The Light

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

Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

Restore Your Childlike Wonder
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:

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

As I wrote in my dad's 80th-birthday card, I wanted to commemorate the milestone. I thought of 80 reasons why I love him. Immediately, I began recalling happy childhood memories. As I composed my list, which took me less than an hour, I realized something: I may not have had the fanciest possessions, gone on the fanciest vacations, or had the biggest home of my classmates, but I had a good childhood. My dad often took me to the park in the evening

The Grace to You radio broadcast for October 31, 2026.

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

Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Do you want to listen ad-free?

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

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Surrendering Fear to God This Halloween
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). 

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

Take heart in knowing that God wants us to believe He exists and will do exactly what He promises to do. 

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Why are some verses translated so differently in the NIV versus the King James Version? I'm 67 years old and have spent a lifetime struggling with homosexuality and rejection from churches. I just want to go to Heaven! Is it okay to go to a haunted penitentiary with evil spirits?

When the foundations of a nation are shaken, what can the righteous do? Should Christians retreat in fear—or stand boldly for God's Truth?

In this compelling message, Dr. Michael Youssef examines the consequences of spiritual compromise, from Israel's exile to the challenges facing the Church today. Scripture warns that rebellion, false teaching, and rejection of God's Word lead to spiritual darkness.

But even when society turns away from God, Jesus Christ remains sovereign. He is the only Savior, and His people are called to remain faithful to Him.

This episode challenges you to:

• Recognize the dangers of spiritual compromise,
• Stand firmly on the authority of God's Word,
• Reject false teaching and distorted gospels,
• Repent of fear, complacency, and disobedience,
• Pray earnestly for revival and spiritual awakening,
• Boldly proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

When the foundations are shaken, God's Truth remains unshakable. Discover how to respond with courage, prayer, repentance, and unwavering faith in Christ.

Scripture Focus: Psalm 11:3

If today’s teaching stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

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