Is there a situation where you feel God doesn't care? Be patient during this time of affliction. Be faithful and bring God your prayers every day. Don't waste this time running away from him. Run toward him and see what God will do even amid great trials. 

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Be Faithful

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

After receiving a new medication from my doctor, she warned me of potential side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss were the most common side effects. The first couple of weeks, I did fine. The side effects were minimal, and I was able to tolerate them. 

But by month two, everything had changed. I quickly got to the point where I was sick every day and became afraid to leave my home. My stomach would change in an instant, and I could be in the middle of nowhere feeling incredibly nauseous and uncomfortable. This is far from the health I had hoped for. 

I prayed and asked God to take the side effects away. But they got worse rather than better. Week after week, I would pray fervently for God to hear my prayers. But nothing. Finally, my doctor took me off the medicine and gave me a month to reset before discussing a new brand of medication. 

While this seems small in the large scheme of life, this wasn't the first time I had experienced loss this past year. Sudden job changes, loss of relationships, and an unsteady income are all issues I was dealing with daily. 

Having a health challenge on top of it was the last thing I wanted to hear. It felt as if God didn't care and that he wanted me to suffer. After another day of unwanted side effects, I went to the grocery store to get some groceries. I entered my car and banged my head on the rearview mirror, causing a bump on my head. That sent me over the edge. 

I cried in my car in the grocery store parking lot for over an hour. I poured out my heart to God, asking him to help me since I couldn't take another thing. I'd been dealing with so much loss over the past year it wasn't easy to deal with yet another challenge. It felt as if no area of my life was going right. 

I felt compelled to continue praying and placing my hope in God. Eventually, the side effects did wear off after a change in medication, and I could enjoy the following weeks. But going through that season of turmoil felt endless. Yet, God wanted me to be patient in that affliction. He wanted me to go to him daily, giving him my days, minutes, and hours. 

In the same way, God wants us to bring our pain to him. He wants us to be patient when we are afflicted with many trials. He doesn't want us to give up hope. Instead, he wants to see us have hope during those trials. He wants us to persevere and trust that he has us in this season for a reason.

God doesn't waste our pain. He wants us to endure every trial with patience, perseverance, and hope. When we do this, we become more like Christ than ever before. It is easy to love God when things are going well. 

When things are not going well, and God feels absent or silent, we must trust him even when we can't see or feel him. He wants us to be faithful in praying to him and giving over our trials to him. When life feels endless, and we feel like there's no end to our trials, he wants us to pray to him, trusting that he will make way for our situation and turn it for his good. 

Is there a situation where you feel God doesn't care? Be patient during this time of affliction. Be faithful and bring God your prayers every day. Don't waste this time running away from him. Run toward him and see what God will do even amid great trials. 

Father, remind us that you are with us always. Please help us to be patient when we're afflicted with many trials. Help us to be faithful and give over our lives to you in prayer every day. Help us trust that you do everything for your good and that our pain is not wasted. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith and Life

What area of your life do you need to exercise patience during trial?

Further Reading

Romans 5:3-5 

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When we express the depths of our souls, unfiltered to God, we receive in return what we most need, the Lord Himself. He alone is our Provider, Sustainer, Protector, Healer, and ever-present help in times of trouble. The more we recognize all we have in Him, the more we’re able to say, “Father, it is well with my soul.”

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When God Upsets Us written 

by Jennifer Slattery. 

I will stand at my watch
    and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
    and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Habakkuk 2:1

Have you ever been in that place? Where you’ve launched your complaints, or maybe your questions, at God, and then stood, arms crossed, awaiting His reply? 

I’ve been in a funk lately, and while I’ve still been reading my Bible every morning, spending time quieting my soul with praise music, and engaging with God through interactive journaling, the other day I stiff-armed God. I sensed Him drawing my attention to a wound I didn’t want to think about, let alone feel, as God was inviting me to do. And so, I shut Him out, closed my journal, and walked away. 

This morning, I picked up my pen to journal, ruminating on a series of relational disappointments that, in many ways, led to my funk, and highlighted the wound God wanted to address. Internally I thought, “What do you have to say about all this, God?” And He met me in that place. Although He didn’t give me clarity on my immediate concerns, He pointed me to what I most needed in that moment—a reminder of His faithfulness and love. 

In Habakkuk’s case, the Lord responded to his “complaint”, which happened to center on the seemingly unrestrained violence and injustice all around him, by assuring him that justice would indeed come and wicked nations, like Babylon, would eventually fall. 

But that’s not what most strikes me about the interaction between God and Habakkuk. What most encourages me is that the prophet had the courage to lob a complaint at God in the first place—and that God not only allowed this, but responded to it. 

If you grew up in a critical, authoritarian home where “children were to be seen, not heard” and where you weren’t allowed to express your emotions, let alone your “complaints”, you might expect God to respond the same way. You might, therefore, hide some of your most intense inner wrestling and doubts beneath a forced hallelujah. But while we must always remember God is holy, perfect, and worthy of all praise—whether we understand or agree with His actions, the book of Habakkuk assures me we can also come to Him authentically, unfiltered. I’m certain He’d much rather we do that than allow our doubts and spiritual struggles to distance us from Him. 

Intersecting Life and Faith

Here's a beautiful truth I see in numerous places in the Bible, the section we’ve been discussing included. When we bring everything, including our inner gunk, our pain, anger, and disappointments, to God, He uses that to open a conversation that, ultimately, leads us to deeper faith and intimacy with Him. 

He brings us to a place where we can say, like Habakkuk did, 

“Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights (Hab. 3:17-19, NIV).

Here’s what I find significant in his response. Through his conversation with God, Habakkuk learned that life was going to become difficult for him and his countrymen. The land would become desolate. The Babylonians would conquer Judah, plunder their cities and homes, and exile its people. But the prophet reached a place of contentment, not in his circumstances but instead, in His sovereign, soul-fortifying God. 

Pause to reflect on the words in verse 19 for a moment. No matter how chaotic and out of control our circumstances seem, our God retains full control. He provides strength to the weary and beaten down, and enables us to walk as swiftly, as nimbly, as a deer that escapes a predator by darting up a steep and rocky mountainside. In other words, He might not remove the threat, or within the timeframe we hope. But when it comes, He will give us the strength to overcome and tread on the heights. 

To phrase it another way, when we express the depths of our souls, unfiltered to God, we receive in return what we most need, the Lord Himself. He alone is our Provider, Sustainer, Protector, Healer, and ever-present help in times of trouble. The more we recognize all we have in Him, the more we’re able to say, “Father, it is well with my soul.”

Additional Reading (biblical examples of wrestling with God):

Habakkuk 1-3

Genesis 32:22-32

Psalm 22

Genesis 18:16-33

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Have you been affected by a difficulty recently? If so, how can you look up and redirect your eyes on where your help comes from? How can you help others who are going through trials right now and share the love of Jesus?

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Look Up Toward The Mountains: Where Will My Help Come From?
Written By: Emma Danzey

Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

It was a normal Friday for the most part down the mountain in the foothills. We had a lot of rain and wind as to be expected when Hurricane Helene was coming through. After some gusty winds that gave whistles outside the windows, the storm passed. Little did I know, the true storm was just beginning up the mountains. Much of my small city lost power and large oak trees had fallen, but flooding was minimum. We began to hear reports and see pictures of the devastation in the mountains of North Carolina and surrounding areas. None of us were prepared for this, we did not see this coming. 

Days went by when we tried to get ahold of loved ones in the areas hit hard to see if they were even alive. Many did not have ways to reach family and friends without power and service. Water had to be boiled (and still does in many places) and that was if families still had a house to have access to water. Survival mode set in, churches, organizations, and military stepped in. I have heard constant helicopters and airplanes at the local airport taking supplies and rescuing people in more remote places. It has sounded like I live in a time of war. As the death toll raises and the stories come out of how the mountain towns appear more like a Tsunami went through, they are living in a war torn land against the floods that overtook them. People are all asking, “Where will my help come from?”  

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?”

This Psalm originally caused us to look at the beauty and the glory of the mountains. Mountains draw our eyes upwards and cause us to see how small we are in comparison. They remind us that God is bigger than our sin, our struggles, and the issues of this world. However, as I reflect on this Psalm, I lift my eyes toward the mountains that have been devastated by a hurricane, I am reminded that in the glory and greatness and in the suffering and trials, we can be reminded where our help comes from. We are also invited to ask where it comes from. 

The point is that we are looking to God. We engage with Him and question what He is doing in the disaster and the pain. We hold on to Him knowing that He has never let us go, even when everything around us appears to be crumbling. We cry out to Him in authenticity, but we keep our gaze on Jesus in the storm.

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”

The answer comes to us, that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. When we face unthinkable circumstances, when we feel small in life, or when we just want to understand Christ’s glory more, we remember to look up, that our help comes from Him always. He is the Maker of all things good. Heaven and earth are in His hands. When we are crying out to Him or feel overwhelmed at how great the need, but how little we can help, may we look to Him for help. When we forget to look up and want to look to anyone or anything else for help, may the Holy Spirit redirect our wayward hearts to look up to the mountains and to our Maker. 

He offers perfect help. Not always in the ways that we would hope or imagine best, but He is trustworthy and has proven that He is and was and is to come. He is unchanging. He is Alpha and Omega. He is sovereign over all. He can work these hard things for good for those who love Him. He can take the gospel up the mountains to provide for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of communities. He can work even in the most seemingly broken places. Where does our help come from? It comes from our Lord.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Have you been affected by a difficulty recently? If so, how can you look up and redirect your eyes on where your help comes from? How can you help others who are going through trials right now and share the love of Jesus?

Further Reading:

• Psalm 54:4
• Isaiah 41:10
• Romans 8:28

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Look around. Ask God what work he has for you today as part of his holy priesthood, and thank him for choosing you to be part of the most important team in history. 

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Full Transcript Below:

Making the Cut 

by Deidre Braley 

1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

At 6:00 PM we all poured out of our respective cars, running across the parking lot to meet at the agreed-upon door. There was a hint of smoke in the air, and the sweet decay of maples and oaks had already begun. I remember the way the cold air clung to my wet clothes—still damp from tryouts—as I ran too, with my eyes fixed on that door, that white piece of paper, that list that would determine whether I’d been chosen, whether I’d stood out, whether I would get to be part of something that meant something. 

Girls who had gotten there first began to high five and congratulate each other. There was cheering and jostling and I tried to weave through them, knowing that if I could just get close enough I’d see my name in bold letters and I, too, would join my teammates in the celebration. People began to walk away, sweaty and relieved and laughing. I stayed in front of the door. The names were alphabetical—I knew I should see mine with the ‘Ds’—but it wasn’t there. 

I hadn’t made the cut. 

Is there anything more painful than not being chosen? Than wanting to belong—and being told no? Even now, as a fully grown adult, I can still remember every time I was left standing against the fence when the captains picked the teams, every time I stood outside a circle of girls whispering together at recess, and every time I longed for someone to see something special in me, but they didn’t. 

These moments tend to become a part of us, to become strands in the fabric of our worldviews. When we experience rejection in our lives now, perhaps it hurts all the more because it brings us back to the day on the school bus when the popular kids talked about a party over the weekend—one we’d known nothing about. We remember thinking we’d see our name on that list after varsity soccer tryouts, and standing alone trying-hoping-wishing those bold letters would materialize, would prove we were worthy. We feel the painfully sharp spear of all the times that—in somebody’s eyes—we were not enough. 

But there is evidence throughout the Bible that, despite all the rejections we may have experienced in our lives, we are chosen by God. I want to point out that this isn’t a half-hearted consolation prize (like when your sweet, well-meaning mom says, Well, I think you’re special). No, it’s a call to step onto the most important team doing the most important work with the most

important Leader in the world: bringing glory to God, reveling in his love, and pouring light into every dark corner we find here. 

1 Peter says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (2:9). Now, it can be difficult to accept words like chosen, royal, holy, or special as descriptors for ourselves when we’ve felt anything-but in our experiences with other people, but God isn’t a person, and as he reminds us in Isaiah, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (55:9). 

And God’s way is to give willing, humble, and obedient people responsibility in his Kingdom—not to mention delightful intimacy with him. When we throw up our hands and say, “Pick me!” or, “Put me in, Coach!” his qualifier is not whether we are wearing popular clothes or can handle a ball well or even (heaven forbid) we were born on the right side of town. 

It’s the posture of our hearts. 

1 Peter reminds us that the living Stone—that is, Jesus—was also rejected by humans. But he was chosen and special in God’s eyes, and his impact on this world has been the greatest we’ve ever seen. We are also called living stones here—ones that are being put together to build a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, set apart and chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4-5). 

Intersecting Faith & Life 

If you are experiencing that painful feeling of not being chosen today—you’ve been passed over for a promotion, you interacted with someone who treated you poorly, or you feel exhausted from waiting for God to use you in what feels like a ‘big’ way—remember that you’ve already been enlisted. Look around. Ask God what work he has for you today as part of his holy priesthood, and thank him for choosing you to be part of the most important team in history. 

Further Reading 

• 1 Peter 2
• Exodus 19: 1-6

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We don’t need to be consumed by fear when we can ask God to fill us with courage. When we feel afraid or uncertain, we can turn to Jesus, who reassures us: “It is I. Don't be afraid.” . 

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God is Greater than Ghosts

By: Whitney Hopler, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer 

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” – Matthew 14:25-27, NIV

In October, the days grow shorter, the nights longer, and the world around us pays attention to spiritual mysteries. During the Halloween season, many of us may find ourselves intrigued by ghost stories and other paranormal tales. People have told ghost stories throughout history, across many cultures. Ghosts spark our curiosity and entertain our imagination. As we approach Halloween, our society amplifies this fascination with a strong focus on ghosts and other scary mysteries. While these stories can be fascinating, they also stir up fear. 

The Bible describes how Jesus’ disciples thought they saw a ghost walking on water. It looked like something inexplicable and terrifying. Their fear was understandable, given the extraordinary nature of the event and the darkness of the night. When they saw the mysterious figure walking on the water, their first reaction was to be afraid. But it turned out to be not bad news, but good news. It was their Savior, Jesus, who immediately reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” When Jesus spoke to them, he cleared up the mystery and encouraged them to choose courage over fear. 

This passage reminds us that when we face the unknown, our first instinct might be fear, but God calls us to focus on him instead. The world may be full of mysteries, but God makes himself known through mysteries. God is our loving Heavenly Father, our anchor in the storm, and the one who holds the answers to all our questions about life, death, and eternity. 

As we move through the Halloween season, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of ghost stories and the thrill of the unknown. But let’s not forget that our curiosity about the afterlife and other scary mysteries can be better directed toward God, the Creator of all things seen and unseen. While ghost stories may capture our imagination, they can’t offer the peace, security, and truth that God provides.

So, rather than allowing fear to take hold of us, we can ask God to fill us with his courage and presence. When we feel afraid or uncertain, we can turn to Jesus, who reassures us just as he did the disciples, saying, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  When faced with the unknown, our first instinct might be fear, but God calls us to trust in him. The world may be filled with mysteries, but God is our constantly reliable Heavenly Father, our source of strength, and the one who holds the answers to all our questions. 

So, let's remember that we can direct our curiosity about ghosts and other scary mysteries toward God, the Creator of all things. God will tell us the truth about the mysteries we encounter. While ghost stories may entertain us, our primary focus should be on God, not ghosts. The One who walked on water, who conquered death, and who promises to be with us always is far more powerful and important than any ghost story. This October, let’s allow our fascination with ghosts to draw us closer to God, who holds the keys to eternity and who promises to guide us through every fear with his perfect love. The thrill of discovering God’s wondrous work in our lives is much stronger than any excitement we can get from scary mysteries. 

We don’t need to be consumed by fear when we can ask God to fill us with courage. When we feel afraid or uncertain, we can turn to Jesus, who reassures us: “It is I. Don't be afraid.” 

Intersecting Faith and Life 

As you consider the importance of overcoming fear when you face the unknown, reflect on these questions: 

• What fears of the unknown are you currently facing that you need to surrender to God?
• In what ways can you focus more on God’s presence and promises rather than on the fear of the unknown?
• How can you use this Halloween season as an opportunity to draw closer to God and share God’s peace with others?
• What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s power when fear tries to creep in? 

Further Reading 

John 14:27

Isaiah 41:10

2 Timothy 1:7

Psalm 23:4

Philippians 4:6-7

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With all the bills, relationships, and commitments here on Earth, we can naturally find ourselves distracted from what matters most. When that happens, we may find ourselves preoccupied with the world and forgetful of God. The solution is not to fill our heads with worldly things but instead, focus on the things above.

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In the World but Not of the World

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

Bible Reading

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

What The World Says

Some people belittle the Christian faith by dumbing it down to a list of dos and don’ts. They find religion to be too restrictive and punitive. Funny how the world launches such a criticism of the faith when the world itself has a list of dos and don’ts. 

Do be diverse, equitable, body-positive, and sex-positive. Don’t be against abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism.

If you aren’t strong in your convictions, then being name-called or challenged by the world in any way will more than likely be intimidating. You’ll be left with a fear of cancellation, being ostracized, or something worse.

The truth is, much like our flesh is at war with the spirit, our faith is constantly at war with the world. That’s why in Scripture, we see time and time again how there is a contrast between God’s people and the surrounding cultures. God has called us to live in a certain way, and the world feels enmity toward that ideal. That’s always been true. And as always, the temptation we face as believers is neglecting what God wants and instead opting to fit in with the world.

That’s normal. We’re sinful by nature and likewise, we each desire to be a part of a community. Sometimes, fellowship with the world just looks more appealing.

However, we can’t call ourselves Christian and still live like those around us. We can’t choose to follow God only when convenient, in those moments when the world isn’t watching. Not if we’re a believer, because being a Christian means something specific.

But how exactly do we ensure that we ascribe to God and not the world? How can we be in the world, but not of the world?

To answer that, we turn to Scripture.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Within Scripture, we find a multitude of ways to separate ourselves from the surrounding culture, but here are three we can implement in our lives today.

Find the Right People

The Bible talks about being unequally yoked, a principle we often apply to marriage, but one that relates to all of our relationships. When we decide to follow Christ, we are explicitly agreeing to become like Him. That applies to the way we talk, dress, act, and think. Certain people will not appreciate this growth and will want us to be more like them, less like Christ.

This isn’t the right kind of company to keep. Ultimately, believers should not try to fit in with the culture, not if it calls for us to forfeit our values. Instead, choose to find a godly community that will not ask you to give up what’s good, but rather the things holding you back from God.

Focus on Heaven

With all the bills, relationships, and commitments here on Earth, we can naturally find ourselves distracted from what matters most. When that happens, we may find ourselves preoccupied with the world and forgetful of God. The solution is not to fill our heads with worldly things but instead, focus on the things above.

Know Your Worth

Another reason we find ourselves gravitating towards the world’s approval is that we falsely believe our worth comes from people. We tell ourselves that if we get married, then we’re worthy; if we have a ton of friends, then we’re worthy, and on and on. None of that is true. Our worth comes from God, and our worth has existed since He first created us. All of the relationships we have on this Earth will one day end, whether through conflict or death. The things we do for people and what they do for us will one day cease. What will never end is God’s love for His children.

Remember that the next time you think the world has your best interest at heart.

Further Reading:

• Romans 12:2
• John 15:19
• Deuteronomy 22:10
• Psalm 27:10

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Next time you are surrounded by believers of various ages, take a moment to soak in the wisdom of those who have walked with Jesus longer and the zeal of those who are just now beginning their journeys with the Lord. Remember that He is forever and His glory and kingdom know no end. 

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The God of Every Generation
Written By: Emma Danzey

Ephesians 3:21 says, “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

I recently heard a pastor share that people often question if the Bible has been held together for generations. His response was, “If the Living God raised Himself from the dead, I believe He can keep a book together throughout the generations.” I laughed, it is so true. If God is who He says that He is and He reigns over all of the universe. He is more than capable to keep His Word together and use it in the lives of every generation. Today we are going to take a moment to celebrate His faithfulness and gospel that is still going into the world today.

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus”

Ultimately our lives are about the glory of Jesus. The church is truly just the people of God. We gather, serve, and love in His name to point to Him and celebrate the salvation that He brings to us. His glory is revealed in Christ Jesus. He is the Savior of the world. He is the only One worthy of our worship. There are no other gods but Him. Today and every day, it is good for us to pause and remember who our Savior is and always will be forever. In the most unstable and insecure times, we can be rooted and grounded in our confidence in Christ.

“Throughout all generations”

God is receiving glory throughout every generation. I don’t know if you have ever been tempted to believe something like: “The next generation is in trouble, I hope they don’t ruin God’s plan.” It can be easy to point out the sins and flaws in those younger who are coming next, however the truth is that the gospel is still moving and working in the lives of all people of all ages right now. Even in the most seemingly hopeless generations, Jesus gets His message out. We are invited to share the gospel with others, this includes those who came before us and those after us. Whether we believe those older will not listen or those younger will rebel, we are called to live by the Spirit and share the gospel regardless of our bias or doubts. 

If you have young children, pray over them. If you have young people in your life, do not neglect sharing the gospel with them. The next generation needs to hear the truth of freedom in Jesus. Have you ever watched a relay race and a field day or a track and field event? The teammates each run a leg of the race, passing on the torch to the next runner. Someone is the final runner across the finish line, but it is team sport and a team victory. It is our role to run this race where God has intentionally placed us in His timeline. We are called to pass on the gospel to the next generation, not knowing when Jesus is returning and the final generation finishes the race for our victory as a whole in Christ. 

“For ever and ever! Amen.”

The kingdom of God has no end. His glory and His salvation is available to every generation. We can celebrate that He has welcomed so many before us and is still welcoming new family members today. You may not have a name that is known in history or ever accomplished anything in a spotlight yourself, however many of the ways that we glorify God are done in secret and in the mundane. Did you read the Bible as a family? Have you prayed with your child today? Did you care for an elderly and lonely widow? Did you give generously to the poor? 

It is great to remember to look back on our lives or on the lives of others who came before us. We can see that handiwork of Christ always.

Next time you are surrounded by believers of various ages, take a moment to soak in the wisdom of those who have walked with Jesus longer and the zeal of those who are just now beginning their journeys with the Lord. Remember that He is forever and His glory and kingdom know no end. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:

How are you giving glory to God in your current season of life? How are you making Jesus known to this generation? 

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 42:8
• Romans 11:36
• Philippians 2:11

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How do you display your faith?  What are the practical ways that you shine Jesus’ love in the world? Does the presence of Jesus inform the words you say, or how you treat the people around you? Is Jesus so important to you, that you will even change how you drive?  That may sound ridiculous, but these are the places where displaying our faith matters: this is what the intersection of faith and life is all about.

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Full Transcript Below:

Displaying our Faith

“Someone will say, ‘You have faith, I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:18)

Let me tell you a story. One Christmas my wife gave me a license plate surround.  You know the kind. It’s a plastic cover that fits over your license plate. They usually have stickers or phrases on it. It’s a way to personalize your license plate without having a vanity plate. Well, I opened this present and found a license plate surround containing big white letters that read: “CLERGY”, A cross was on either side.  And I must admit, my first thought was “oh dear.” See, now, I can’t drive like a maniac. I can’t yell at people, blast my horn, or shake my fist whenever someone cuts me off. I can’t weave in and out of traffic or rush through yellow lights. Now, I am no longer an anonymous driver on the road. Now, everyone knows that I am a priest – and they will judge my driving based upon what they read on my license plate. 

So, I sat there for a second, holding this present, wondering if I really wanted to have this gift. Did I really want to put this on my car and make my faith so public?

That’s the point, isn’t it?  People should know that we follow Jesus. The presence of Jesus, our reliance upon his Spirit, our expressions of his love and care, these things should be visible in our lives. Which is why the exhortation from James is so important for us. 

The Book of James challenges us to think about how our connection with Jesus is lived out in our lives.  James writes, what good is it brothers and siters if someone claims to have faith but no deeds?  In other words, what good is it if our relationship with Jesus is just a matter of religious phrases we say in special services? Can such a faith save us?  Show me faith, James says; display your faith by how you live. 

We sometimes make an unfair distinction between faith and works. We are quick to quote Paul’s words in Ephesians 2 “We are saved by grace through faith, so that no-one can boast.” Paul seems to suggest that our deeds do not matter. We are saved by grace alone, as a gift from Jesus. So, to focus on righteous deeds (we think) is nothing but work-based righteousness. James, on the other hand, is perceived to be saying that it doesn’t matter what you believe, it is only our deeds that count towards salvation. If we are kind and generous, polite and affable, we can be spiritually confident. And so, we pit the words of Paul against the words of James.

Both readings, when understood in such stark contrast, betray the truth of scripture. Paul and James must go together. Even for Paul, a faith that is not lived out is a faith that fails to be alive or transformative. This is why his letters are filled with a myriad of practical instructions for believers. On the other side, James’ whole point is that it is our faith in Jesus that is lived out in practical ways. James says, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” For James, it’s not some generic politeness that is lived out, it is the one’s relationship with our Lord. There simply must be a connection between our faith, and our life.

Intersecting Faith and Life.

Faith can’t just be something we say. It’s not enough to rest upon private thoughts and prayers in the comfort of our prayer closets. My old youth group leader used to always ask “if being a Christian was illegal is there enough evidence to convict you?” The love of Jesus, received in faith, is to transform our lives. We live it out, not to prove our love, or earn the Lord’s favor, but as a natural byproduct of a life-giving connection with Jesus. 

Of course, we are never going to be perfect at this. There’s going to be hiccups along the way. If we read the book of James as advocating for some sort of perfect execution of moral or spiritual life, then all we are going to do is heap condemnation upon ourselves. None of us are perfect, and none of us will live out our faith perfectly every single moment of our lives. But the moments when we don’t live our faith perfectly never discount the heartfelt desire to do so. What is more, James reminds us that in the times of failure or flaw, we can rest in the promise that God’s mercy will always have the final word.

How do you display your faith?  What are the practical ways that you shine Jesus’ love in the world? Does the presence of Jesus inform the words you say, or how you treat the people around you? Is Jesus so important to you, that you will even change how you drive?  That may sound ridiculous, but these are the places where displaying our faith matters: this is what the intersection of faith and life is all about.

For further reading:

James 2

“4 Simple and Authentic Ways to Share your Faith Today” on crosswalk.com

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Do you tend to be seasoned with grace and salt in your words with others or do you need help in this area? How can you be prayerful and Spirit-led in your discussions with unbelievers? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with peace as you share the love of Jesus with those who do not know Him. 

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Full Transcript Below:

Focus on God, Not on Fear

By: Whitney Hopler

“The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1, NIV 

Every October, elaborate Halloween decorations begin popping up in my neighborhood. Some of them are whimsical, but a lot of them are designed to look as scary as possible. One yard features a goblin that zips down from a tree to surprise people as they walk by on a sidewalk. One house has a battery-operated witch on the porch, constantly babbling threats in a creepy voice. Then there’s the place that features a gigantic skeleton towering over a house and glaring with red lights in its eyes at people passing by. It amazes me that so many people spend so much money on those decorations, and so much time setting them up, simply to scare people. 

Our world often glorifies fear during October. From haunted house decorations to scary movies, people celebrate fear in all its forms as Halloween approaches. It can seem entertaining to seek out experiences that make us feel afraid. But all the spooky darkness around us in this fallen world isn’t worth our attention. As believers, our focus should not be on fear but on God. God’s light is much more powerful than any darkness we encounter. 

The world may try to draw us into a mindset of fear, but Psalm 27:1 offers a powerful reminder that we don’t need to fear anything or anyone, because God is our stronghold. King David, who wrote those words while inspired by the Holy Spirit, was no stranger to scary situations. He faced real dangers from enemies who sought to harm him, yet his response was not to dwell on those fears but to declare his confidence in God’s protection. David declared: “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?” This declaration is a call to shift our focus from the things that frighten us to the One who is greater than all our fears. 

During October, when our fallen world encourages us to be entertained by fear, we have the opportunity to choose a different path. Instead of allowing fear to take root in our hearts, we can focus on the truth that God is our stronghold. That means we can trust our all-powerful God to give us strength in all situations and to protect us from all that scares us – including the evil that surrounds us. The darkness that casts scary shadows of doubt and worry around us can’t overpower the light of God’s presence in our lives. 

Fear is a powerful emotion, but it’s not stronger than the power of God. When we allow fear to dominate our thoughts, it can paralyze us and keep us from living the thriving lives God wants us to live. However, when we focus on God, we remember that God is in control, that God is with us, and that God is for us. No matter what circumstances we face, we can be confident in the assurance the Bible gives us in Psalm 27:1. God is our light, guiding us through even the darkest circumstances. God is our salvation, delivering us from all that threatens to harm us. 

During October – and every day of the year – consider how you can shift your focus away from fear and toward God. Instead of getting caught up in the culture of fear, spend time with God in prayer and meditation regularly. The more time you spend with God, the more God will dispel any fear that tries to take hold of your heart. Remember, the Lord is your light and your salvation, so you never need to be afraid! 

Intersecting Faith and Life 

As you consider the importance of focusing on God rather than on fear when you feel afraid, reflect on these questions: 

• What fears have been weighing on your heart lately? How can you bring them before God in prayer?
• How does remembering God’s faithfulness in the past help you trust God in the present?
• In what practical ways can you shift your focus from fear to God throughout your day?
• How does meditating on God’s Word help you fight fear?
• What does it mean to you personally that God is your “light” and your “salvation”?

Further Reading

Isaiah 41:10

2 Timothy 1:7

Philippians 4:6-7

John 14:27

Romans 8:38-39

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Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to develop love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In all of these attributes, we see God and His love. By developing each of these fruits, we will be able to reflect the Lord’s love to the world. No longer will we struggle with these spiritual fruits. Instead, through our actions, others will see the Lord and be more interested in learning about Him.

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Crosswalk Devotionals: Developing the Fruits of the Spirit by Vivian Bricker

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

When I first learned about the fruits of the Spirit, I was overwhelmed. Each of the fruits of the Spirit felt like a mountain to climb. While I reasoned I already had developed one or two, I actually didn’t have any. Thankfully at the time, I was in Bible college and I learned that the Holy Spirit is the One who develops the spiritual fruits in our lives. In other words, there is nothing we can do to develop these fruits by ourselves. Spiritual fruits are only developed by the work of the Spirit in our lives.

However, this does not mean we are called to sit idle and do nothing. In addition to praying for the Holy Spirit to help us develop these spiritual fruits, we also need to apply what the Bible says into our lives and try our best to walk in accordance with the Lord. All of this is easier said than done, but ultimately, relying on the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work through our lives is the best way to go. 

Upon looking at the spiritual fruits, we are going to have to take it day-by-day. Let’s focus on one at a time and take things slowly. The fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When selecting a spiritual fruit, we need to look over which ones we are lacking the most in our lives. For example, if we are finding ourselves short on patience, we need to work on the spiritual fruit of forbearance. 

Once we have identified the spiritual fruit we need the most right now, we need to go to the Holy Spirit in prayer. By asking Him to help us develop this spiritual fruit, it will acknowledge our dependence on Him. We might notice there will be more opportunities to develop forbearance, such as getting stopped at a traffic light or waiting a long time in a line at the grocery store. These small acts could be placed there by the Holy Spirit in order to help us start developing forbearance.

Therefore, think about which spiritual fruit you need right now. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop this fruit and acknowledge your dependence on Him. He will be able to help you develop this fruit and maintain it. Maintenance of spiritual fruits is something that is often overlooked. It is not a one time thing but rather, a continuing process.

Even though we might have developed a spiritual fruit, it does not mean it will stay. Spiritual fruits can fade away if we don’t maintain them. This means we have to continue to cultivate the spiritual fruits in our lives even after we think we have achieved them. Once again, it is important to remember that spiritual fruits are only accomplished by the Holy Spirit. It is His Work in our lives—not our own. Rather than trying to take the credit ourselves, we need to give all praise and thanks to Him.

The Fruits of the Spirit

The Apostle Paul tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruits of the Spirit. There is no law against these things as they are each holy and honorable. God wants us to cultivate each of these fruits in our lives and continue to maintain them.

As we are focusing on the spiritual fruits, we need to be open to the Spirit’s leading. He might lead us to a specific spiritual fruit or place in a situation where we will be challenged to develop a spiritual fruit. It can be difficult to develop the fruits of the Spirit, but we must remember that the Holy Spirit is the One working through us. We need to allow this information to give us comfort and hope. It can also give us peace because all the weight does not fall on us. 

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to develop love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In all of these attributes, we see God and His love. By developing each of these fruits, we will be able to reflect the Lord’s love to the world. No longer will we struggle with these spiritual fruits. Instead, through our actions, others will see the Lord and be more interested in learning about Him.

Challenge Questions:

• Which spiritual fruit do you need to develop? How might you depend on the Holy Spirit today to help you develop this fruit?
• Which fruit do you think will be the hardest to cultivate? Why? 
• What do you think your life will look like after you start developing the fruits of the Spirit?

“Dear Holy Spirit, please help me to develop each of the spiritual fruits. I cannot develop any of these fruits without Your help. I acknowledge my dependence on You and I humbly ask for Your help today. I trust that You will help me develop each spiritual fruit. I praise You and I thank You, Amen.”

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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by trying to meet everyone’s needs? Take some time today and pray that the Lord will give you strength and encouragement as you joyfully serve Him and His people.

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
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Full Transcript Below:

Serving Joyfully

By: Laura Bailey 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,”  Matthew 11:28 NIV

"Do you ever feel weary, like you are trying to solve the world’s problems, and it’s just too much?” I inquired of my friend over coffee one morning.  Smiling, she replied, “Sometimes, but I am sure you do because you feel everyone’s problem is yours.”   

Earlier that month, I shared my ministry frustrations with my husband. I felt particularly disappointed after an event I helped host at the church, which, in my opinion, had flopped. Taking it personally, I shamefully informed the Lord, “I am exhausted from this, so it is someone else’s turn to step up to the plate because I am taking a break.”

Little did I know that the next week, within days of each other, we would learn that two close friends of ours passed away.  To say that this sad news rocked my world was an understatement. I couldn’t help but wonder if I could have done more for them. I was reminded of the verse in  Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  I prayed, “Lord, I am burdened and weary and do not see a time when I can rest.  Please show me how I can rest in You and do Your work.”   

I didn’t need a break from ministry and serving others; I needed a perspective shift.

 Instead of seeing ministering as helpful or loving obedience to God, It was just another task on my spiritual to-do list.  I wanted to give up on people after there was no evidence of changes in their behavior or lifestyle, and this is precisely what our greatest enemy wants us to do and believe: that our actions for God are meaningless and useless.  

Satan wants us to give up, to cease fighting for souls around us, and especially to stop encouraging other Believers in Christ.  Jesus called Satan the father of lies, one who seeks to devour us, to tear us down in mind, heart, and spirit, crippling all efforts to bring God glory.  

 True, we may never witness the lasting impressions a kind word, a note, or a meal leaves on people -- the smile directed to a woman in the grocery store who is in an abusive relationship, the money sent to a nearby family who struggles to pay bills or the hug given to a grieving parent.   In a world of instant gratification, we want to know right then and there that our actions have meaning and produce results.   I, indeed, am guilty of this.

  One of the friends referenced above was a firm Believer, and I always knew what a blessing she was to others, but in days and weeks after her death, the stories of her never-ending compassion and love for others poured out.  On the surface, her acts of kindness appear to be small and simple; she probably had no idea of their effect, but no doubt, they had a vast, eternal impact on the lives she touched.  I remember distinctly the day she asked me to pray about her fostering a child.  Astonished, I exclaimed, “Are you crazy? Why would you, a young, single, small business owner with many things going on, want to take on that?”  She just smiled, “Because there is a child out there who needs my help, and I feel God calling me to do more.” 

 This sister in Christ was not living for herself or man’s approval but for God.  She put others first and her comfort second, a true testimony of Christ in her life. When I want to settle back to give someone else a go because I’m tired or discouraged, I will think about Christ’s love for me and my sorely missed friend, who, though weak and weary, faithfully lived this command.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by trying to meet everyone’s needs? Take some time today and pray that the Lord will give you strength and encouragement as you joyfully serve Him and His people.

For Further Reading:

Finding Joy in Thankless Work

Colossians 3:23-24

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