Nothing can steal our joy, but we all know life on this Earth comes with its fair share of trials and hurts. - Meg Bucher

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Nothing can steal our joy, but we all know life on this Earth comes with its fair share of trials and hurts. - Meg Bucher
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Deliverance for Moms Battling Mental Disorder

In Mark 10:14, Jesus welcomes children and reminds His followers that the kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Him like little children. As adults, it’s easy to let worry, disappointment, and the pressures of life harden our hearts and weaken our sense of wonder. But God invites us to remember that we are His children and that we can approach Him with the same trust, openness, and dependence that a child has toward a loving parent.

Highlights


Discover what Jesus teaches about childlike faith in Mark 10:14 and why children are an example of trust and dependence on God.


Explore how adult responsibilities, anxiety, and difficult circumstances can cause you to lose your sense of wonder.


Learn how simple activities, outdoor adventures, and time spent enjoying creation can help restore everyday joy.


Understand how trusting God like a child can strengthen your faith when circumstances seem impossible.


Find practical ways to make life less self-focused by serving others, giving generously, and encouraging people in your community.


Discover how honest prayer and complete surrender can help you approach God as a loving Father.


Reflect on one meaningful way to restore your childlike wonder and grow in faith, joy, and trust in Jesus.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Restore Your Childlike Wonder
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:

“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Mark 10:14

As I wrote in my dad's 80th-birthday card, I wanted to commemorate the milestone. I thought of 80 reasons why I love him. Immediately, I began recalling happy childhood memories. As I composed my list, which took me less than an hour, I realized something: I may not have had the fanciest possessions, gone on the fanciest vacations, or had the biggest home of my classmates, but I had a good childhood. My dad often took me to the park in the evenings, took me to McDonald's, or even just spent time talking with me. Those memories make up most of my childhood, and I was able to keep my childlike wonder. 

In contrast to today's childhoods, where many kids’ innocence is stolen and their young, formative years are exposed to adult material, I was able to keep my innocence about many adult topics. My parents protected me and did the best they could to be the best role models. Additionally, even when my parents didn't have much money, we often had the latest fad or toy. 

Today, I look fondly on those toys and fads. When times get tough, I often want to revert to being a kid, in a simpler time when I had no cares in the world, could play and be a child, and live life as fully as possible. We all want to remember our childhoods in this way. 

Similarly, God wants us to live in this way today. He doesn't want us to look upon life with anxiety or anger. Instead, he wants us to reclaim that childlike wonder, reminding ourselves that our identity is solidified in him and that we are his children. Part of experiencing freedom in Christ is to trust God with our whole hearts. 

Recall some of your favorite pastimes as a child. Did you enjoy coloring in a coloring book? Did you like riding a bike? Did you enjoy skipping rope or playing frisbee? Nothing is stopping you from enjoying those things today. Invest in an adult exercise rope, buy a frisbee, and have some fun. Spend time outside just playing catch with a loved one. Go to the beach and take a walk. 

Enjoy nature to the fullest. When you enjoy all the things that God has created, it will help you reclaim your childlike wonder. Set aside time each day to take your mind off your cares and focus on simpler, more fun activities. 

God wants us to live like kids. However, tough circumstances can harden our hearts and make us think about ourselves rather than others. When you live life for others, it is a life well lived. What can you do for others to make life less about you? Can you donate money to a worthy cause? Can you give to those who are in need? Make some cards and send them to the local Senior Center. 

How do you need to reclaim your childlike wonder? How can you come to Jesus like a child? Perhaps that means trusting him explicitly, even in situations that look impossible for God to redeem. Maybe it means giving him all you have during your prayer time, pouring your heart out to him, and asking him to help you as a good father does. Whatever you choose, Jesus wants us to come to him like a little child. When we lower our inhibitions and trust him completely, God shines most in our lives.

Father, let us remember that we are your children. Just because we are adults does not mean we need to lose that childlike wonder. Let us come to you as we did when we were children. Let us come to you in full trust and surrender. Let us believe that you will turn every situation around for our good and that you have ultimate control of our lives. Amen.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is one way you can come to faith like a child? 

Further Reading:
Matthew 19:14

In Mark 10:14, Jesus welcomes children and reminds His followers that the kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Him like little children. As adults, it&rsquo;s easy to let worry, disappointment, and the pressures of life harden our hearts and weaken our sense of wonder. But God invites us to remember that we are His children and that we can approach Him with the same trust, openness, and dependence that a child has toward a loving parent.
Highlights
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Discover what Jesus teaches about childlike faith in Mark 10:14 and why children are an example of trust and dependence on God.
</li>
<li>
Explore how adult responsibilities, anxiety, and difficult circumstances can cause you to lose your sense of wonder.
</li>
<li>
Learn how simple activities, outdoor adventures, and time spent enjoying creation can help restore everyday joy.
</li>
<li>
Understand how trusting God like a child can strengthen your faith when circumstances seem impossible.
</li>
<li>
Find practical ways to make life less self-focused by serving others, giving generously, and encouraging people in your community.
</li>
<li>
Discover how honest prayer and complete surrender can help you approach God as a loving Father.
</li>
<li>
Reflect on one meaningful way to restore your childlike wonder and grow in faith, joy, and trust in Jesus.
</li>
</ul>
Click to Listen to&nbsp;Signs of Life:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was&mdash;and is&mdash;an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.
<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Restore Your Childlike Wonder By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, &ldquo;Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.&rdquo; - Mark 10:14
As I wrote in my dad's 80th-birthday card, I wanted to commemorate the milestone. I thought of 80 reasons why I love him. Immediately, I began recalling happy childhood memories. As I composed my list, which took me less than an hour, I realized something: I may not have had the fanciest possessions, gone on the fanciest vacations, or had the biggest home of my classmates, but I had a good childhood. My dad often took me to the park in the evenings, took me to McDonald's, or even just spent time talking with me. Those memories make up most of my childhood, and I was able to keep my childlike wonder.&nbsp;
In contrast to today's childhoods, where many kids&rsquo; innocence is stolen and their young, formative years are exposed to adult material, I was able to keep my innocence about many adult topics. My parents protected me and did the best they could to be the best role models. Additionally, even when my parents didn't have much money, we often had the latest fad or toy.&nbsp;
Today, I look fondly on those toys and fads. When times get tough, I often want to revert to being a kid, in a simpler time when I had no cares in the world, could play and be a child, and live life as fully as possible. We all want to remember our childhoods in this way.&nbsp;
Similarly, God wants us to live in this way today. He doesn't want us to look upon life with anxiety or anger. Instead, he wants us to reclaim that childlike wonder, reminding ourselves that our identity is solidified in him and that we are his children. Part of experiencing freedom in Christ is to trust God with our whole hearts.&nbsp;
Recall some of your favorite pastimes as a child. Did you enjoy coloring in a coloring book? Did you like riding a bike? Did you enjoy skipping rope or playing frisbee? Nothing is stopping you from enjoying those things today. Invest in an adult exercise rope, buy a frisbee, and have some fun. Spend time outside just playing catch with a loved one. Go to the beach and take a walk.&nbsp;
Enjoy nature to the fullest. When you enjoy all the things that God has created, it will help you reclaim your childlike wonder. Set aside time each day to take your mind off your cares and focus on simpler, more fun activities.&nbsp;
God wants us to live like kids. However, tough circumstances can harden our hearts and make us think about ourselves rather than others. When you live life for others, it is a life well lived. What can you do for others to make life less about you? Can you donate money to a worthy cause? Can you give to those who are in need? Make some cards and send them to the local Senior Center.&nbsp;
How do you need to reclaim your childlike wonder? How can you come to Jesus like a child? Perhaps that means trusting him explicitly, even in situations that look impossible for God to redeem. Maybe it means giving him all you have during your prayer time, pouring your heart out to him, and asking him to help you as a good father does. Whatever you choose, Jesus wants us to come to him like a little child. When we lower our inhibitions and trust him completely, God shines most in our lives.
Father, let us remember that we are your children. Just because we are adults does not mean we need to lose that childlike wonder. Let us come to you as we did when we were children. Let us come to you in full trust and surrender. Let us believe that you will turn every situation around for our good and that you have ultimate control of our lives. Amen.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What is one way you can come to faith like a child?&nbsp;
Further Reading: Matthew 19:14

Restore Your Childlike Wonder

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/76048611-61fa-4646-bc25-b4ef0146eab9/transcript

Does Halloween bring up feelings of fear, anxiety, or painful memories? Whether you feel uneasy about the holiday’s darker themes or have experienced frightening situations in the past, God offers comfort and strength when fear feels overwhelming. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Scripture reminds us that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline—not timidity. As Christians, we can bring our fears to Jesus and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us toward greater peace. We can also recognize that everyone has different experiences with Halloween and respond to others with compassion rather than judgment.

Highlights


Explore what 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches about overcoming fear through God’s power, love, and self-discipline.


Understand how difficult childhood experiences or painful memories can shape your feelings about Halloween.


Discover why showing compassion for others’ experiences is an important part of responding with Christian love.


Learn how prayer, Bible study, and time with the Holy Spirit can strengthen your trust in God.


Find reassurance that you don’t have to celebrate Halloween if it causes fear, anxiety, or distress.


Consider peaceful, enjoyable alternatives to Halloween celebrations, from fall activities to spending time with friends.


Reflect on how to surrender your fears to God and rely on His strength throughout Halloween and every season of life.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Surrendering Fear to God This Halloween
By Vivian Bricker 

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). 

Halloween can instill fear in our hearts for many reasons. When I was a kid, I wasn't ever scared of Halloween because my mom made it light-hearted and fun; there was never any gore, blood, or horror. As I grew older, I started associating Halloween with autumn and the changing seasons rather than with anything scary or dark. Halloween was a time for hayrides, apple picking, and pumpkin-themed recipes, not scary events.

As I was talking to a friend about my plans for Halloween, she suddenly shuddered at the word “Halloween.” “I don't like Halloween; it’s too scary,” she said to me. I told her I knew a lot of people regard Halloween as a scary holiday, but you can make it whimsical, fun, and family-friendly. Despite my explanation, my friend continued to paint a picture of Halloween as evil. 

She proceeded to share her Halloween experience with me, which included her parents turning their house into a haunted house for several months, displaying scary decorations outside that terrified her as a kid, and her older siblings dabbling in witchcraft on Halloween. Immediately, I understood her fear associated with Halloween. For me, Halloween was all fun and games, but for her, it was traumatizing. 

We all need to leave room for those with different lived experiences than ours. I told my friend that it was okay; we didn't have to do anything special for Halloween. Instead, we could go to the movies or shop at the mall. My friend happily agreed, thankful to have moved past the difficult subject. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If Halloween is a holiday that fills your heart with fear, look to Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). From the moment we place faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives inside us. This is known as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 

Once the Holy Spirit indwells you, He will never leave. He guides, instructs, and convicts you. From the Bible, we also learn that He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Perhaps you have already seen this to be true in your own life. Don't allow fear to dictate your life anymore; surrender every feeling to the Lord.

He can transform a heart of fear into a heart of trust. You can cultivate trust in Jesus by spending time with Him in Bible study and prayer. The more you get to know Him, the stronger your trust will become. Whether it is Halloween, Christmas, or New Year's, you will not give in to fear. It is a beautiful blessing to know the Lord and to have the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Talk with the Holy Spirit when you are afraid and ask Him to help you see His power, love, and self-discipline in your own life. You may be surprised as to how He will answer your prayer. Never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit in your life; He can transform a fearful heart into a lionheart. 

Surrender your fear to God today. However, know that it is okay if you don't want to celebrate Halloween. If Halloween brings up too many dark memories, you can bypass this holiday altogether. Do something else on Halloween, such as going to a pottery class, taking a day trip, or having a friend’s night where you all go see a movie. Replacing scary things at Halloween with fun events will radically change how you view this fall holiday. 

Remind yourself that fear does not dictate your life. Your life belongs to Jesus, and He will strengthen you through every storm (Isaiah 41:10). Continue to rely on the Holy Spirit, cultivate trust in God, and embrace the fall season rather than the scary parts of Halloween. 

Do you associate Halloween with fear? What are some ways you can take 2 Timothy 1:7 to heart? The Holy Spirit lives inside you right now. How might you get to know Him better this autumn? 

Further Reading:

Deuteronomy 31:6

Joshua 1:9

Psalm 56:3

Does Halloween bring up feelings of fear, anxiety, or painful memories? Whether you feel uneasy about the holiday&rsquo;s darker themes or have experienced frightening situations in the past, God offers comfort and strength when fear feels overwhelming. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Scripture reminds us that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline&mdash;not timidity. As Christians, we can bring our fears to Jesus and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us toward greater peace. We can also recognize that everyone has different experiences with Halloween and respond to others with compassion rather than judgment.
Highlights
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Explore what 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches about overcoming fear through God&rsquo;s power, love, and self-discipline.
</li>
<li>
Understand how difficult childhood experiences or painful memories can shape your feelings about Halloween.
</li>
<li>
Discover why showing compassion for others&rsquo; experiences is an important part of responding with Christian love.
</li>
<li>
Learn how prayer, Bible study, and time with the Holy Spirit can strengthen your trust in God.
</li>
<li>
Find reassurance that you don&rsquo;t have to celebrate Halloween if it causes fear, anxiety, or distress.
</li>
<li>
Consider peaceful, enjoyable alternatives to Halloween celebrations, from fall activities to spending time with friends.
</li>
<li>
Reflect on how to surrender your fears to God and rely on His strength throughout Halloween and every season of life.
</li>
</ul>
Click to Listen to Signs of Life:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was&mdash;and is&mdash;an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.
<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Surrendering Fear to God This Halloween By Vivian Bricker&nbsp;
Bible Reading: &ldquo;For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline&rdquo; (2 Timothy 1:7).&nbsp;
Halloween can instill fear in our hearts for many reasons. When I was a kid, I wasn't ever scared of Halloween because my mom made it light-hearted and fun; there was never any gore, blood, or horror. As I grew older, I started associating Halloween with autumn and the changing seasons rather than with anything scary or dark. Halloween was a time for hayrides, apple picking, and pumpkin-themed recipes, not scary events.
As I was talking to a friend about my plans for Halloween, she suddenly shuddered at the word &ldquo;Halloween.&rdquo; &ldquo;I don't like Halloween; it&rsquo;s too scary,&rdquo; she said to me. I told her I knew a lot of people regard Halloween as a scary holiday, but you can make it whimsical, fun, and family-friendly. Despite my explanation, my friend continued to paint a picture of Halloween as evil.&nbsp;
She proceeded to share her Halloween experience with me, which included her parents turning their house into a haunted house for several months, displaying scary decorations outside that terrified her as a kid, and her older siblings dabbling in witchcraft on Halloween. Immediately, I understood her fear associated with Halloween. For me, Halloween was all fun and games, but for her, it was traumatizing.&nbsp;
We all need to leave room for those with different lived experiences than ours. I told my friend that it was okay; we didn't have to do anything special for Halloween. Instead, we could go to the movies or shop at the mall. My friend happily agreed, thankful to have moved past the difficult subject.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
If Halloween is a holiday that fills your heart with fear, look to Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells us, &ldquo;For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline&rdquo; (2 Timothy 1:7). From the moment we place faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives inside us. This is known as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;
Once the Holy Spirit indwells you, He will never leave. He guides, instructs, and convicts you. From the Bible, we also learn that He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Perhaps you have already seen this to be true in your own life. Don't allow fear to dictate your life anymore; surrender every feeling to the Lord.
He can transform a heart of fear into a heart of trust. You can cultivate trust in Jesus by spending time with Him in Bible study and prayer. The more you get to know Him, the stronger your trust will become. Whether it is Halloween, Christmas, or New Year's, you will not give in to fear. It is a beautiful blessing to know the Lord and to have the gift of the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;
Talk with the Holy Spirit when you are afraid and ask Him to help you see His power, love, and self-discipline in your own life. You may be surprised as to how He will answer your prayer. Never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit in your life; He can transform a fearful heart into a lionheart.&nbsp;
Surrender your fear to God today. However, know that it is okay if you don't want to celebrate Halloween. If Halloween brings up too many dark memories, you can bypass this holiday altogether. Do something else on Halloween, such as going to a pottery class, taking a day trip, or having a friend&rsquo;s night where you all go see a movie. Replacing scary things at Halloween with fun events will radically change how you view this fall holiday.&nbsp;
Remind yourself that fear does not dictate your life. Your life belongs to Jesus, and He will strengthen you through every storm (Isaiah 41:10). Continue to rely on the Holy Spirit, cultivate trust in God, and embrace the fall season rather than the scary parts of Halloween.&nbsp;
Do you associate Halloween with fear? What are some ways you can take 2 Timothy 1:7 to heart? The Holy Spirit lives inside you right now. How might you get to know Him better this autumn?&nbsp;
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Joshua 1:9
Psalm 56:3

Surrendering Fear to God This Halloween

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/d66ba812-69ba-4e62-ac58-b4ec013c2969/transcript

Can you keep your faith strong when life brings disappointment, loss, uncertainty, or unexpected challenges? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Yet, just as the seasons change, our trust in God can sometimes fluctuate with our circumstances. When hardship leaves you discouraged or success tempts you to rely on yourself, God invites you to draw closer to Him and remain grounded in His promises. A faith that survives life’s first frost doesn’t depend on favorable circumstances; it rests on the unchanging character and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

Highlights


Understand what Hebrews 11:1 teaches about trusting God when you cannot see what lies ahead.


Discover why changing circumstances can cause faith to fluctuate and how drawing near to God strengthens your trust in Him.


Learn the five characteristics of surviving faith: focusing on Jesus, remaining steadfast, holding onto hope, sharing your faith, and praying continually.


Explore how fixing your eyes on Christ helps you resist distractions and stay grounded in God’s truth.


Find encouragement in God’s unchanging faithfulness, even during seasons when your own faith feels weak.


Discover how sharing your faith with others can encourage spiritual growth and strengthen your walk with God.


Reflect on practical ways to deepen your faith and remain steadfast through every season of life.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

A Faith That Survives the First Frost 

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  - Hebrews 11:1

What kind of faith do we have? Does it hold fast and deepen through the seasons of life? Or, does it change like the weather? Do darker, colder days send a chill over our hearts and send us downward, with our circumstances, disappointments, failures, and losses? Likewise, do great successes and joy cause us to feel like we’re doing pretty well on our own?

What causes us to take our eyes off Jesus? Do we let unexpected life events make our faith waiver, or do we stay steadfast and draw nearer to God?

In times of distress as well as joy, James 4:8 urges, “Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

If we find our faith changing and falling off like leaves after autumn’s first frost, we’ll want to survey our hearts and minds and see what’s leading our belief and trust in God to fluctuate like the blowing wind.

As James 1:6-8 warns, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” 

Faith That Fluctuates

Jesus recognizes how, in some, faith fluctuates, asking in Luke 18:8, “…However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

The world has a way of wearing people’s faith down. Jesus explains how that happens in Matthew 24:12, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

As Hebrews 3:12 warns believers, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”

Even so, as 2 Timothy 2:13 explains, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”

5 Characteristics of Surviving Faith

So what kind of faith survives through the first frost and beyond? The following is a description of the five characteristics it takes. 
 Surviving faith sets its mind on Jesus. Locking our gaze on Jesus keeps our hearts and minds set on Him. As Colossians 3:2 urges, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

As well, Hebrews 12:2 urges, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
 Surviving faith stays steadfast. It’s our choice when it comes to standing firm and staying steadfast in our faith. Colossians 1:23 describes what we need to do: 

“If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard, and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”
Surviving faith holds onto hope. Holding onto hope keeps us from swerving back and forth in our faith. As Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
Surviving faith spreads to others. When our faith survives, it can’t stay contained within us because there is too much life in it to keep silent. Faith that survives finds ways to share with others, even while we’re still growing in it. 

Acts 18:25 tells us of a passionate Jewish teacher in Ephesus named Apollos, who couldn’t keep his faith quiet, even though he was still learning and growing in his relationship with God. “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.”
 Surviving faith prays continually. A faith that keeps praying, takes us through the seasons of life, as Paul urges in Ephesians 6:18, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Does your faith waiver at times? If so, commit to building a surviving faith that weathers the first frost and much more. 

Further Reading:

A Prayer to Deepen and Strengthen Your Faith

Can you keep your faith strong when life brings disappointment, loss, uncertainty, or unexpected challenges? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Yet, just as the seasons change, our trust in God can sometimes fluctuate with our circumstances. When hardship leaves you discouraged or success tempts you to rely on yourself, God invites you to draw closer to Him and remain grounded in His promises. A faith that survives life&rsquo;s first frost doesn&rsquo;t depend on favorable circumstances; it rests on the unchanging character and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
Highlights
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Understand what Hebrews 11:1 teaches about trusting God when you cannot see what lies ahead.
</li>
<li>
Discover why changing circumstances can cause faith to fluctuate and how drawing near to God strengthens your trust in Him.
</li>
<li>
Learn the five characteristics of surviving faith: focusing on Jesus, remaining steadfast, holding onto hope, sharing your faith, and praying continually.
</li>
<li>
Explore how fixing your eyes on Christ helps you resist distractions and stay grounded in God&rsquo;s truth.
</li>
<li>
Find encouragement in God&rsquo;s unchanging faithfulness, even during seasons when your own faith feels weak.
</li>
<li>
Discover how sharing your faith with others can encourage spiritual growth and strengthen your walk with God.
</li>
<li>
Reflect on practical ways to deepen your faith and remain steadfast through every season of life.
</li>
</ul>
Click to Listen to Signs of Life:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was&mdash;and is&mdash;an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.
<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
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Full Transcript Below:
A Faith That Survives the First Frost&nbsp;
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.&rdquo;&nbsp; - Hebrews 11:1
What kind of faith do we have? Does it hold fast and deepen through the seasons of life? Or, does it change like the weather? Do darker, colder days send a chill over our hearts and send us downward, with our circumstances, disappointments, failures, and losses? Likewise, do great successes and joy cause us to feel like we&rsquo;re doing pretty well on our own?
What causes us to take our eyes off Jesus? Do we let unexpected life events make our faith waiver, or do we stay steadfast and draw nearer to God?
In times of distress as well as joy, James 4:8 urges, &ldquo;Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.&rdquo;
If we find our faith changing and falling off like leaves after autumn&rsquo;s first frost, we&rsquo;ll want to survey our hearts and minds and see what&rsquo;s leading our belief and trust in God to fluctuate like the blowing wind.
As James 1:6-8 warns, &ldquo;But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.&nbsp; That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.&nbsp;Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Faith That Fluctuates
Jesus recognizes how, in some, faith fluctuates, asking in Luke 18:8, &ldquo;&hellip;However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?&rdquo;
The world has a way of wearing people&rsquo;s faith down. Jesus explains how that happens in Matthew 24:12, &ldquo;Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.&rdquo;
As Hebrews 3:12 warns believers, &ldquo;See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.&rdquo;
Even so, as 2 Timothy 2:13 explains, &ldquo;If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.&rdquo;
5 Characteristics of Surviving Faith
So what kind of faith survives through the first frost and beyond? The following is a description of the five characteristics it takes.&nbsp;
<ol>
<li> Surviving faith sets its mind on Jesus. Locking our gaze on Jesus keeps our hearts and minds set on Him. As Colossians 3:2 urges, &ldquo;Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.&rdquo;</li>
</ol>
As well, Hebrews 12:2 urges, &ldquo;Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.&rdquo;
<ol>
<li> Surviving faith stays steadfast. It&rsquo;s our choice when it comes to standing firm and staying steadfast in our faith. Colossians 1:23 describes what we need to do:&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
&ldquo;If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard, and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.&rdquo;
<ol>
<li>Surviving faith holds onto hope. Holding onto hope keeps us from swerving back and forth in our faith. As Hebrews 10:23 urges, &ldquo;Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Surviving faith spreads to others. When our faith survives, it can&rsquo;t stay contained within us because there is too much life in it to keep silent. Faith that survives finds ways to share with others, even while we&rsquo;re still growing in it.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
Acts 18:25 tells us of a passionate Jewish teacher in Ephesus named Apollos, who couldn&rsquo;t keep his faith quiet, even though he was still learning and growing in his relationship with God. &ldquo;He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.&rdquo;
<ol>
<li> Surviving faith prays continually. A faith that keeps praying, takes us through the seasons of life, as Paul urges in Ephesians 6:18, &ldquo;And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord&rsquo;s people.&rdquo;</li>
</ol>
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Does your faith waiver at times? If so, commit to building a surviving faith that weathers the first frost and much more.&nbsp;
Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-deepen-and-strengthen-your-faith.html">A Prayer to Deepen and Strengthen Your Faith</a>

 A Faith That Survives the First Frost

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