The Light

Esther 2:8-20 / May 12-14, 2026 Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the queenlike qualities Esther displayed during her remarkable journey (Esther 2:8–20). From the Series: Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity read more

This devotional challenges Christians to move beyond treating faith as just one part of life and instead recognize Christ as life itself. Rooted in Colossians 3 and Psalm 73, it encourages readers to anchor their identity, direction, and contentment in Jesus alone. When disappointment, loneliness, or confusion arise, believers are reminded that God is the one constant who never fails and whose presence brings lasting joy and strength. Highlights Peter’s response to Jesus reveals complete dependence on Christ alone. Disappointment often exposes misplaced priorities and false sources of security. Faith is meant to shape every part of life, not remain compartmentalized. Colossians 3 calls believers to focus on eternal priorities and values. Jesus is not simply part of life—He is our life. God is the only one who will never ultimately disappoint us. Lasting peace, purpose, and joy are found in Christ’s presence. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You Have Nowhere Else to Go By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to leave also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life’” (John 6:67-68 NASB).  After Jesus had said some difficult words for His followers to understand, many of them got up and left. Some probably realized He wasn’t the conquering Messiah-king they had hoped for. Others perhaps got frustrated with not being able to understand Jesus’ words. After many of them left, Jesus asked His remaining twelve disciples if they, too, wanted to leave. That’s when Peter spoke up and boldly proclaimed, “To whom shall we go?” In other words, “We have nowhere else to go.”   Have you ever felt like that?  I remember the day I felt I had nowhere else to go but to Him. My parents had just split up, and there was no security in my home, in my plans, or in my heart. Today, I look back on that day as the moment in which I took ownership of my faith. The moment in which my bond with Him was sealed, and I realized I had nowhere else to go but to Him.  When we grow up learning about Jesus from the time we’re young, or if we’ve walked with Him a while, we can get complacent and put our lives in cruise control and fail to acknowledge His presence, direction, wisdom, guidance, and love every moment of our day. Faith becomes a compartment that is added to the many elements of our life, instead of becoming our whole life. That’s when disappointment can rock us.  The apostle Paul ope

Esther 2:8-20 / May 12-14, 2026 Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the queenlike qualities Esther displayed during her remarkable journey (Esther 2:8–20). From the Series: Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity read more

Esther 2:8-20 / May 12-14, 2026 Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the queenlike qualities Esther displayed during her remarkable journey (Esther 2:8–20). From the Series: Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity read more

Ephesians 3:12 reminds believers that through Jesus Christ, we have direct and confident access to God’s presence. This devotional by Whitney Hopler highlights the incredible truth that prayer is not reserved for the spiritually elite or those who “have it all together.” Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, every Christian has VIP access to God anytime, anywhere. Highlights Ephesians 3:12 teaches that believers can approach God boldly through faith in Christ. God’s presence is always available because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Prayer is based on God’s grace, not personal performance or perfection. God invites believers to come honestly with fears, doubts, frustrations, and gratitude. Christians are not distant from God—they are His beloved children. Seeing God as a loving Father changes the way we pray and relate to Him. God listens attentively and desires authentic relationship with His people. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: You Have VIP Access to GodBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” – Ephesians 3:12, NLT  When I was a newspaper reporter, my press credentials usually got me access to people at events that the general public couldn’t access. I often found myself in the “VIP section” of whatever event I was covering, so I could talk to the leaders freely. I felt confident that I didn’t have to worry about how I’d contact the people I needed to talk to for each story I wrote. Many times, people wanted to talk with me so much that they pursued me and made themselves available for conversations whenever it worked best for me during the events, despite all of their other responsibilities there. So, I certainly felt like a “very important person” in the VIP sections there.  It’s even more incredible that my Creator – God – gives me VIP access to talk with him anytime and anywhere. God does the same for you!  God is the ultimate leader. No one has more responsibilities than God, or is busier than God is. But God is willing to pursue us and make himself available for us to talk with whenever and wherever we are. Of course, God isn’t motivated by wanting publicity. God’s motivation is simply that he loves us so much that he wants to communicate with us often.  Ephesians 3:12 tells you that because of Christ and your fait

If there is a distinction between grace and mercy—it is that God’s mercy speaks of his goodness to us in our misery and distress when we cannot save ourselves, while his grace speaks of his goodness to us in our guilt when we deserve only his punishment. In mercy God spares us destruction—and in grace he forgives us and makes his children, lavishing his kindness upon us.

Esther 1:1-2:7 / May 7-11, 2026 Pastor Chuck Swindoll invites you to see how God works in life’s ordinary and unexpected moments, accomplishing His purposes even when His presence seems hidden from view. From the Series: Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity read more

Send us Fan MailCan public school students really learn the Bible during the school day?In this episode, Patricia Holbrook interviews Nate Lundquist about the documentary Off School Property and the impactful work of LifeWise Academy.LifeWise Academy is helping students receive Bible education during school hours through a legal framework known as “released time instruction.” With parental permission, students step off campus to engage with Scripture in a structured, meaningful way—and the results are changing lives.This conversation highlights not just the need for biblical influence in the next generation, but a real, working model that is already making a difference.You’ll hear about: • How the program works and why it is legally permitted • Stories of transformation as students engage with God’s Word • The role of parents and churches in supporting this movement • Why this matters now more than ever Read the full blog post + reflection:  [INSERT BLOG LINK] Stream the documentary Off School Property:  https://lifewise.org/offschoolproperty/️ Watch the interview:  YouTube: https://youtu.be/b92blgdpfm4 Follow the show and leave a review to help others discover these conversations.Support the showClick on the link above to support us and help keep this show going!Click on the links to connect with Patricia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube 

Honoring mothers is deeply connected to honoring God’s design, care, and provision for our lives. In 1 Timothy 2:15, Scripture highlights the sacred role of motherhood and reminds us that God values faith, love, holiness, and perseverance within it. In a culture that often minimizes motherhood or focuses only on parental imperfections, this devotional calls believers back to a biblical perspective of gratitude, forgiveness, and honor. Highlights God commands us to honor our fathers and mothers as an act of obedience. Motherhood is a sacred calling established by God. Many mothers carry hidden struggles while doing their best to raise their children. Honoring mothers reflects our reverence and obedience toward God. Forgiveness may be necessary in strained mother-child relationships. Scripture emphasizes faith, love, holiness, and perseverance in motherhood. Choosing honor over resentment brings healing and glorifies God. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Honoring God by Honoring Our Mothers By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” - 1Timothy 2:15 It seems like these days many women are resisting the call to motherhood and forgoing having children. At the same time, bitterness towards mothers is also on the rise, with too many adult children resenting their mothers’ noble yet imperfect attempts at mothering, looking at their flaws and weaknesses more than their strengths and sacrifices. But even if the world turns its back on mothers and motherhood, believers in Jesus Christ are called to embrace motherhood and honor their mothers, respecting God’s design and plan for motherhood, and the place of honor He has given them on earth.  God cares about how we treat, speak to, and speak about our mothers and mothers-in-law. It matters to Him because, as His family, it reflects on Him how we treat and speak about them. As the Apostle Paul explained in Ephesians 6:2-3, “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” So grave was it under Old Testament law to dishonor one’s mother and father that it brought deathly punishment. “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death” (Exodus 21:17

Learn the seven things that are required of us when we sit before the Lord.Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/generalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esther 1:1-2:7 / May 7-11, 2026 Pastor Chuck Swindoll invites you to see how God works in life’s ordinary and unexpected moments, accomplishing His purposes even when His presence seems hidden from view. From the Series: Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity read more

Overcoming anxiety and finding peace starts with training your thoughts through faith, truth, and intentional habits. Psalm 16:7 reveals how God counsels and steadies our hearts—even in the quiet, vulnerable moments of the night when worry tends to rise. This devotional connects faith with the practical reality of how our minds work. Left unchecked, our thoughts often drift toward fear and negativity, especially in overwhelming seasons. But peace isn’t out of reach—it’s cultivated. Through consistent practices like prayer, Scripture, and renewing our thinking, God begins reshaping our inner world. While transformation may feel slow, it’s deeply powerful. As we learn to focus on God’s voice over our fears, we begin building new patterns of peace that steady us in every season. Highlights Our minds naturally drift toward worry without intentional focus Peace is built through consistent, faith-filled thought patterns God’s truth can reshape how we respond to anxiety Spiritual practices and practical tools work together for healing Lasting change takes time—but progress is happening beneath the surface God meets us in our overwhelm and leads us toward freedom 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: Training Our Brains Toward Peace By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7 NIV According to mental health experts, our brains, left untended, drift toward negativity. That’s probably why what-if thinking hits hardest and feels most relentless as we’re trying to drift off to sleep. If you’ve listened to many Faith Over Fear podcast episodes or follow me on social media, you might have heard me talk about my “no-good-horrible-terrible-really-bad year” (that actually lasted for three). It was a season of complete overwhelm that felt never-ending.  Initially, I endured intense anxiety nearly from the moment I stepped out of bed until I finally fell asleep. There were some nights when this hyper-alert state, and all the stress chemicals flooding my body, kept me awake for over 48 hours at a time. This went on long enough that I began to fear I’d remain perpetually exhausted and never again experience God’s peace.  This felt particularly frustrating because I was actively investing in my spiritual health. I still read my Bible each day, often numerous times—including in the wee hours of the morning when I needed reminders of God’s presence, purposes, and promises. I prayed constantly. I

God’s “righteousness” is his character of total rightness, integrity, goodness and truth—and his “justice” is his expression of that character in his governance of the universe. And the two ideas, although distinct, belong together in the Bible’s portrait of God.

Esther 1:1-2:7 / May 7-11, 2026 Pastor Chuck Swindoll invites you to see how God works in life’s ordinary and unexpected moments, accomplishing His purposes even when His presence seems hidden from view. From the Series: Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity read more

John 5:24When you imagine God’s face...what do you see? If you visualize anger, you’re wrong. All God’s anger at sin was poured on Christ at the cross. This means if you’re in Christ, you’re free from God’s wrath because of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Biblical contentment isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s constant presence, as seen in Hebrews 13:5. True peace comes from recognizing that God’s goodness surrounds you in every season, not just the easy ones. Highlights Contentment is anchored in God’s presence, not your circumstances God’s promise to never leave you changes how you view hard seasons Discontentment often comes from focusing on what’s missing Gratitude helps reveal the goodness already surrounding you God’s blessings are constant—even when they feel unnoticed Shifting perspective leads to deeper, lasting joy Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: You Can Be Content Anywhere Because God’s Goodness Is Everywhere By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) I wish I were more content. As much on rainy days as the sun-shiny ones. Whether I’m loaded down with work or soaking in my favorite vacation spot. When my bank funds are depleted, as when freshly replenished. But it doesn’t happen that way most of the time. The sad truth is, when life feels a little less comfortable and the days look a little more grim and dim, I really struggle to feel fully satisfied and full of smiles. I hope you’re able to find joy and contentment in each moment of each day. But I have a feeling that you can relate. You likely wish you were a bit happier more often, too. Especially on the hard, heavy, and dreary days. And maybe that’s today. Maybe right now you’re surrounded by a sense of disappointment with what hasn’t happened yet. Discouraged over the way something has gone. Or just feeling more down than usual for no good reason. I get it. I think we all do more than we’d like. But God wants us to know something. He longs for us to know the truth—his truth. And to be content with the truth. That he is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. And that very realization should brighten our perspective of what’s around us. It’s him. With us, in our very midst, at all times. And this truth and promise have great meaning and significance concerning our very circumstances—even the ones that don’t feel so appealing or look so ideal. His presence with us at all times means all of his

Send us Fan MailIn a world where anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty are shaping the lives of children more than ever before, how do we raise kids who are not just successful—but truly resilient?In this episode of God-Sized Stories, Patricia Holbrook sits down with Sissy Goff and David Thomas, trusted counselors and co-authors of Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience.Together, they share practical, faith-informed wisdom on how to help children develop emotional strength, navigate challenges, and grow into confident, grounded individuals—without fear leading the way.⸻ GO DEEPER ON THE BLOGVisit Patricia’s article on this topic, where you’ll find deeper biblical insight, the full interview, and direct links to purchase the book and enter the giveaway: ⸻ BOOK GIVEAWAYWe’re giving away a copy of Capable! Enter here: https://bit.ly/4dlI4eZ⸻ PURCHASE THE BOOKCapable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400222549 Publisher: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/capable/⸻️ IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:* What resilience actually looks like in children* How to recognize emotional struggles early* Practical ways to build strength without removing hardship* How anxiety is impacting today’s kids—and how to respond* How to parent with intention instead of fear⸻ CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUESTS* Sissy Goff & David Thomas: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com⸻ FOLLOW & REVIEWIf this episode encouraged you, follow God-Sized Stories and leave a review.It helps more people discover these conversations.Support the showClick on the link above to support us and help keep this show going!Click on the links to connect with Patricia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube 

When infidelity left their marriage hanging by a thread, James and Trina Titus Lozano put their trust in God and found healing deeper than they ever thought possible. (J2728_FFT)

Today’s readings come from Psalm 54, John 2:1-25, Joshua 19:1-21:19

Pastor Rick teaches how to find happiness by learning to see things from God's point of view. You can face any problem with faith when you ask, "What is God doing here? What's the bigger picture?"

The family isn't just a social unit — it's the foundation God built society upon. In this episode, Dr. John works through Deuteronomy 25:5–19, examining four laws designed to protect family life in ancient Israel: caring for widows through levirate marriage, safeguarding future generations, ensuring honest dealings in business, and remembering the ruthless attack of Amalek on Israel's most vulnerable. Ancient laws with a timeless message about why family still matters.The Law and Holy Living: The laws of ancient Israel can feel distant and irrelevant to modern readers — but look closer, and you'll find they reveal something timeless about the character of God. In this series on Deuteronomy 18–26, Dr. John works through the detailed national laws given to Israel, uncovering what they teach us about justice, worship, and holy living — and pointing us to the one who came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.

Colossians 3:16Whether it’s your family, friends, job, or home, everything you have is from God. Look within—are you more enamoured with the gifts God gives you than with God Himself?

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 / April 30-May 1, 2026 Discover with Pastor Chuck Swindoll three imperative questions every believer must answer to leave their distinguishing mark (2 Thessalonians 3:16–18). From the Series: Steadfast Christianity read more

God’s nearness isn’t just a theological truth—it’s a personal experience that meets us exactly where we are. Deuteronomy 4:7 reminds us that we serve a God who draws close whenever we call on Him. In seasons of uncertainty, waiting, or emotional weight, His presence often becomes more meaningful than the answers we’re seeking. Prayer isn’t only about outcomes—it’s about connection. While we may come to God hoping for clarity or resolution, what He often gives first is Himself. In that nearness, we find peace, strength, and reassurance that we are not alone. Even when circumstances don’t immediately change, His presence steadies us and reminds us that He is already at work. Highlights God is near to us whenever we call on Him His presence often matters more than immediate answers Prayer is an invitation into relationship, not just requests God prepares and strengthens us before we face कठिन moments His nearness brings peace, comfort, and clarity Scripture reveals God’s compassionate and personal nature Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: His Nearness Is What I Needed By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” - Deuteronomy 4:7 I have recently been reading a book by Wendy Blight called Rest for Your Soul. In it, she talks about prayer. She describes a time when she was calling out to God amidst a struggle and didn’t hear from Him: “I had a choice to make. I could believe what I was studying, reading, and learning, or I could allow anger, fear, and doubt to continue ruling my soul. What I came to realize during that time (though it was a decade-long journey) was that God was with me. And over those years, though my circumstances didn’t always change, my courage to stand firm in them rose because I knew I was not alone” (Rest for Your Soul). A few pages later, Wendy writes, “Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He may not fix everything at that moment. In fact, He probably won’t. But it’s an invitation to come and sit with the only One who can give you rest in the middle of the mess” (Rest for Your Soul). What I started to wonder about prayer is if maybe it isn’t about getting an answer from God for a particular nee

Why do some translations of John 3:16 not say "begotten"? What does "begotten" refer to? Hasn't Jesus always existed? In Genesis 6, God sees evil everywhere. What about now? And does He see believers the same way? What does "I die daily" mean in 1 Corinthians 15? What did Jews in the Old Testament (and now) think of the Holy Spirit?

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of God-Sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook, I sit down with Rick Altizer, director of the documentary He Calls Me Daughter. Together, we explore the deeply personal journey of identity, healing, and what it truly means to be called a daughter of God.Through real stories captured in the film, we are reminded that our past does not define us—God does. If you’ve ever struggled with worth, belonging, or understanding God as a loving Father, this conversation will encourage your heart and point you back to truth.Watch He Calls Me Daughter + Download the 6-Week Bible Study on the movie's website: https://hecallsmedaughter.org/Watch my interview with the Kendrick Brothers (Show Me the Father): https://youtu.be/qtU-pdMGXJw?si=JxOBnFHEMDrY_HbJVisit my website: https://www.PatriciaHolbrook.comIf this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs this reminder today.Support the showClick on the link above to support us and help keep this show going!Click on the links to connect with Patricia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube