We all carry past hurts, regrets, shame, and offenses—sometimes ones we replay over and over in our minds. In our daily prayer and devotional, Rachael Adams, host of The Love Offering Podcast, vividly recounts a gathering of teenage girls invited to lay down their pains on a cross and symbolically cross them out, illustrating what forgiveness looks like in radical form.

God doesn’t just pardon our sins; He erases them, choosing not to keep a record of our offenses. As long as we confess and repent, He separates our wrongdoing from us, remembering them no more. But God’s mercy is not just for our own restored relationship with Him—it’s meant to shape how we treat others. We are called to forgive as He forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiving doesn’t always mean forgetting in the sense of erasing memories. It means removing the debt, letting go of grievances, refusing to hold someone’s past mistakes against them. Liberation comes when we choose grace over bitterness, extending to others what God has extended to us.

Bible Reading

“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
— Psalm 103:10–12

Key Takeaways

• God’s forgiveness is complete: He removes our transgressions and doesn’t retain them.

• Forgiveness is a deliberate choice—not forgetting, but no longer holding a debt against another.

• Our freedom in Christ empowers us to forgive those who have wronged us.

• Keeping no record of wrongs allows relationships to be renewed and hearts to be healed.

Let’s Pray Together

Lord, thank You for pardoning me and erasing my sins. Help me accept Your mercy fully and extend that same grace to others. Show me where I hold grudges or keep score of offenses. Give me strength to forgive, to release the record, and to love as You have loved me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Articles:

• “Love Keeps No Record of Wrong” (Crosswalk Bible Study)

• Why Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs (Crosswalk Marriage Advice)

• Listen to and Follow The Love Offering Podcast!

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Fear can feel overpowering—especially when circumstances press in, when we live in places that feel unsafe, or when anxiety has had time to settle in. But, as we reflect in our daily prayer and devotional, Scripture doesn’t leave us defenseless. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker reminds us that God is with us even when fear seems to surround us.

Though we often don’t see His hand at work, God is always moving behind the scenes—striking down evil, guarding us, and providing strength. Even when fear grips our hearts, we can choose to turn to Him, surrender our anxieties at His feet, and let His peace guard our minds (Philippians 4:6–7).

Moses’ charge to Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6 still rings for us today: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you.” We don’t face life’s dangers alone. He never leaves us. With this promise, our fear can be met with courage rooted not in our own power, but in the faithful presence of God.

Today's Bible Reading:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6

Key Takeaways

• God is always present—even in the darkest moments—and never abandons us.

• Fear doesn’t need to control us; we can bring it to God in prayer.

• True courage comes from trusting that God is greater than our threats.

• The promise in Scripture is not that trouble won’t come, but that we won’t face it alone.

Let’s Pray Together

Dear God, fear surrounds me and uncertainty abounds. Thank You that You are here with me. Please strengthen my heart to be strong and courageous. Remind me that You will never leave me or forsake me. Help me surrender my fear to You and cling to Your steadfast love and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Articles

• When God Seems Silent—How to Pray When Fear Seizes You – Crosswalk.com

• Why Do I Still Feel Fear? Biblical Hope in Anxiety – Christianity.com

• 5 Scriptures to Speak Over Your Heart in Fear – Crosswalk.com

• Strong and Courageous: How God Strengthens Through Scripture – Christianity.com

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Not every message, voice, or feeling we experience is from God. In our daily prayer and devotional, the apostle John warns believers to test the spirits because our emotions, cultural influences, or even spiritual opposition can lead us astray. God’s Spirit always aligns with His Word, glorifies Jesus, and produces peace and holiness in our hearts.

When you face decisions or conflicting messages, take time to pray for discernment and measure everything against Scripture. If what you sense points you closer to Christ and aligns with biblical truth, you can move forward with confidence. If it distracts or divides, wait on God’s timing and continue seeking His direction.

Discernment takes practice. The more time you spend in God’s Word and in prayer, the more clearly you’ll recognize His voice amid the noise of the world. God has promised to guide you faithfully—trust Him to do it in His way and His time.

Today's Bible Reading:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God… This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…”
— 1 John 4:1–3 (NIV)

Key Takeaways

• Test every spirit. God’s truth never contradicts His Word.

• Keep Jesus central. The Holy Spirit’s leading always exalts Christ.

• Check the fruit. True guidance produces love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control.

• Wait on God’s timing. Rushing ahead often leads to confusion.

• Seek wise counsel. Godly community helps confirm God’s direction.

Let’s Pray

Dear God,
Thank You for reminding me that not every spirit or voice I hear is from You. Forgive me for the times I’ve trusted my emotions or rushed ahead without seeking Your wisdom. Teach me to test the spirits and recognize what is truly from You. Guide me through Your Word and Your Spirit, and help me make choices that glorify Jesus. Guard my heart and mind from confusion, and let Your peace lead me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Articles

Looking for more on discernment and hearing God’s voice? Explore these helpful reads:

• What Does It Mean to Test the Spirits? (and How Can We Do It?) – Christianity.com

• What Is a Spirit of Discernment and How Can Prayer Help? – Crosswalk.com

• How to Know If You’re Hearing God’s Voice or Your Own – Crosswalk.com

• 7 Ways the Holy Spirit Helps You Make Godly Decisions – Christianity.com

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