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  • The Harm of Sinful Anger

    The Harm of Sinful Anger
    2026/04/21
    Uncontrolled anger can quietly damage relationships, distort communication, and pull us away from God’s design for righteous living. James 1:19–20 offers clear, practical wisdom: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Sinful anger isn’t just about emotion—it’s often rooted in pride and self-focus, leading us to say things we don’t mean and hurt the people we care about most. Highlights Unrestrained anger often leads to hurtful words and broken connectionSinful anger is usually rooted in pride and self-centerednessJames 1:19–20 calls us to listen first, speak carefully, and slow down angerInterrupting and reacting quickly fuels conflict instead of resolving itThe Holy Spirit helps us respond with patience and humilityRepentance and forgiveness restore relationships after conflictGrowth in handling anger is part of ongoing spiritual maturity Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Harm of Sinful Anger By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20, ESV). My husband and I have been married for sixteen years, and although we would never admit to “having it all together,” one thing that we have always fought to hold onto is our pursuit to work through our disagreements, however heated they may become, and never go to sleep angry with one another. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we try our best to be quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness. But since we are still on this side of eternity, we are continually being sanctified every day, and sometimes our flesh and pride get in the way of that pursuit for peace, and that was the case in a recent argument that he and I experienced. The two of us became so angry with one another that we continued to go in circles and rehash the argument. I found myself not thinking clearly and saying things that were hurtful towards my husband, things that I did not believe to be true. I would constantly interrupt my husband with what I wanted to say and never let him voice his concerns. In my frustration, I became so exhausted and confused that I didn’t have any energy to continue the conversation. Thankfully, before we drifted off to sleep, we both took some time to calm down and began to apologize for our anger and hurtful words. Knowing anger that is not restrained can often lead to sin, and in this case, it did; we both repented to the Lord and to each other. We can find much instruction and wisdom in the Bible regarding the sin of unrestrained anger. James 1 has some beautiful instruction for us that is a wonderful reminder for our hearts, especially in a marriage relationship: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you notice how our conversations with each other can be tied to the misuse of anger? This is especially true if we are not considering others before ourselves when we want to voice our opinion or concerns. The misuse of anger is called unrighteous anger because it is selfish and prideful in nature. Those who do not think of others when speaking are walking in pride, which can often lead to anger if met with resistance and tension. When anger is unrestrained and rooted in pride, we are not walking righteously before God. We are to be quick to listen before speaking and patient when engaging in a tense discussion. What wise advice for married couples! Anger is sure to occur when two people disagree, but we do not have to give into the temptation to allow that anger to fuel hurtful or hate-filled words towards the other person, sinning against them and, more importantly, sinning against God who calls us to walk in righteousness. We need to prefer others above ourselves in our conversations with one another. May the Lord help us and sanctify us in our marriages and relationships with others. The Word has so much to say on the sin of anger, yet we give in to this temptation all the time when we are challenged in our selfishness. This is especially true in marriage. We must be careful not to allow our pride to lead us into unrestrained anger by lashing out and interrupting in disagreements. The Lord will help you be slow to speak and quick to listen so that anger does not cause you to walk in unrighteous behavior towards your spouse and brothers and sisters in Christ. The Holy Spirit will give you grace to empower you to walk more Christ-like. Further ...
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    7 分
  • The Desire to Be Free from Worry

    The Desire to Be Free from Worry
    2026/04/20
    Worry has a way of quietly filling the mind—about the future, finances, work, relationships, and everything in between. In Matthew 6:33–34, Jesus speaks directly into that pressure, not by dismissing our concerns, but by redirecting our focus. Instead of being consumed by tomorrow, He invites us to seek God first today and trust Him with what’s ahead. Freedom from worry isn’t about never feeling anxious thoughts—it’s about learning where to place them. Jesus teaches that life is lived one day at a time, with God as our provider and guide. When we shift our focus from what we can’t control to the One who holds everything together, worry begins to lose its grip. Peace grows when trust becomes our daily response. Highlights Worry is common—but it doesn’t have to control your lifeJesus doesn’t shame worry; He redirects our focusSeeking God first reshapes how we handle anxiety about tomorrowLiving one day at a time helps reduce mental overwhelmPrayer is a practical way to release anxious thoughts to GodFilling your mind with truth helps quiet spiraling thoughtsPeace grows when trust in God becomes your default response Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Desire to Be Free from WorryBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” - Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT) Worry weighs heavily on most of us. Tight deadlines at work, endless tests in college, and difficult financial situations can cause us to worry. To worry is to be human. Although many of us may feel ashamed for worrying, we must remember that it is a part of life. We can trust God and still feel worried about certain circumstances. Worry does not equate to a lack of faith in God. Rather, worry is simply what it is: being afraid or doubtful about what will happen. Worry can completely control our lives if we let it; however, we can also stand up to it. My dad and I are avid walkers, and we often come across many cyclists. What I have noticed about most cyclists is that their biggest concern is speed. Many of them ride with a forward lean, as it helps them become more aerodynamic and enhances their speed. However, there is one cyclist we occasionally see who is different from the others. Rather than being hunched over and focused on speed, he simply rides his bike, plays music from a loudspeaker, and appears to be free from worry: laid back, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be there. As he passed us one day, I told my dad, “I wish I could be that relaxed.” I think most of us feel the same way… to be free from worry and to genuinely enjoy the little things in life. While I’m sure this cyclist has worries at times, he also seems to know when to let them go and focus on what brings him joy. This is something we should aim to do in our own lives. While our worries may not disappear, we can learn to set them apart from other areas of our lives. The first step in easing these worries is to turn to God in prayer and reading the Bible. Intersecting Faith & Life: Jesus tells us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:33-34, NLT). Rather than endlessly worrying about what is to come, we need to surrender these worries to God (1 Peter 5:7). As the Lord says, we are to focus on the Kingdom of God and live in obedience to Him. This means focusing on the present and faithfully living out God’s teachings found in Scripture. If we choose the path of worry, it will be difficult to stay focused on God. Worry can cause us to spiral further. Yet it can be eased by talking with God. Tell Him why you are worried. Be honest with Him. He will never downplay your concerns or treat them as unimportant. It is also helpful to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8-9). Fixing our minds on these things can help quiet our worries. Instead of dwelling on the concerns of today or tomorrow, reflect on the beauty around you—the trees, a joyful call from a friend, or a warm hug from a loved one. Pray to God whenever worry rises in your heart. Let’s go to Him together: Dear God, I want to be free from worry. You know how worry creeps into my mind every day. At times, it feels like it could drown me. Help me to rise above the worry and to reflect upon Your Son’s words...
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    7 分
  • How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety

    How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety
    2026/04/19
    Struggling with anxiety as a Christian can feel confusing—especially when verses like John 14:1 tell us not to let our hearts be troubled. But Jesus’ response to anxiety isn’t harsh correction—it’s compassionate invitation. In moments of fear and overwhelm, He offers peace, not pressure. His words weren’t spoken to shame anxious hearts but to comfort them, reminding us that trust in Him is the pathway to lasting peace. True peace isn’t something we manufacture through perfect prayers or flawless faith—it’s something we receive from Jesus. Biblical peace goes deeper than calm emotions; it’s a sense of wholeness and security rooted in His presence. As we consistently turn to Him—through prayer, Scripture, and honest surrender—He begins to reshape our thoughts and quiet our fears. It may not happen instantly, but over time, His peace grows stronger than our anxiety. Highlights Jesus responds to anxiety with compassion, not condemnation“Do not be troubled” is an invitation to trust, not a harsh commandPeace comes from Christ—not from striving or self-effortAnxiety often persists when we expect instant healingSpiritual practices help us receive the peace we already have in ChristHonest prayer invites God to reveal what may be hindering our peaceTrusting Jesus more deeply leads to greater, lasting peace 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: How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” - John 14:1 NIV As someone with a long history of anxiety, I used to feel guilt and condemnation when I read today’s verse and others like it. I knew Scripture told me, in numerous places, not to fear. I understood the importance of “taking my thoughts captive. I also recognized that I’d remain stuck in my overwhelm and whatever habitual battle I faced unless I allowed the Lord to transform me as I intentionally renewed my mind with God’s unchanging truth. Yet, I consistently found myself enslaved to my spinning anxious thoughts that felt far too strong to counter or correct. My problem was two-fold. First, I expected instant healing and freedom. I thought if I said the right prayers, memorized enough Scripture, and chose to yield my circumstances to Christ, bam! He’d instantly erase all the lies and doubts fueling my fears and flood my brain and soul with His promises—which, of course, would stick, indefinitely. Second, I misread Jesus’ invitation to trust as a harsh command that brought Him frustration when not lived out. But our Savior is gentle and humble in heart and longs to provide rest, not guilt and shame, to our souls (Matthew 11:28). When I read John 14 through that lens, I see Christ’s words as tender reassurance spoken from a place of compassionate awareness that fearful times lie ahead. The context of today’s verse supports this. If you’re familiar with the events surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, you might recognize the circumstances surrounding His words. On the night before His death, He gathered His disciples in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. During this sacred meal, He predicted several unsettling things: He’d soon leave, and they couldn’t come. One of them would betray Him, they’d all abandon Him in His most painful moment, and Peter would deny three times that he even knew Him. But notice how Jesus bookended this difficult information. He began the chapter with today’s verse, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled but instead to trust in Him. Then, in verse 27, He repeated this with additional details when He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Intersecting Life & Faith: Peace. Biblically speaking, this word, eiréné in the original Greek, goes deeper than emotional tranquility. It signifies wholeness, well-being, and things as they should be. And notice, this soul-state comes from Him, not our frantic efforts to change or heal ourselves. Yes, we must do our part by consistently turning to Him through prayer, Bible reading, silent meditation, and practicing other spiritual disciplines. Scripture also encourages us to learn how to rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit more consistently and to do our best to obey, however He leads. Sometimes, this requires prayerfully considering ways we might be actively blocking or hindering our ability to receive Christ’s peace. Notice the phrasing in Colossians 3:15: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were ...
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    7 分
  • Bonus: When God Heals Slowly: Faith, Suffering and Learning to Wait | The Unbound Podcast

    Bonus: When God Heals Slowly: Faith, Suffering and Learning to Wait | The Unbound Podcast
    2026/04/18

    If you have ever felt trapped by your body, your limits or a season you didn’t choose, this
    conversation will meet you where you are. In this bonus episode from The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Dr. Dan Wallace, one of the world’s leading Greek scholars and a lifelong student of the New Testament.

    Dan is best known for his work in textual criticism and for founding the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, which has helped digitize thousands of ancient biblical manuscripts
    around the world. But this conversation centers on a chapter of his life that few people know.


    After contracting encephalitis, Dan lost much of his strength, mobility and even his grasp of
    Greek, the language he had devoted his life to studying and teaching. He shares what it was
    like to relearn Greek from scratch, using the very textbook he had written himself, while
    navigating years of uncertainty, pain and physical limitations.


    This is not a technical discussion and not a polished testimony. It is an honest conversation
    about chronic illness, suffering without clear answers and what faith looks like when progress is
    slow and control is gone. Together, they talk about what Scripture actually teaches about
    suffering, how endurance is formed over time and why God’s presence often shows up through
    people rather than quick solutions.


    If you are carrying pain, fatigue or unanswered questions, this episode offers clarity without
    clichés and hope without pretending everything is fine.


    Learn more about Dr. Dan Wallace:
    The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts
    Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics


    The Unbound Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Tony Evans about what it means to live
    free of what binds us, including fear, pressure, shame and the need to perform strength. New
    episodes release weekly.

    For more of The Unbound Podcast, follow Dr. Tony Evans on YouTube

    The Unbound Podcast
    Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair
    Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman

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

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    1 時間 5 分
  • God Will Help You Reconnect with an Old Friend

    God Will Help You Reconnect with an Old Friend
    2026/04/18
    Feeling prompted to reconnect with an old friend but held back by fear or awkwardness? 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives us power, love, and self-discipline—not fear—especially when it comes to relationships He may be stirring in our hearts. When someone from your past keeps coming to mind, it might not be random—it could be God gently nudging you toward restoration, encouragement, or even closure. Reaching out doesn’t require a perfect plan or flawless words. God simply asks for your willingness to take the first step. Whether the outcome is a renewed friendship or just a moment of peace, God is present in the process. As you trust Him with both the courage to act and the results that follow, you’ll find freedom from fear and confidence in knowing He’s working through every connection in your life. Highlights God prompts connection—people coming to mind may not be случайноFear often holds us back, but it doesn’t come from GodGod equips you with power, love, and self-discipline to take actionYou don’t need the perfect words—just a simple, honest reach-outReconnection may bring healing, restoration, or closureYou’re responsible for obedience, not the outcomeGod works through relationships in meaningful ways Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Will Help You Reconnect with an Old FriendBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV It had been years since I’d seen my friend Pam when I started to think of her again. She kept coming to mind, but I kept hesitating to reach out to her, because I thought it might be awkward to try to catch up after all the time that had passed since I got married, she stayed single, and we drifted apart. One day, I prayed about it, and the Holy Spirit seemed to be encouraging me to contact her. I called the number I had for Pam, only to find that it was no longer valid. But that Sunday when I went up to the altar for Communion at church, there in the Communion line with me was Pam! She had recently moved back to my area and joined my church, without even knowing that was where I currently worshipped. But God’s Spirit had made a way for us to meet and reconnect! Have you ever had an old friend suddenly come to mind? You might not know why that person you’ve lost touch with has popped into your thoughts, but the memory lingers. You may have mixed feelings about it – excitement to try to reconnect, but fear that too much time has gone by to really be friends again. Fear can take over and stop you from reaching out to your old friend. You may have a whole bunch of fear-based excuses for not trying to reconnect, like it’s been too long, or it’ll be too awkward, or that your former friend probably doesn’t want to hear from you. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds you that God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. So, the hesitation you feel doesn’t come from God. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God gives you power, love, and self-discipline. When fear tells you to stay silent, God offers you courage to move forward despite feeling afraid. If you’re thinking a lot about an old friend, it may not be random. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gently but persistently encourages you to reconnect. Relationships are important to God. He often works through connections between people. Reaching out might be an important part of God’s work in both of your lives! You’ll still likely feel afraid because of the uncertainty of what will happen when you do reach out. But God will give you the courage you need to act even when you feel unsure. You don’t have to plan the perfect message or know how the conversation will go. You don’t have to fix the past or explain everything that went wrong. You can start by just sending a simple text or email that says something like: “Hi, you’ve been on my mind lately. I hope you’re doing well.” That’s it. God can work with that. You may be worried about rejection or silence. That’s understandable. But remember, God never asks you to control how someone responds. He only invites you to trust him with the process. When you step out in faith, you’re placing the results in God’s hands. No matter how your old friend responds, God is still at work in both of your lives. Reconnecting with an old friend can also stir up past pain. You may remember misunderstandings or conflicts that caused the friendship to end. If that’s the case, ask God to guide you before you reach out. God can help you approach the situation with honesty and humility, and God can also help you ...
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    7 分
  • When You’re Entering a Season of Change

    When You’re Entering a Season of Change
    2026/04/17
    Stepping into a new season of life can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and even intimidating—but Jeremiah 1:4-8 reminds us that God calls and equips us long before we feel ready. When you're entering a season of change, it’s easy to focus on your limitations, asking “Am I enough?” or “Do I have what it takes?” Yet God’s response is clear: don’t let your “I’m only…” define you—His calling is greater than your doubts. Growth rarely comes with a clear roadmap. Instead of giving us all the answers upfront, God invites us to trust Him one step at a time. Whether you're graduating, starting something new, or simply navigating an unexpected transition, your role isn’t to have everything figured out—it’s to be available and obedient where you are. As you release control and surrender your plans, you’ll begin to see that God’s purpose unfolds in the process, not all at once. Highlights Seasons of change often bring both excitement and fearFeeling unqualified is normal—but not a disqualifierGod calls you before you feel ready or capableYour “I’m only…” mindset can limit what God wants to do through youYou don’t need the full plan—just the next step of obedienceGod equips you with everything needed for your callingTrusting God’s timing leads to clarity and growth 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’re Entering a Season of Change By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord’” (Jeremiah 1:4-8 ESV). I remember when I graduated from high school. I was homeschooled my entire life, so when it was time for me to graduate, we joined a bunch of other homeschooling families and their high school seniors so we could walk across the stage and receive our diplomas from our parents. I don’t know how to describe that moment. I was leaving my childhood behind. Stepping into adulthood. And yet, on the other hand, almost nothing would change. Instead of going to college, I would get a job. But I still planned to live at home. Yet I still felt this sense of apprehensive excitement. What did the future hold? I had so many dreams for the future. I knew God had called me to write for Him, but what would that look like? What about the passion burning within me since I was a little girl—to somehow be involved in the film industry, making movies for Jesus? Can you relate? Whether you’re graduating this year or simply stepping into a new season, change can be both scary and exciting. As a new graduate, I felt in some ways like the prophet Jeremiah when God called him. Inadequate. I’m pretty sure I used the “I’m only a youth” line—or something similar—as I prayed in the years leading up to my high-school graduation. We can all feel small at times. People thought that when I graduated, I had my life figured out. Or more figured out than most. I knew God wanted me to write books and that I wasn’t going to college—at least at that point. While I couldn’t deny the feeling that writing books was only a portion of what God wanted me to do, I didn’t know what else He wanted me to do. The truth is, from the time I was young, I wanted to change the world for Jesus—but I didn’t know how. I felt so small. How could I reach the world for Jesus from home? Over time, God showed me that I didn’t need to figure out the “how” but to surrender it to Him. More important than me knowing the “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of it all, God wanted my heart to be available and for me to serve Him where He had me. I’d always sensed travel of some kind might be in my future, but working regularly from home didn’t feel like it could leave a significant impact on the world. I didn’t figure it out overnight. I would still say I don’t have it “all figured out.” Do we ever? From the time I graduated until now, God has given me a fuller idea of what He wants me to pursue in this season, but it took time. And I’m sure He will continue to show me what He wants me to do. I’ve found that when we stop fighting God to hold on to a life we imagine for ourselves, God opens our hands to receive the life He has planned for us. In case you thought...
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    8 分
  • Seen by God

    Seen by God
    2026/04/16
    Feeling unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? Genesis 16:13 reveals a powerful truth—God is El Roi, “the God who sees me”—reminding us that our deepest need to be known and valued is fully met in Him. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase recognition, validation, and visibility, Scripture redirects our focus to a God who already sees every detail of our lives. Hagar’s story shows us that even in moments of isolation, pain, and injustice, God is present and attentive. He sees what others miss. He cares when others overlook. Instead of striving to be noticed by people who cannot truly fulfill us, we’re invited to rest in the steady, personal, and unchanging attention of our Creator. When we anchor our identity in being seen by God, we find lasting security, purpose, and peace. Highlights The desire to be seen and valued is part of being humanGod reveals Himself as El Roi—the God who sees you personallyHagar’s story shows God’s care in moments of isolation and painYou don’t have to chase validation—God already sees and values youGod knows every detail of your life, down to the smallest thingsTrue identity is found in being known by God, not othersResting in God’s attention brings peace and security 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: Seen by God By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” —Genesis 16:13 NLT Recently, I read a news story headline that said 100 people gathered to be in a music video. They wanted to be seen. Especially here in the USA, there is a fascination with being an extra in a movie or becoming a professional actor and famous movie star. People often say they do this because they want to make an impact, be seen, be heard, be noticed, and be remembered. This made me think. Why do we rush to be seen by people on television, in music videos, at big events, and on social media? Perhaps it is because, deep inside, every human has a need to be seen. We want to know that we matter. We want to be acknowledged, recognized, and celebrated. This is a totally normal part of our human experience, but is it healthy if we’re chasing after fame more than seeking God? While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen and remembered by the people in our world, I would like to encourage you with this timeless truth: You are seen by God. He is the Creator of the universe and all the galaxies. There is a popular inspirational quote that says: “How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too.” God loves you. He knows you. He sees you. In a world where we are challenged to prove that we matter, we need to remember our Creator loves us endlessly. We matter to Him. The Bible says God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). It also says God knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). This means God sees us as no one else can. He created humankind with deep care and attention to detail. The Bible says all the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7). If you have a lot of hair on your head, then you may see the significance of this statement on a deeper level. God sees everything you go through during your life here on Earth, and He will intervene where needed, as He did for Hagar. She was the servant of Abraham and Sarah. They feared God but were childless well into what we would call their golden years. When God promised them that they would have a son, they didn’t believe Him because of their old age and the fact that Sarah was past her childbearing years. Therefore, after waiting on God for a while, Sarah became impatient and decided with her husband to take the matter into their own hands by making Hagar pregnant by Abraham. After Hagar knew she was with child, Sarah became jealous and mistreated Hagar. Hagar took her baby and ran into the wilderness to escape all the abuse. It was there while she wept alone in deep despair that God showed up and comforted Hagar. At the end of this divine encounter, Hagar called God “El Roi,” which means “The God Who Sees.” The God who saw Hagar in her distress and despair sees us, too. Nothing we go through is unnoticed by Him. When we feel like we have no one else to turn to, we can turn to our Savior (Jesus Christ). The Bible says He will be with us unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20) because He loves us. Why clamor to shake hands with our favorite actors, celebrities, politicians, royalty, wealthy ...
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    8 分
  • The Power of Other People

    The Power of Other People
    2026/04/15
    Breaking free from people-pleasing and the fear of man starts with one truth—Proverbs 29:25 shows that trusting God leads to peace, while seeking approval from others leads to anxiety and exhaustion. When our identity is tied to what others think, we get stuck in cycles of overthinking, second-guessing, and striving for approval that never fully satisfies. Real freedom comes when we shift our focus from people to God. Instead of replaying conversations or trying to manage others’ perceptions, we can rest in the truth that our worth is already secure in Him. Living for an “audience of One” brings clarity, confidence, and peace—because God’s love isn’t earned through performance, it’s already given. When we trust Him fully, we’re no longer trapped by others’ opinions but grounded in His unchanging truth. Highlights Fear of man leads to anxiety, overthinking, and insecurityPeople-pleasing keeps you stuck in a cycle of strivingYour identity is not defined by others’ opinionsGod already knows, loves, and accepts you fullyShifting focus from self to God brings freedomLiving for an “audience of One” creates peace and clarityTrusting God breaks the trap of performance and perfectionism Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Power of Other PeopleBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” - Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) If there is one thing in life I constantly wrestle with, it is the fear of man. I am a natural people-pleaser through and through. I cannot even count how many endless nights of sleep I have lost, or the infinite number of hours I have wasted away in worry over what other people think of me. If I feel that I have upset someone or failed them in some way, I will recite and rehearse the conversation or interaction over and over in my head. I will think through every possible scenario in which I could have handled things differently. Then, I will go through all of the ways I can repair the damage or change their impression of me. I agonize over possible resolutions. Perhaps I should go apologize… Or maybe if I get another friend to go and champion my cause, that would help change their minds… Round and round I go with no reprieve. Does any of this sound familiar to you? What is so ridiculous about this whole ordeal is that, more than likely, I am the only person obsessing over the situation. Is it possible that someone does think poorly of me, maybe even seriously dislikes me, because of a comment or decision I made? Yes, absolutely. But is it also possible that they had their moment of irritation and have moved on, while I am over here wallowing in worry? Yes – 100%. Yet more often than not, I can’t seem to break free from this train of thought. Even further, once I have suffered through one of these unpleasant disappointments, I become fearful of future interactions. I become more reserved and careful. Over time, I retreat into my shell of self-protection and either avoid interactions with others as much as possible or I present a masked version of my real self when in public to safeguard my tender heart. What a mess, right? How can we obtain hope and freedom when we find ourselves trapped in the bondage of people-pleasing? First, we need to look past ourselves. It is a shockingly simple solution, but one we often fail to recognize. If you skim through the previous paragraphs, you will notice one very clear theme. It is all about ME. There is no mention of the Lord in those circumstances; just my own thoughts, my own hurt and rejection, my own solutions to my projected problems. As elementary as it sounds, our emotions can easily override our faith and our dependence on the One who provides all that we need. Our Heavenly Father sees us as perfect and worthy just as we are. He is the One who formed us perfectly in our mother’s wombs (Ps. 139:13). He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matt. 10:30). That is how intimately He knows and loves us. We are His precious children. We are loved (1 John 3:1). God is not asking you or me to be perfect. He knows we are sinners. He knows we are going to make mistakes (lots of them). And He knows there will be plenty of times when our interactions with others will be a struggle. There will be people who dislike us, maybe even go out of their way to speak badly about us. Whether their comments and opinions are justified or not, God does not want us to be ruled by what others think about us. If left unchecked, our attempts to please others can damage our faith and even hurt those closest to us as we prioritize working for the ...
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