Our age is "A Secular Age" as the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor put it. And it is becoming more so. How do we bear witness to Jesus Christ In a world like ours? - Dr. Michael A. Milton

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Our age is "A Secular Age" as the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor put it. And it is becoming more so. How do we bear witness to Jesus Christ In a world like ours? - Dr. Michael A. Milton 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

Witnessing in a World Like Ours

It doesn’t take long to notice the darkness in our world. Tragedy, injustice, division—it can feel constant and overwhelming. We’re often told that to care deeply means to sit in the darkness indefinitely. But Jesus gives a different calling in Matthew 5:14–16: we are the light of the world.

Key Scripture

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16

Highlights


Christians are called to acknowledge darkness without dwelling in it


God’s kingdom—marked by peace, joy, and love—is a greater reality than despair


“Prophetic imagination” helps us envision renewal where others see only ruin


A small light can dispel great darkness when we carry Christ’s presence faithfully


Being light is not about prominence or power—it’s about faithful presence

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Children of God, Children of Light 

By Deidre Braley 

Bible Reading:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

It is easy to see the darkness in our world—that is no earth-shattering statement. We live in a world where terrible things happen, and where it is expected that we dwell in the darkness in the name of empathy. We are told that it is hypocrisy and a privilege to look away, and so we stare into it until it engulfs us too. We think this is what it means to “mourn with those who mourn.” We think this is love. 

But as children of God, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the darkness, and even to address it, without allowing it to swallow up the Light to which we belong. We are not powerless victims in the face of darkness. We are image-bearers of a King who reigns with peace, and joy, and love. It is hard to believe, but these are an even more powerful reality than the darkness. And it is our job to speak of—and live within!—this reality in a way that illuminates every place where the kingdom of God is already in our midst here on Earth. This is not toxic positivity—this is what biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann calls our prophetic imagination, which is our ability to engage with God’s power and potential for newness. It is to live within the expansive mind of God, rather than the closed reality of this world. 

Henri Nouwen puts it this way: 

People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. They point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that they reveal the hidden but real presence of God. 

The Return of the Prodigal Son, p. 117 

As Jesus said, we are the light of the world. This is not to say that, as children of God, we are superior, or that we deserve platforms and prominence and loudspeakers and political power. It is to say that we carry a flame inside our spirits that was given to us by the Spirit, and that it is our job to bring it into every place we set foot and to say, “Here. I know it is dark. But come now, I have a little light. And a little light goes a long way.” It is to use our prophetic imagination to spin a picture of renewal in places where, right now, it seems too dark to see.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I once had an employer who said, “Don’t come to me with a problem just to complain. Come to me with a solution, and then we’ll have something to work with.” 

I think of this often whenever I spend time on social media, where it seems that people are shouting about problems without offering even a whisper of a solution. As people of the Light, we were made to rush toward the darkness not so we can stay and ruminate in it—but rather, to illuminate it. 

Admittedly, it’s easier said than done. In truth, the dark sometimes feels very dark. In times when we struggle to believe that the light is more powerful than the dark, or that the light even exists at all, here is a helpful prayer to try: 

Lord,
Right now, the dark feels very dark. Please help me to see what’s in front of me through thelens of your imagination. Show me where newness is possible. Let me see what you’re doinghere, and sharpen my perception of your kingdom in our midst. Help me to see the light.Help me to be the light.
Amen. 

Further Reading:
John 8:12 

2 Corinthians 4 

The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

It doesn&rsquo;t take long to notice the darkness in our world. Tragedy, injustice, division&mdash;it can feel constant and overwhelming. We&rsquo;re often told that to care deeply means to sit in the darkness indefinitely. But Jesus gives a different calling in Matthew 5:14&ndash;16: we are the light of the world.
Key Scripture
<blockquote data-start="985" data-end="1190">
&ldquo;You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden&hellip; let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.&rdquo; &mdash; Matthew 5:14&ndash;16
</blockquote>
Highlights
<ul data-start="1209" data-end="1610">
<li data-start="1209" data-end="1281">
Christians are called to acknowledge darkness without dwelling in it
</li>
<li data-start="1282" data-end="1364">
God&rsquo;s kingdom&mdash;marked by peace, joy, and love&mdash;is a greater reality than despair
</li>
<li data-start="1365" data-end="1445">
&ldquo;Prophetic imagination&rdquo; helps us envision renewal where others see only ruin
</li>
<li data-start="1446" data-end="1532">
A small light can dispel great darkness when we carry Christ&rsquo;s presence faithfully
</li>
<li data-start="1533" data-end="1610">
Being light is not about prominence or power&mdash;it&rsquo;s about faithful presence
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Children of God, Children of Light&nbsp;
By Deidre Braley&nbsp;
Bible Reading: &ldquo;You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16
It is easy to see the darkness in our world&mdash;that is no earth-shattering statement. We live in a world where terrible things happen, and where it is expected that we dwell in the darkness in the name of empathy. We are told that it is hypocrisy and a privilege to look away, and so we stare into it until it engulfs us too. We think this is what it means to &ldquo;mourn with those who mourn.&rdquo; We think this is love.&nbsp;
But as children of God, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the darkness, and even to address it, without allowing it to swallow up the Light to which we belong. We are not powerless victims in the face of darkness. We are image-bearers of a King who reigns with peace, and joy, and love. It is hard to believe, but these are an even more powerful reality than the darkness. And it is our job to speak of&mdash;and live within!&mdash;this reality in a way that illuminates every place where the kingdom of God is already in our midst here on Earth. This is not toxic positivity&mdash;this is what biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann calls our prophetic imagination, which is our ability to engage with God&rsquo;s power and potential for newness. It is to live within the expansive mind of God, rather than the closed reality of this world.&nbsp;
Henri Nouwen puts it this way:&nbsp;
People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. They point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that they reveal the hidden but real presence of God.&nbsp;
The Return of the Prodigal Son, p. 117&nbsp;
As Jesus said, we are the light of the world. This is not to say that, as children of God, we are superior, or that we deserve platforms and prominence and loudspeakers and political power. It is to say that we carry a flame inside our spirits that was given to us by the Spirit, and that it is our job to bring it into every place we set foot and to say, &ldquo;Here. I know it is dark. But come now, I have a little light. And a little light goes a long way.&rdquo; It is to use our prophetic imagination to spin a picture of renewal in places where, right now, it seems too dark to see.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
I once had an employer who said, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t come to me with a problem just to complain. Come to me with a solution, and then we&rsquo;ll have something to work with.&rdquo;&nbsp;
I think of this often whenever I spend time on social media, where it seems that people are shouting about problems without offering even a whisper of a solution. As people of the Light, we were made to rush toward the darkness not so we can stay and ruminate in it&mdash;but rather, to illuminate it.&nbsp;
Admittedly, it&rsquo;s easier said than done. In truth, the dark sometimes feels very dark. In times when we struggle to believe that the light is more powerful than the dark, or that the light even exists at all, here is a helpful prayer to try:&nbsp;
Lord, Right now, the dark feels very dark. Please help me to see what&rsquo;s in front of me through the lens of your imagination. Show me where newness is possible. Let me see what you&rsquo;re doing here, and sharpen my perception of your kingdom in our midst. Help me to see the light. Help me to be the light. Amen.&nbsp;
Further Reading: John 8:12&nbsp;
2 Corinthians 4&nbsp;
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann

Children of God, Children of Light

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/fcf33fc5-bea2-4ec2-9879-b3f0013779d9/transcript

Some seasons of life feel heavier than we expected. Transitions, loss, depression, disappointment—sometimes they arrive all at once. In those moments, it’s easy to believe we’re alone in the struggle. But God gives a powerful promise in Isaiah 43:2: when we walk through deep waters and fiery trials, He will be with us.

Key Scripture

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” — Isaiah 43:2

Highlights


Difficult seasons do not mean God is absent; He promises to walk with us through them


Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest and relief (Matthew 11:28–30)


God is close to the brokenhearted and rescues the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)


The Lord often works through community, counselors, teachers, and friends to provide support


Every tear, sorrow, and struggle is seen and remembered by God (Psalm 56:8)

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

You Are Not Alone

By Lauren Fletcher

Bible Reading:

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” - Isaiah 43:2

When I was in college, I went through an unexpected season of loss in my second year. It was a year of transition for me. Many of my upperclassman friends had graduated; I had a new roommate, and I had just finished my first job at a summer camp. I had met many close friends there, and it was hard to leave. 

Depression hit, and I wasn’t ready for it. It scared me, and I didn’t know how to deal with it. I tried my best to manage my emotions while balancing school and living on my own. Things snowballed, and when I started struggling in my classes, I felt a sense of hopelessness, not enthusiasm, for the future.

I had a teacher whom I constantly let down, in my own eyes, by being late to her class. One of our assignments was a behavior change project, in which we had to identify areas we wanted to change. Of course, I chose tardiness. As I was very transparent in my project, she saw that I needed help. My lateness stemmed from this depression. She suggested counseling. This changed my trajectory. 

It was hard to feel like I had to figure things out on my own while I was away at school. I put all of this responsibility upon myself because I felt like that was what I was supposed to do as an adult. If I were to talk to myself now, looking back, I would share this verse from Matthew: “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30).

We all face difficult times, and when we do, we need help. We can’t do it on our own. I was ashamed of my depression and tried to hide it, but what I should have done was reach out to those around me.

I look back on this season many times and still feel the sting of how hard things were. I don’t always see where God was in that time, but I know He was always there. I was never alone, despite my feelings.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

When I reflect upon that time, I know that God was with me in my sorrow. I think of how the word 'compassion' means 'to suffer with.' Jesus set the example of what that is. When His friend, Lazarus, died, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). He experienced sorrow alongside Mary and Martha, who were grieving. God promises us in His Word that He will be with us when we are suffering. In Psalms, David says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18).

Another way I know God was with me was through the help of those around me. During that time of depression, I wanted to help a member of my church. Though I tried, I was in way over my head. Both a friend and the local church stepped in and provided the help I wanted to give this woman. It blessed me so much that they would carry that burden with me. In Galatians, it says, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Not only do I see how God worked through the support of my friends, I see Him, most evidently, through the teacher who suggested that I get help from our school’s counseling center. 

Despite how I felt that year, I know that God’s hand was on my life. Through counseling, He provided help and a way out of the depression. I had hope again and could see light. In the darkness of seasons like this, it’s tough to see how you’ll get to the other side—but God knows. God also provided by surrounding me with friends that year. Though I never shared about my struggles with them, I was held in love by my Father. Psalms says, “But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18).

Is there a season in your life that has been difficult? Has it been hard to see God, where He is, and what He is doing? I want to share this verse with you: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8). God sees everything that you’ve gone through, and He’s with you. He will take care of you.

Further Reading:

Psalm 37

Psalm 40:1-3

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 139

Psalm 121

Hebrews 13:5

Psalm 46:1

Some seasons of life feel heavier than we expected. Transitions, loss, depression, disappointment&mdash;sometimes they arrive all at once. In those moments, it&rsquo;s easy to believe we&rsquo;re alone in the struggle. But God gives a powerful promise in Isaiah 43:2: when we walk through deep waters and fiery trials, He will be with us.
Key Scripture
<blockquote data-start="765" data-end="1009">
&ldquo;When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah 43:2
</blockquote>
Highlights
<ul data-start="1028" data-end="1462">
<li data-start="1028" data-end="1117">
Difficult seasons do not mean God is absent; He promises to walk with us through them
</li>
<li data-start="1118" data-end="1199">
Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest and relief (Matthew 11:28&ndash;30)
</li>
<li data-start="1200" data-end="1285">
God is close to the brokenhearted and rescues the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)
</li>
<li data-start="1286" data-end="1382">
The Lord often works through community, counselors, teachers, and friends to provide support
</li>
<li data-start="1383" data-end="1462">
Every tear, sorrow, and struggle is seen and remembered by God (Psalm 56:8)
</li>
</ul>
<hr><hr>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
You Are Not Alone
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.&rdquo; - Isaiah 43:2
When I was in college, I went through an unexpected season of loss in my second year. It was a year of transition for me. Many of my upperclassman friends had graduated; I had a new roommate, and I had just finished my first job at a summer camp. I had met many close friends there, and it was hard to leave.&nbsp;
Depression hit, and I wasn&rsquo;t ready for it. It scared me, and I didn&rsquo;t know how to deal with it. I tried my best to manage my emotions while balancing school and living on my own. Things snowballed, and when I started struggling in my classes, I felt a sense of hopelessness, not enthusiasm, for the future.
I had a teacher whom I constantly let down, in my own eyes, by being late to her class. One of our assignments was a behavior change project, in which we had to identify areas we wanted to change. Of course, I chose tardiness. As I was very transparent in my project, she saw that I needed help. My lateness stemmed from this depression. She suggested counseling. This changed my trajectory.&nbsp;
It was hard to feel like I had to figure things out on my own while I was away at school. I put all of this responsibility upon myself because I felt like that was what I was supposed to do as an adult. If I were to talk to myself now, looking back, I would share this verse from Matthew: &ldquo;Then Jesus said, &lsquo;Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light&rsquo;&rdquo; (Matthew 11:28-30).
We all face difficult times, and when we do, we need help. We can&rsquo;t do it on our own. I was ashamed of my depression and tried to hide it, but what I should have done was reach out to those around me.
I look back on this season many times and still feel the sting of how hard things were. I don&rsquo;t always see where God was in that time, but I know He was always there. I was never alone, despite my feelings.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
When I reflect upon that time, I know that God was with me in my sorrow. I think of how the word 'compassion' means 'to suffer with.' Jesus set the example of what that is. When His friend, Lazarus, died, &ldquo;Jesus wept&rdquo; (John 11:35). He experienced sorrow alongside Mary and Martha, who were grieving. God promises us in His Word that He will be with us when we are suffering. In Psalms, David says, &ldquo;The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed&rdquo; (Psalm 34:18).
Another way I know God was with me was through the help of those around me. During that time of depression, I wanted to help a member of my church. Though I tried, I was in way over my head. Both a friend and the local church stepped in and provided the help I wanted to give this woman. It blessed me so much that they would carry that burden with me. In Galatians, it says, &ldquo;Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone&mdash;especially to those in the family of faith&rdquo; (Galatians 6:10). Not only do I see how God worked through the support of my friends, I see Him, most evidently, through the teacher who suggested that I get help from our school&rsquo;s counseling center.&nbsp;
Despite how I felt that year, I know that God&rsquo;s hand was on my life. Through counseling, He provided help and a way out of the depression. I had hope again and could see light. In the darkness of seasons like this, it&rsquo;s tough to see how you&rsquo;ll get to the other side&mdash;but God knows. God also provided by surrounding me with friends that year. Though I never shared about my struggles with them, I was held in love by my Father. Psalms says, &ldquo;But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love&rdquo; (Psalm 33:18).
Is there a season in your life that has been difficult? Has it been hard to see God, where He is, and what He is doing? I want to share this verse with you: &ldquo;You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book&rdquo; (Psalm 56:8). God sees everything that you&rsquo;ve gone through, and He&rsquo;s with you. He will take care of you.
Further Reading:
Psalm 37
Psalm 40:1-3
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 139
Psalm 121
Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 46:1

You Are Not Alone

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/67560723-3359-49ef-91d6-b3f001308380/transcript

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s fitting to reflect on the biblical perspective of leadership. Daniel 2:21 reminds us that God “changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Every president, past and present, serves under God’s sovereign hand. Recognizing their achievements, especially those guided by faith, is a way to honor God’s provision for our nation.

Intersecting Faith & Life


How can we honor God by recognizing the positive impact of leaders He places in office?


In what ways can you personally pray for national leaders and their decisions?


Reflect on moments in American history where prayer and faith intersected with leadership—how can this inspire your own spiritual practice?

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This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Honoring Our Nation's Presidents

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”  - Daniel 2:21

What does it take to be President of the United States of America? As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, we probably have a wide variety of thoughts and answers to this question.

Still, throughout history, many men of various backgrounds, political leanings, religious beliefs, and stature have served as the President of the United States. 

Although we hold elections in the United States, we don’t want to ignore what Daniel explains: that God has a hand in who comes into leadership in our nation and that we really are not the ones in control.

As we commemorate yet another President’s Day, it’s biblical to set time aside to honor the many men who have held the office, regardless of our political leanings.

Being the President of the United States of America takes bravery and fortitude, as it comes with serious caution and risks to both the sitting president’s life and career. In Prayersand Presidents, author and historian William J. Federer presents statistics on the danger that being President holds:

“Not every United States President left the White House on his own accord, with some dying in office and others murdered while serving. Four Presidents left office due to assassination, with the most famous and well-known account being that of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and the 35th President, John F. Kennedy.

Along with them, lesser-recognized presidents were murdered while in office, including 20th President, James A. Garfield, and 25th President, William McKinley.  

As well, 40th President Ronald Reagan and soon-to-be re-elected Donald J. Trump survived assassination attempts on their lives. Reagan, while in office, and Trum,p while on the presidential campaign trail before taking office in his second nonconsecutive term as our 47th President at 78 years old.”

Regardless of the risks, from the very beginning of our nation’s birth, prayer has been recognized and encouraged by many of our Presidents, including our very first President, George Washington, who carried a well-worn pocket-sized edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

Providence Forum executive director Dr. Jerry Newcombe describes how General Washington, during the Revolutionary War, felt the odds of winning were too great against us, so on July 4th, 1775—a year before independence—he sent the following order to his troops: “He requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.’" 

Some doubt God’s hand in America’s history and on America’s leaders. But Proverbs 21:1 reveals that, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that He channels toward all who please Him.”

As well, Proverbs 8:15 reassures us that God has a hand in who reigns and rules on earth: “By Me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just.” 

God receives glory for directing ways presidents have honored Him, such as the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, who initiated the National Day of Prayer as an annual observance in 1952, stating: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace… we stand in special need of Divine support.”

In April 1970, President Richard M. Nixon urged Americans to pray for the Apollo 13 astronauts who were in crisis. As well, after their safe return, he set aside Sunday, April 19, 1970, as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

President Ronald Reagan established the National Day of Prayer on May 5, 1988, to be commemorated each year on the first Thursday in May, saying: “Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer… We have acknowledged… our dependence on Almighty God.”

Following the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, our 43rd President, George W. Bush, declared Days of Prayer.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

We are honoring God when we honor His accomplishments achieved through the leaders He places into office as our presidents. By recognizing their godly accomplishments, we are expressing gratitude and glorifying God for His just decrees.

Further Reading:

Seeing God’s Hand in America’s Freedom

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, it&rsquo;s fitting to reflect on the biblical perspective of leadership. Daniel 2:21 reminds us that God &ldquo;changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.&rdquo; Every president, past and present, serves under God&rsquo;s sovereign hand. Recognizing their achievements, especially those guided by faith, is a way to honor God&rsquo;s provision for our nation.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life
<ul data-start="1700" data-end="2018">
<li data-start="1700" data-end="1791">
How can we honor God by recognizing the positive impact of leaders He places in office?
</li>
<li data-start="1792" data-end="1874">
In what ways can you personally pray for national leaders and their decisions?
</li>
<li data-start="1875" data-end="2018">
Reflect on moments in American history where prayer and faith intersected with leadership&mdash;how can this inspire your own spiritual practice?
</li>
</ul>
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Full Transcript Below:
Honoring Our Nation's Presidents
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.&rdquo;&nbsp; - Daniel 2:21
What does it take to be President of the United States of America? As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, we probably have a wide variety of thoughts and answers to this question.
Still, throughout history, many men of various backgrounds, political leanings, religious beliefs, and stature have served as the President of the United States.&nbsp;
Although we hold elections in the United States, we don&rsquo;t want to ignore what Daniel explains: that God has a hand in who comes into leadership in our nation and that we really are not the ones in control.
As we commemorate yet another President&rsquo;s Day, it&rsquo;s biblical to set time aside to honor the many men who have held the office, regardless of our political leanings.
Being the President of the United States of America takes bravery and fortitude, as it comes with serious caution and risks to both the sitting president&rsquo;s life and career. In <a href="https://americanminute.com/products/copy-of-prayers-presidents-inspiring-faith-from-leaders-of-the-past">Prayers</a> and Presidents, author and historian William J. Federer presents statistics on the danger that being President holds:
&ldquo;Not every United States President left the White House on his own accord, with some dying in office and others murdered while serving. Four Presidents left office due to assassination, with the most famous and well-known account being that of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and the 35th President, John F. Kennedy.
Along with them, lesser-recognized presidents were murdered while in office, including 20th President, James A. Garfield, and 25th President, William McKinley.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As well, 40th President Ronald Reagan and soon-to-be re-elected Donald J. Trump survived assassination attempts on their lives. Reagan, while in office, and Trum,p while on the presidential campaign trail before taking office in his second nonconsecutive term as our 47th President at 78 years old.&rdquo;
Regardless of the risks, from the very beginning of our nation&rsquo;s birth, prayer has been recognized and encouraged by many of our Presidents, including our very first President, George Washington, who carried a well-worn pocket-sized edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
<a href="https://providenceforum.org/">Providence Forum</a> executive director Dr. Jerry Newcombe describes how General Washington, during the Revolutionary War, felt the odds of winning were too great against us, so on July 4th, 1775&mdash;a year before independence&mdash;he sent the following order to his troops: &ldquo;He requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.&rsquo;"&nbsp;
Some doubt God&rsquo;s hand in America&rsquo;s history and on America&rsquo;s leaders. But Proverbs 21:1 reveals that, &ldquo;In the Lord&rsquo;s hand the king&rsquo;s heart is a stream of water that He channels toward all who please Him.&rdquo;
As well, Proverbs 8:15 reassures us that God has a hand in who reigns and rules on earth: &ldquo;By Me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just.&rdquo;&nbsp;
God receives glory for directing ways presidents have honored Him, such as the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, who initiated the National Day of Prayer as an annual observance in 1952, stating: &ldquo;In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace&hellip; we stand in special need of Divine support.&rdquo;
In April 1970, President Richard M. Nixon urged Americans to pray for the Apollo 13 astronauts who were in crisis. As well, after their safe return, he set aside Sunday, April 19, 1970, as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
President Ronald Reagan established the National Day of Prayer on May 5, 1988, to be commemorated each year on the first Thursday in May, saying:&nbsp;&ldquo;Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer&hellip; We have acknowledged&hellip; our dependence on Almighty God.&rdquo; Following the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, our 43rd President, George W. Bush, declared Days of Prayer.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
We are honoring God when we honor His accomplishments achieved through the leaders He places into office as our presidents. By recognizing their godly accomplishments, we are expressing gratitude and glorifying God for His just decrees.
Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/america/seeing-gods-hand-in-americas-freedom.html">Seeing God&rsquo;s Hand in America&rsquo;s Freedom</a>

Honoring Our Nation's Presidents

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