wish I were that way. To the contrary, I struggle with keeping it all inside. As a verbal or external processor, I repeat instructions aloud to make sure I understand them. And I express my thoughts verbally as a way of sorting through them. To my husband, who is an internal processor, that’s exhausting at times. For me, it’s essential. To hold it in is to put a stopper on my heart, and I feel I will suffocate. Until pent-up feelings eventually blow, like an eruption of emotion that can be overwhelming to those I love the most. In the aftermath of a gush of words, there can sometimes be regret. But God is not threatened by my words—or yours. And He’s not irritated by our silence, either. He tells us, in His Word, to pour out our hearts before Him, and then He tells us He is a refuge, a safe place—we don’t need to fear what we said or the words we withheld. He knows, and can handle them all—or none at all. And if you’re one who struggles with how to verbally express how you feel, or when you do, you choose the wrong words, Romans 8:26 tells us His Spirit will communicate with yours and express your very heart to your Heavenly Father. I love how the Contemporary English Version renders Psalm 62:8: “Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Could you use a safe place when it comes to bearing your soul? Do you need a refuge, a place to hide, when you’re not ready to express how you feel? God is there for us whenever we need to process our thoughts and feelings. He is the Ultimate Listener and the Perfect Communicator. He is the Quiet Encourager and our Comforting Presence. Psalm 116:2 in the New Living Translation says: “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” I love how that verse indicates He will come near us, rather than walk away, when we have something we need to say. He will draw closer—in order to listen carefully—when He knows we struggle with how to express what’s on our hearts, or how to filter our words. As a father with an ear bent toward his loving child, our God will listen. So, pour it out. Or keep it in, and just close your eyes and reflect on being in His presence. He knows exactly what you need to say. He can hear your unspoken words, too. I tend to think David, the psalmist, needed to write music and lyrics in order to express his heart. And I believe he counted on God to help him find words for what he felt, so he could express those words to God and sing them back to Him. In doing so, he experienced God’s strength in the midst of his weakness. What do you need to express to someone today, while you struggle to find the right words? Can you tell it to God instead, or ask Him to search your mind and thoughts and help you convey what you need to say to someone else? Many times, when I’m at a loss for how to say something to someone at just the right time and in just the right way, I’ve asked my heavenly Father to convey to that person what’s on my heart without me having to say anything. He has an amazing way of touching someone’s heart and making them “hear” what I really wanted to say to them, but never found the words to do so. Oh, the overwhelming, astounding love of God. All His ways are perfect, says Psalm 18:30. And through His help, we are strengthened. The next time you need to...
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