The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

we dive into the powerful call that Christians have to live differently from the world around them. In a culture that often prioritizes materialism, individualism, and fleeting pleasures, how do we as believers remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word and live with purpose, peace, and eternal perspective? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. There is power in a gentle invitation. Listen here to find out why. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:43-46 Early in my faith journey, I created a lot of conflict in my desire to see loved ones develop a relationship with Christ. My pride also pulled me into numerous unproductive conversations where I attempted to debate people into belief. Inevitably, this pushed the other person further away and left me with regret and shame. Sadly, in the years that followed, I erred in the opposite direction in which I largely remained silent. I told myself others would see Christ in the love and grace I displayed, but I failed to share the truth necessary for people to draw that connection. I’ve since learned the value of Philip’s approach, recorded in John 1. Upon encountering Jesus, he immediately sought out his brother, excited to share the news of the Messiah. Nathanael responded as many people do today, with mocking disbelief. “Nazareth,” he said, “Can anything good come from there?” Had Philip been me, in my early years, he probably would’ve tried to convince his brother of his discovery. Had he been me in my silent period that followed, he might’ve shrugged and simply walked away. Instead, Philip invited Nathanael to investigate Jesus for himself. “Come and see,” he said. Curiosity evoked, Nathanael got up and followed. The Lord took care of the rest. Verse 47 states, “When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit’” (NIV). “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked, to which Jesus replied, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree, before Philip called you.” These words, ignited by the Holy Spirit, birthed within Nathanael life-changing faith. In verses 49-51, we read, 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” Did you catch the progression? Philip encouraged his brother to check out Jesus for himself. When he did, he encountered the Lord, who spoke a nugget of truth. Again, Nathanael responded, this time with faith, after which the Lord revealed deeper truth. Intersecting Life and Faith The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. Our attempts to do so will likely only push them further away. But while God commands us to love others and live as radiant reflections of Him, kind actions alone don’t often lead to spiritual conversations. People need to see how we are different and understand why. They need for us to draw the connection and then invite them to experience the truth for themselves. A missionary friend with Cru refers to believers as cojourners. We’re travelers who gently invite people to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery. Then we walk beside them, first as an explorer, then a guide, builder, and finally, mentor. This is what it looks like to, “meet people where they’re at,” while, through active listening and remaining compassionately present, lovingly nudging them forward. In doing so, we are imitating our Savior who invited people to come closer and evoked their curiosity through questions and stories. When people, like Nathanael, responded positively, Jesus revealed more of Himself and His truth. When they rejected Him, He didn’t try to argue them into belief. Instead, He let them go, remaining available should they decide to return. We honor Him and experience the best results when we do our part to invite and walk beside and trust God to create life change. Further Reading: 1 Peter 3:15 John 4:28-42 John 1:38-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising o

The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today. Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza. Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components. Can you recognize the richness of these phrases? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Praying His Way By Megan Conner “Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matt. 6:9-13 (NKJV) Have you ever found yourself struggling to pray? We are told communing with God is the key to having a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Yet, at times, this concept of entreaty can trigger confusion or even doubt as it can appear as an intangible, one-sided conversation. Or, the recitation of memorized prayers can feel monotonous or even robotic – something we “force” ourselves to do. While many of us may wrestle with this spiritual discipline, the Lord continues to remind us, through the Word of God, of its immeasurable value and patiently prompts us through the Holy Spirit to draw closer to him through this conversation we call prayer. Prayer truly is how we communicate and grow in relationship with the Lord. In our human relationships, intimacy of any kind can only be established through proximity and shared hearts through conversation. It is the same with God. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he taught them one of the most memorized passages in history, The Lord’s Prayer. Many of us may have recited it since our youth, but have we ever really meditated on the meaning behind the words we pronounce? Sadly, this prayer has become so common, so renowned, that without intentional focus on the words recited, we miss the richness embedded in the simplicity. First, the verses of this supplication came directly from the mouth of Jesus. He, who was the forerunner of our faith; who demonstrated not only how to pray, but exemplified the Father through his very life. If Jesus and the Father are one (John 14:11), then what we say when offer this petition is from the Father himself. Additionally, there is a generational legacy in The Lord’s Prayer. Believers across the entire world have been reciting this same poetic expression for over 2,000 years! When we appeal to our Heavenly Father with this specific supplication, we are not only joining with the heart of the Lord, we are unifying with millions and millions of other saints; those who have gone before us, and fellow pilgrims journeying towards Heaven, our eternal home, even now. Finally, this lyrical language addresses every component of our spiritual relationship with the Creator of the universe. First, it acknowledges the deity and omnipotence of God and ascribes the worship due his name. It also acknowledges submission to his will and kingdom, in our lives and upon the earth. A promise of divine provision for every need is offered to all who call upon his promises. As we continue on, we are allowed the opportunity to receive forgiveness for our misgivings and extend that same mercy towards others who have harmed us. Then, we recognize our need for his supernatural protection against our own sinful temptations as well as the ploys of the enemy seeking to beguile and overcome us. Finally, as we began, we end – in worship to the Alpha and Omega, he “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8, ESV). My greater understanding and appreciation of this timeless entreaty, has impacted me so much that I literally offer up The Lord’s Prayer every morning before I begin my day. Though these verses have a sense of formality, as stated earlier, prayer, in its most basic sense, is just a conversation. We are simply communicating with our Heavenly Father – thanking him for all he has done and laying before him our requests. The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today. Intersecting Faith & Life: Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza. Allow yourself time to medit

When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God. As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions: When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment? How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective? Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you? In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Praise Welcomes God’s Power into Your Life By: Whitney Hopler “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” – Acts 16:25-26 I was struggling to sleep because of persistent pain from an injury. No matter how hard I tried to find a comfortable position to go to sleep, I couldn’t find any way to escape the pain or relax enough to sleep. Frustrated, I glanced at a nearby clock. It was already close to midnight, and I still didn’t know how much longer it would take me to go to sleep. Rather than ruminate on my problem any longer, I got up out of bed and did something I knew would always help me somehow – I sang a worship song to God. Even though I was singing softly (to avoid waking up my husband), it didn’t take long to feel a powerful sense of peace wash over me. God was with me even in my pain. I kept singing, and by the time I was done, my pain didn’t seem as distracting as before. Finally, I was able to drift off to sleep. There’s something powerful about praise. It lifts our perspective beyond our problems and to the all-powerful God who can help us solve them. When Paul and Silas found themselves in prison, they could have chosen to give in to despair, or to question why God allowed them to endure such suffering. Instead, they lifted their voices in prayer and praise to God. Their decision to worship in the middle of suffering may seem surprising. But the miracle that happened when they did shows us that praise opens the door to God’s power. In their darkest hour, at midnight, Paul and Silas began to sing hymns to God. The prison, which was often a place of defeat and silence, became a place of worship. As their praises rose, God’s power descended. The Bible passage tells us that suddenly there was an earthquake so violent that even the foundations of the prison were shaken. The result was that not only were Paul and Silas freed, but every prisoner in that place was unshackled. Praise brought liberation to everyone around them! When we praise, we shift our focus from ourselves and our problems to God. Praise acknowledges God’s greatness and faithfulness, no matter what challenges we’re facing. By praising God in difficult times, we invite God into our circumstances. That is when transformation happens. The prison couldn’t contain Paul and Silas because the power of God was greater than their chains. When we choose to praise God – despite how impossible or painful our circumstances may seem – we’re acknowledging that God’s power is greater than anything we face. We’re inviting God to step into our situation, trusting that God is more than able to deliver us. Praise also acts as a weapon of faith in spiritual warfare. Just as it broke open the prison doors for Paul and Silas, praise has the power to break down spiritual strongholds. Evil wants to keep us imprisoned in fear, doubt, and despair. But when we lift up praise, we declare that God is in control, no matter how hopeless our situation may appear. Praise declares victory before it’s even visible. That welcomes God’s light into the darkness, dispelling it. When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God. So, whatever you’re facing today, choose to praise. Trust that as you lift your voice to God, God will work powerfully in your life. The same power that set Paul and Silas free is available to you. Praise welcomes God’s power into your life, and nothing can stand against it. Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions: When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment? How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective? Have you

God reveals Himself in ways we can understand, and He wants us to know His will even more than we do. When we seek Him, His wisdom, and His truth, we can trust Him to provide the answers we need to move forward in our faith, like He did with Nicodemus. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born! Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:1-5 Growing up, I watched a close caregiver get swept into one spiritual falsehood after another. At three separate points, this led to this individual joining cults. Their behavior felt particularly confusing because they claimed to know Jesus. Over time, I developed a strong fear of spiritual deception that hindered my confidence to accurately hear God’s voice. Perhaps you’ve struggled with something similar and worry that you’ll miss, or misinterpret, God’s will and land outside of it. Reading some of Jesus’ conversations with people, like the one recorded in John 3, we might find His words cryptic and wonder why He didn’t speak more plainly. Was He using a theological puzzle to evoke Nicodemus’s curiosity, or was He, perhaps, pointing the scholar to truths he already knew? As I consider this interaction, I’m intrigued by Nicodemus’s statement in verse two. He said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with Him” (NIV, emphasis mine). While Scripture doesn’t state this specifically, I assume his use of “we” indicated other Pharisees. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders believed He was aligned with God. But as time progressed and Jesus called people, these men included, to a new way of life, they quickly discounted Him and His teaching. This seems to indicate that they deliberately chose to deny the truth. I’m reminded of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11-12a. Speaking to the Israelites when they were actively rejecting Him, He said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” Jesus made a similar promise in John 10 when He said, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” These Scriptures indicate that God never withholds Himself from us. He makes His ways clear, and protects us from lies designed to lure us away. What’s more, Jesus’ words to Nicodemus demonstrate God’s ability to speak to us in ways we understand. In John 3:6-8, Jesus said, Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” A precursory reading might lead us to view Jesus’ words as a confusing, almost poetic expression of truth. But consider Nicodemus’ background, and his in-depth knowledge of the Old Testament. Jesus was reminding the highly educated leader to prophesies of His coming. In other words, He was helping Nicodemus connect dots that would clarify Christ’s identity as the Messiah. While some have equated His mention of water in John 3:5 with baptism, John Piper from Desiring God suggests He was pointing Nicodemus to Ezekiel 36, a section of Scripture he would’ve known well. In verses 25-28 God stated, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” When Nicodemus responded with confusion, Jesus said, “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?” (John 3:7, NIV). In other words, a man with such knowledge of the Old Testament should grasp what Jesus meant. Intersecting Life and Faith God reveals Himself in ways we can understand, and He wants us to know His will even more than we do. When we seek Him, His wisdom, and His truth,

If you find yourself condemning yourself, remember that battle has already been won. Mercy triumphs over judgement because the judgement of God has already been executed upon all sin and unrighteousness. There is no more payment or retribution to be received. On the cross, Jesus took the Judgement of the Father. What is more, flowing out of the sacrifice is nothing but divine mercy. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: The Good word about Mercy “Mercy triumphs over judgement” (James 2:13) I once had a parishioner of mine who lived under the watchful eye of a condemning aunt. Whenever he stepped out of line, or caused some mishap, the aunt would glare in his direction and say, “God will get you for that.” It didn’t matter about the severity of action, or the intent (or non-intent) of the accident. Suffice it to say, this man grew up with deep-seeded picture of God as an angry enforcer. God was that being in the sky who longed to catch him his spiritual infractions. Thus, despite all the verses pertaining to God’s love, he could not shake the belief that God was out to get him. He lived with the agonizing thought that it was just a matter of time before he would be crushed under some act of divine judgement. Do you ever feel like God is angry with you? Do you struggle with the assumption that, while God works in love and grace to everyone else, you receive nothing but wrath and vengeance? Why do you think that way? Many of us find ourselves continually gripped with such a fear. We fear that God’s mercy will not be directed to us, and so we put upon ourselves the demands of ‘be better’ do more’ or ‘work harder’ in a vain attempt to placate an angry God. After all, this ethic of earning undergirds the world around us. The more we work the more we earn, the world tells us. But this locks us into and endless cycle of condemnation. What we do is always (or earn) is always betrayed by what we do not, and no matter how hard we try, we can always judge ourselves insufficient by the metric of our neighbors. Yes, God is just and righteous, and scripture holds true that there will be a day where God will call all evil to account. A God who is not just is one who is not good. And yet, throughout the gamut of scripture, we also hear the truth of mercy. God continually speaks words of comfort and peace to each of us. In James 2, we read that mercy triumphs over judgement. This good news hearkens back to the promise God makes in Exodus 20, to show mercy to a thousand generations to those who love him. The truth is the Lord’s declaration of mercy speaks louder than any voice within us that speaks a word of judgement. In the battle of judgment versus mercy, mercy always wins. Mercy beats in the heart of God. God is abundant in mercy and endless in love. In Christ, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can be assured of this reality for our lives. John writes that whenever our hearts condemn us, we can be assured that God is bigger than our hearts. When we struggle to hold faithfully to the promises of mercy, Jesus lovingly reaches out for us. And the Holy Spirit in our lives is an ongoing testimony of his loving hold over us. Because mercy triumphs over judgement, we live in the assurance of everlasting favor. Intersecting faith and life. Let me ask you again, do you feel that God is angry with you? Is there a voice that speaks condemnation over you? What might it look like for you to listen, instead, to the voice of Jesus. Can you dare to believe the promise that mercy triumphs over judgement, and hear that as a declaration about your life? It does not matter what is in our past, what defines our present, or what mistakes we will inevitably make in the future, we can trust that the Lord’s presence over us is both merciful and loving. This blessed assurance is whispered into our hearts whenever we draw nearer in faith. This is the divine promise so eloquently displayed in the cross. Just think of it, as Jesus hung on the cross, he could have easily released a deluge of divine retribution upon those who crucified him. But instead, he chose to speak words of forgiveness and mercy. The cross beckons us to receive the divine love that overtakes all sin and shame. If you find yourself condemning yourself, remember that battle has already been won. Mercy triumphs over judgement because the judgement of God has already been executed upon all sin and unrighteousness. There is no more payment or retribution to be received. On the cross, Jesus took the Judgement of the Father. What is more, flowing out of the sacrifice is nothing but divine mercy. For Further Reading: 2nd Peter 3:9 What Christians need to understand about Mercy on Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

David knew how to stay in the seat and allow the Lord to meet his spiritual and physical needs. Could we learn this same dependence? With these eternal truths in mind, the next time you are faced with unexpected adversity, remember you can stay in the seat. Your Divine Protector will provide you everything you need. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Learning to Stay in the Seat By Megan Conner “The LORD is my shepherd;I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LORDForever.” Ps. 23 (NKJV) How many of us have heard this famous passage read aloud at funerals or observed it printed over a picturesque scene illustrating green pastures and still waters? The imagery conveyed, channels what we consider the anticipated likeness of heaven. However, despite its common reference as soothing biblical poetry, this psalm was not written during a moment of serenity. It is believed David penned this poem while avoiding the pursuit of King Saul who was attempting to capture and kill the warrior who once slayed Goliath. It is here, where David had left everything behind, when he had zero assurance of safety, and had no idea where his next meal would come from that he inscribed these timeless truths. When faced with our own seasons of adversity could we make these same bold declarations? Would we hammer our stake of faith in the ground and assert “I shall not want?” There have been countless times in my own life when I have stared down apparent want and responded with the complete opposite. Pain and fear can stimulate such strong feelings of doubt, and even resentment, when we are faced with undesirable dilemmas. However, our gracious God understands human frailty and weakness. Rather than abandon us for our faithlessness, he takes our hand and guides us to places of gentle rest and teaches us how we can trust in him. If we study the Hebrew translation of Psalm 23, we can discover the entire passage is filled with action verbs. Everyone remember those early grammar lessons during our years of primary education? These parts of speech are often referred to as dynamic verbs and describe the action being performed in the sentence. This tranquil psalm does not outline a sedentary, passive response. Rather, our Lord actively leads us to places of much needed sustenance and reprieve. He makes us lie down in green pastures. He leads us by still waters. Like a parent making their child go to bed because it is what is best for them, our Heavenly Father sometimes allows circumstances in our lives that drive us into quieter, restricted places of separation. While unwanted, it is here, in these spaces of solitude, we learn how to receive from God. Even further, the Lord invites us to remain seated at the table he prepares for us in the presence of our enemies. I don’t know about you, but when I am faced with deep worry or sadness I struggle to eat. My nerves turn my stomach into knots. I lose my appetite. Not to mention my inability to sit still. Whether I am physically running around or spinning in circles mentally, when I feel threatened, I plot, plan, devise, and fight for my own provision and deliverance. I know I need to trust the Lord but waiting patiently for it all to work out, especially when the results appear extremely delayed, is HARD. Have you ever found yourself feeling the same? David comprehended God’s provision in a way I have misunderstood. He had absolute confidence that God would not only provide salvation but also sustenance. Even with the battle raging around him, and uncertainty before him, David knew how to stay in the seat and allow the Lord to meet his spiritual and physical needs. Could we learn this same dependence? While I am certainly not perfect, I have made significant progress surrendering my attempts to control outcomes. When the storms of this life start to swirl around, instead of rising up and striving for my own salvation, I remind myself to remain seated. The battle is not mine; it’s God’s (2 Chron. 20:15). I can follow the instructions of the psalmist. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14, NIV). With these eternal truths in mind, the next time you are faced with unexpected adversity, remember you can stay in the seat. Your Divine Protector will provide you everything you need. Intersecting Faith & Life: Reread Psalm 23 wi

We are in a season where political tensions are high, yes. Our brains are in super-categorization mode, which is made all the easier by the signs on our lawns and the flags that fly in front of our homes. We are quick to put ourselves into categories—and even quicker to do the same for others. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Our Brains Like it Simple: Being Aware of the Way We Categorize By Deidre Braley Acts 9: 1-5 “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” The bell jingled as I stepped inside; my little dog Pablo leapt up to greet me, all shorn and shivering and desperate to leave. “How’d he do today?” I sighed as I scooped him into my arms. We had our usual exchange, the groomer and me: he’d been a nervous wreck (per usual), she’d done the oatmeal bath, we’d be coming back in six weeks. Pablo licked my face and begged me to go, but as the groomer handed me his next appointment card, she hesitated. “There’s uh…well, um…could I get your professional opinion on something?” And from under the cushions on her couch, she extracted a notebook: this secret prize, this shimmering of possibility. Amidst the shampoos and shears and flea treatments, this woman held out a collection of poems she’d been working on in private. “Would you read one and tell me what you think?” She began to ask me how you know when a poem is done, and how you know when it’s done well. We talked about the trickery of metaphor and the possibility of publication. Did we tear up at this recognition of kindred-ness—this realization that we were a little less alone in the world than we’d been before my dog’s haircut? It’s possible. I share this with you because, before this interaction, I never would have known that our dog’s groomer was also a poet. Our exchanges until that point had been limited to conversations around sensitive skin, clipper settings, and Venmo payments. But when she pulled out that notebook filled with poetry, I realized she’d been kindred all along—I just hadn’t imagined or known it yet. I’m afraid that I do this all the time, this designating of spaces and titles for other people. Apparently there’s a name for this—it’s called social identity theory. See, our brains like to make things as simple as possible, and for that reason, we subconsciously engage in this act of categorizing. We put people into groups so we can understand them better.1 While we can’t fault our brains for trying to make things easier, there are spiritual implications that we need to be aware of, here. Because if we aren’t aware of the categories we’re putting people into, we may begin to make assumptions about the state of their souls that simply aren’t true. 1 Saul McLeod, “Social Identity Theory in Psychology (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), Simply Psychology, October 5, 2023, https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-identity-theory.html Think of Saul, for example. As someone who was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1), the disciples easily categorized him as an enemy. It’s probably safe to say that none of them imagined that the Lord would ever be able to reach him—let alone use him—for the glory of the Kingdom. In fact, even after the Lord struck Saul blind and ordered the disciple Ananias to visit him and lay hands on him so he could regain his sight, Ananias said, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14). In Ananias’ mind, Saul was firmly in the ‘enemy’ category. But God did not relent, instead telling Ananias, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Intersecting Faith & Life We are in a season where political tensions are high, yes. Our brains are in super-categorization mode, which is made all the easier by the signs on our lawns and the flags that fly in front of our homes. We are quick to put ourselves into categories—and even quicker to do the same for others. We may even be tempted to make assumptions about what God thinks about people based on the categories we’ve put them in. But even outside of politics, we may tend to hang back from certain people, never looking them in the eyes and considering

If you’re human, then you’re a sinner, and if a sinner, there are undoubtedly multiple ways in which your value system can be realigned to better fit God’s. Allow the Lord to reveal Himself to us, teaching us what we don’t know, and reaffirming what we do. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How Strong Are Your Values? By Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27, CSB) Building a House You can tell how strong a house is based on its foundation. Even if the top crumbles and the walls come down, a strong house remains where it started. Firmly planted in place. Yet, while a strong foundation is able to resist the elements, a weak foundation succumbs. The walls and the roof collapse, and the foundation, too, breaks apart. Much like a house, you can tell how strong someone’s values are based on how those values hold up under pressure. I remember entering college as a Christian who professed faith but couldn’t explain to you why I believed. Anytime someone asked me, even gently, why I didn’t attend church or read Scripture, I scrambled. My value was really in complacency, not in a chapel or reading. There was nervousness, sweat, and plenty of avoidance. If you challenged me, which a few Christians did, I’d be offended. I wanted to do my own thing, not be admonished. And though I was not combative, I was most certainly defensive. Today, I see similar behavior from moral relativists who struggle to explain their ever-changing positions, the perpetually single who never want to self-examine, and even the woke who want everybody to think like them. They all believe the problem is everyone else and never themselves. What we value and what we don’t reveal much about our hearts. In the same way, you can spot a weak value system, you can also pinpoint someone with well-thought-out beliefs. Their ideals stand up to pressure and are unwavering with time. As believers, we want to be able to answer, as best we can, anyone who has a question about the faith. That’s especially true if they are trying to push us to be better. When we allow ourselves to grow, not only are our values strengthened, but we become people better equipped to encourage others, and lead people to Christ. If then, like me, you want to know and continue to strengthen your values, then today presents the perfect opportunity. Intersecting Faith & Life: Know God If you want to know what you ought to value, then you have to know God. We do that through prayer and reading. Both allow the Lord to reveal Himself to us, teaching us what we don’t know, and reaffirming what we do. Know the Word Reading the Bible is especially relevant because it takes away the confusion we may experience through prayer. Sometimes we ask questions of God and don’t quite understand Him. However, if we read then we can potentially clear up that confusion right away. Don’t Be Defensive The Bible talks repeatedly about being humble. Humble people acknowledge when they don’t know when they mess up and how they can grow. If God calls on us to practice this virtue, then be open to having your values challenged. If you’re human, then you’re a sinner, and if a sinner, there are undoubtedly multiple ways in which your value system can be realigned to better fit God’s. Keep Reading The only way to know, without any doubt, what to value as a Christian is to read. Reading too helps you strengthen your values because you educate yourself on why you believe in the first place. Back in the day for me, reading the Bible was intimidating because I was so unfamiliar with it. I didn’t want to look dumb, but we all have to start of dumb before we become smart. More importantly, we have to know what to value if we want to live lives centered on God. Don’t be fooled into thinking everything we value, He values too. Or that everything He values we naturally want for ourselves. Instead, pursue God through reading and watch as your values fall into place, much like that house with a strong foundation. Further Reading: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Matthew 6:33 1 Timothy 6:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Take some time to see how God works. Can you recall a time where an unanswered prayer was actually a blessing? His light shines through intentionally and His work is always good. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Place your identity and self worth in the one who empowers you to do the impossible. In God alone, you are loved, you have a purpose. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Who is really in control? Even when we think we have to get everything done, we are wrong. He is in control. Take a step back, and trust Him. He calls us to action, but also to rest, remember that today. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ask yourself today. When you pray, are you asking God for things according to his will or yours? It's not wrong to pour your worries and concerns before the Lord, even Jesus did that! SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life is pretty tough already but, is much more enjoyable when we celebrate each other! SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You will shine like a star in the sky once you give up complaining and arguing. How can you turn your heart towards thankfulness and joy? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How does remembering that God sees you, help you regain your identity in him and your value? In what ways can tell or show others the Lord sees them too? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ask God to help you spread the truth of Salvation, that it comes as a gift from God through faith and not through anything we do ourselves to attain it. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Remembering Reformation Day (700 words) by Lynette Kittle “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”-- Ephesians 2:8 Some may wonder what Reformation Day is all about and why it is considered such a big deal in Church history. Commemorated on the same day as Halloween, why should we as Christians take time to remember it? Who’s Behind the Reformation? Born November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, Martin Luther grew up to be the catalyst for the Reformation. A thunderstorm is accredited to beginning his spiritual journey in 1505, while he was studying law at the University of Erfurt. Some may call his experience a crisis of faith, where a bolt of lightning striking near him, terrified him to the point of making a deal with God for divine protection by promising St. Anne he would become a monk if she would graciously spare his life. Even though Luther’s father, a hard working miner, strongly disapproved, Luther diligently pursued becoming a monk. Intense in his pursuit of holiness, Luther whipped himself raw in an attempt to appease the wrath of a holy God and feel worthy and deserving enough to go to heaven. As well, he regularly confessed his sins for up to six hours a day. During Luther’s zealous studying of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that the just shall live by faith and that none of his self-afflictions would justify him before God but only come through faith in Jesus Christ. How Did the Reformation Begin? With Luther’s revelation concerning Salvation, came his disillusionment with the errors in the Church’s teaching and practices, involving selling indulgences to raise money and convincing individuals that their giving of money for their deceased relatives could release them from purgatory. With hopes of sparking an academic debate and reform, on October 31, 1517, Luther wrote 95 theses against this revenue-generating scheme, along with other abuses he discovered within the Church, nailing his document on the Wittenberg, Germany, Cathedral door for all to see, a common practice at the time. But the Church didn’t approve of Luther spreading his findings via the newly invented printing press and wasn’t open to his corrections. Still his ideas spread throughout Germany, stirring up much controversy, which led to the Church Council in 1521 demanding Luther recant his thesis. Luther Ushers in the Reformation However, Luther refused to recant his thesis, writing, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason—for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves—I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my bases: my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus, I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one’s conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen.” Luther’s refusal to recant cost him dearly, leading to his being excommunicated from the Catholic Church in 1521 by Pope Leo X. His unwavering stand led him to be declared an outlaw and heretic, causing him to run for his life and find refuge with Fredrick the Wise at Wartburg Castle under an assumed name and disguise. During his time there, Luther translated the Bible into German, which helped him to put the written word of God into the hands of the common people. His actions ushered in a new era referred to as the Reformation, of placing God’s Word in the hands of individuals and giving birth to the Protestant Churches. Luther’s efforts gave individuals the opportunity to read the Bible for themselves, leading to many lives being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He understood how people need to read and study God’s Word on their own, believing wholeheartedly what 2 Timothy 3:16, teaches: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Ask God to help you spread the truth of Salvation, that it comes as a gift from God through faith and not through anything we do ourselves to attain it. Further Reading: 6 Reasons Christians Should Celebrate Reformation Day https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/reasons-christians-should-celebrate-reformation-day.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We can find hope in the promises of the Lord. He will reign as King over the earth, and we will never have to be afraid or worried again. Jesus is our faithful leader and we can look to Him with hope forevermore. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Our Future Hope in the Lord By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace.” - Micah 5:4-5a Prior to my mom passing away, she used to be very much into palm reading. I'm not sure how she got into this occultish practice, but she tended to read my sister and I’s palms at least once every few years. She would tell us our “lifeline” and our “heart line.” I remember my older sister having “several people” cross her heartline and my mom saying she would marry multiple people. Her lifeline was “very long,” according to my mom, and she would succeed in life. This bothered my sister, and she never bought into it, and thankfully so. In the same way, my mom used to read my palm and say there was “not a heart line,” and my lifeline was “extremely short.” I do not believe in palm reading or anything concerning the occult because it goes against God, but what I have learned is that many things in the occult, including palm reading, are trying to “see the future” or trying to manipulate it in our favor. This is dangerous and something that Christians should not play a part in. Trying to seek out our future through occultish means will get us nowhere. This is why all of us do not need to rely on the evil practices of the world when it comes to the future. While it is true we may feel stressed about the future, we can find lasting hope in the Lord. He is the One who holds the future in His hands. Nonetheless, we cannot run from the fact that the future can be scary for many of us. Present life worries have a way of getting us down. Never-ending bills, home-life stressors, and complex relationships can leave us feeling doubtful of the future. Rather than having hope for the future, we feel crushed, hopeless, and uncertain. This is understandable since we cannot know the future plans for our lives. However, as mentioned, we can know what the Bible says about the future. Prior to going to Bible college, I knew nothing about the Bible and I certainly didn't know anything about eschatology. Eschatology is the study of the end times. Once I learned about eschatology, it made me more hopeful for the future. Although we cannot know our future day by day, we can learn God’s ultimate plan for humankind through studying the Bible. Through studying eschatology, I learned about God’s plan for the future. For us as Christians, this plan is only for our good. We will be taken to be with the Lord in the rapture, spared from the seven year tribulation, receive our glorified bodies, enter the Millennial Kingdom, and spend eternity with the Lord in the New Heaven and New Earth. By knowing this knowledge, it gives us hope for the future. Intersecting Faith & Life: Our Bible passage today also focuses on this hope. Micah 5:4-5a says, “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace.” This passage refers to the return of the Lord and when He will finally reign over the world. As the prophet Micah says, Jesus will shepherd his flock in the majesty of His Name. His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth and He will be our peace. Whenever we are worried or scared about the future, we can find hope in the promises of the Lord. He will reign as King over the earth, and we will never have to be afraid or worried again. Jesus is our faithful leader and we can look to Him with hope forevermore. “Dear Lord, my hope is found in You. Help me to focus on You rather than my fears of the future. I know You have great plans for me, and I trust in You. Thank You, Lord. Amen.” Challenge Questions: Do you have any fears of the future? How can you give these fears over to the Lord today? Have you ever consulted anything or anyone to try to know the future? How has this proved to be futile? Jesus is our peace and our good Shepherd. How does this bring your heart peace today? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As you face new fearful challenges, recall his goodness, love, and faithfulness. Take time to grab his hand and walk forward with his peace. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Perfect Love By: Amanda Idleman 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Have you experienced God’s perfect love in your life? What did it feel like? How did it change your situation or perspective? God’s love is the one and only force powerful enough to truly change us. To redeem us. To rescue us from our own sin, fear, and confusion. His love makes us perfect. The primary quality of perfect love is that with this kind of love present fear is banished. When fear enters a situation, that means we aren’t walking in God’s perfect love. With that in mind, it’s clear that we are not living in the full reality of God’s love so much of the time. I know that I, for one, live with fear and anxiety as my default approach more often than not. When an unexpected expense pops up my gut reaction is anxiety over how the extra bill will be paid rather than a peace that the God who knows every hair on my head will provide exactly what I need. If my child is struggling I immediately hop into Mom action mode trying to control the situation for their benefit rather than pausing to pray for wisdom. If I experience conflict in my marriage or with others I love, I fret endlessly over how things played out, instead of going to God in repentance and seeking His gracious understanding. I live with fear and anxiety because I live by my strength not by his grace. That’s why we need to be reminded that this Christian life we have been gifted is not one about rules or measurements. It’s a grand love story. When we are tempted to fear we are invited to recall our first love and all the ways God has so graciously provided for us. Remember how the last time you felt a financial pinch, God provided! How he has held your marriage together despite both of your imperfections. How he gifted you that child and loves them even more than you do. His love is deep, wide, and relentlessly pursuing us. When we grab onto that perfect love the voice of fear grows quieter and quieter until it is silenced because God’s love casts out all fear. FEar and love cannot coexist. This week I was convicted to practice what I preach. I felt anxiety well up in me as a child we know is at risk and I am not sure if or how I could be the one to help care for them. I am afraid of how my lack of action would impact the child and how my potential actions would impact my family. It feels like either way I’d be letting someone down or putting someone at risk. I am afraid. Then I was reminded of this verse and how God loves this child that is being knit together in a womb and my first job is to pray for this child. His love and provision is big enough to give me wisdom and this child a hope and a future. I have to hold onto God's hand and rely on his peaceful guidance rather than fretting over the many unknowns that could unfold in this wild situation. It amazes me that no matter how many times I have witnessed God’s miracle working power in my life I still so quickly forget and doubt his loving sovereign work in my life. I am like the Isrealites, wandering and so quickly looking to my own self-made gods to solve the problems of my own wilderness journey, rather than looking to the one that promises to deliver me to the promise of Heaven. Thankfully God’s love is patient and kind. He allows us to repent, to learn, and to return to Him over and over as we journey through life. For that amazing grace I am so thankful. Intersecting Faith and Life Have you truly experienced God’s life changing, fear banishing love? If not, take time to pray and ask God to show you how to fall in love with him. If you have, reflect on what God has done for you. As you face new fearful challenges, recall his goodness, love, and faithfulness. Take time to grab his hand and walk forward with his peace. Listen to Do It Again by Elevation Worship this week as a way to remind your spirit that the God who did will for you will do it over and over again! Further Reading 3 Dangers of Having a Controlling Spirit Bible Verses about God's LoveHow to Understand and Internalize God’s Deep Love for Us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

During this election season, ask God to guard your heart, mind, and tongue with His peace. Commit to praying for our nation and for those who disagree with you, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth to them. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below How to Stay Peaceful through Election Day and Beyond (710 words) By Lynette Kittle “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”--Romans 12:18 Political divisiveness in our nation is at blood boiling temperatures, where rather than just having differing viewpoints between people, there is a growing disdain towards those who disagree and don’t align with personal party choices. Sadly, living at peace with everyone seems almost impossible to achieve in the current volatile political climate, especially during election season. It’s challenging seeing opposing political posts on social media and reading of others’ support for candidates whose policies go against our Christian values, beliefs, and convictions. But rather than duking it out with them, the Apostle Paul in Romans 14:19 urges, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” So how do we make it to and through Election Day in one piece, retaining our peace and being kind and tenderhearted to those around us while at the same time disagreeing with their political stances? Avoiding Heated Political Conflicts with Our Neighbors and Family Members United States 3rd President Thomas Jefferson said to William Hamilton, April 22, 1800, “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” Of course it’s more difficult to feel warm towards someone we strongly disagree with concerning politics. It’s much easier to feel love towards those who agree and support our beliefs. Still God’s way is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), even when our neighbor holds opposing political viewpoints. So instead of jumping headfirst into heated political discussions, God calls us to resist the temptation. “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3:9). Especially true when it comes to our family and neighbors, God calls us to “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Stand Firm in the Light Yet as Christians, as children of the light, we are called to push back the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 reminds us, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” It’s hard to see what’s happening in our culture and nation, where like Isaiah 5:20 describes, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Sinful practices that used to be hidden are now being voted on and made into laws and policies. As Ephesians 5:12 explains, “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” Whereas John 3:20 discusses how evil hides in the darkness so its deeds aren’t exposed, we’re seeing more and more in America, how it’s pushing its way into the daylight, demanding to have a forefront place in our society. Still, staying in peace doesn’t mean we don’t stand up for what is right in God’s eyes. It’s important we speak up for His truth, and it’s also critically important that when we do, we forgo name-calling and disrespecting those who disagree with us. Where Peace Is Found Staying peaceful throughout Election Day and beyond requires looking to and relying on the peace that only God can give us. Our pathway to peace is found in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Peace can only come from one source. As Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Intersecting Faith & Life: During this election season, ask God to guard your heart, mind, and tongue with His peace. Commit to praying for our nation and for those who disagree with you, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth to them. Further Reading: 7 Ways to Love Your Family When You Disagree on Politics https://www.crosswalk.com/featured-plus-pdfs/7-ways-to-love-your-family-when-you-disagree-on-politics.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A tree with strong roots can endure any type of wind. No matter how tall the tree’s trunk is, the roots are what matters. Whether you are in the middle of a storm or not, seeking God and learning to trust Him in all things can begin now. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Storms Only Last a Season By Sarah Frazer Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. Psalm 57:1 (ESV) The storms that have blown through the eastern part of our beautiful country have devastated so much. People, buildings, animals, and nature all succumbed to the storms' power. As so many friends, neighbors, and family pick up the pieces of the physical storms that have come through, I can’t help but think about those storms in our lives that devastate us in other ways. Things like cancer, heart attacks, grief, loss, depression, anxiety, and so much more have touched so many lives. These types of storms aren’t cleaned up in a few days, weeks, or even months. Sometimes, these storms leave us ragged and worn for a long time. We often don’t have any warning for these types of storms either. In Psalm 57, David, the rightful king, runs away from King Saul. Saul wants to kill David, and, in a panic, David writes Psalm 57. In the middle of a cave, in the dark, with the storm of an angry king threatening his very life, David writes these words. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. Psalm 57:1 (ESV) David knows the storm is here, and he is seeking refuge. Instead of running to weapons, war, or his own strength, David runs to God. When the storms of life threaten to overturn our faith, do we run to God first? Do we see Him in our true refuge? I admit sometimes I try to fix things on my own. I exhaust all of my own resources before coming to God. Let’s take a pause and speak to God in the midst of our storm: “God! Be my refuge.” What I love is that David acknowledges that he is in the middle of a storm but also reminds himself that storms will pass. He says, “Till the storms of destruction pass by.” The storms will pass by. The storm will not last forever. We get caught up in the moment and the aftermath of the destruction that we forget that the storms will soon be gone. Just like the hurricanes pass by, the waters will recede, and the sun will reappear again, God will stay the storms of life and they won’t last forever. We can hang on to God because He is a safe refuge and strong enough to help us through. Each day we can come to God with our weaknesses and say, “I can’t do this.” And realize that is ok! God is more than able to hold us up. What I love is that not only does David remind us that the storms of life will pass, but that the storms are there to serve God’s purpose for our lives. David says in the next verse: I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2 (ESV) God had a purpose for David’s life, and He has a purpose for us as well. Right now, the storm might be coming, or you might feel like you are in the middle of that storm. God has a purpose for this storm. No, He doesn’t wish or cause the hard things present in your life right now, but God can use even those things for His glory and our good. In all of this, God’s purpose is to make us more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). May we endure the storms in the shadow of God’s care, understanding that the storms will pass and everything - even this - is part of God’s plan. Intersecting Faith & Life: Our faith is often most evident when the storms come. Will we rely on God, or will we trust our own abilities to just endure it? I think we so often see life as a choice to trust God or not. The key is to develop a heart of faith along the way. So many people failed when their faith was tested because they failed to walk with God even during the “sunny days.” What you do between storms fortifies your life and gets you ready for the surge of what might be coming. We don’t live in dread or expect doom around every corner. Instead, we learn the daily habit of meeting with God in prayer and Bible reading while developing our faith muscles one little bit at a time. A tree with strong roots can endure any type of wind. No matter how tall the tree’s trunk is, the roots are what matters. Whether you are in the middle of a storm or not, seeking God and learning to trust Him in all things can begin now. Storms won’t last forever, but our faith can! What is one aspect of God’s character that can help anchor your heart in a storm? Further Reading Isaiah 4:6 Nahum 1:7 Psalm 107:29 Matthew 8:26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising o

Have you asked God to show you how you can partner with Him in pushing back the darkness in this world? How does it feel to know that God’s Light and love will win in the end? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Focus on Jesus By Alexis A. Goring “I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.” — Psalm 123:1 (NIV) Let’s face it: Our world is in complete chaos. But we do have hope! His name is Jesus Christ and He can help us survive this experience on Earth. It’s easy to get caught up in all that is wrong with our world today: wars and rumors of wars, division in the Christian church, turmoil in our communities in the USA and throughout the world, bad weather wreaking havoc, political upheaval, as well as personal struggles and the trials we all endure as followers of Jesus Christ. Truthfully, it’s a lot and very overwhelming if that’s our focus. But the moment we decide to turn our eyes upon Jesus, that is when our perspective begins to change. We remember that planet Earth is not our home. We realize that one day, Jesus will return and usher all His faithful followers into Heaven where there will be no more pain, sorrow, heartbreak, disappointment, or sin. Heaven is a perfect place, and when we arrive there, we too will be perfect. But for now, Earth is our temporary home. God does not expect us to ignore all the problems we have on this planet. Instead, He expects us to serve others as we serve Him. It’s our duty to make this world a better place. We can do that by focusing on our faith walk with Jesus. When we ask Him to show us what He is doing in this world, we can learn what we can do to partner with Him in driving out the darkness. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and as Christians, we are a light for Christ (Matthew 5:14). It is important to spend time with God and ask Him how we can share Christ’s light and love with our fellow humans—especially those who don’t know Jesus yet. William J. Thoms, a British writer, said, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” Therefore, let’s do our best to love God and all people. Our hope is that they will be drawn to Him and learn how much God loves them. When we share the love of Jesus, it helps to ease their pain as they learn how to look to Christ. The lyrics to the hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” tell us that when we look to Jesus, all the problems in this world seem to fade away. Our perspective is renewed as we allow His goodness, grace, and mercy to flood our souls, bringing us close to Him and reminding us that this world is not our home. Several years ago, I was pouring out my heart to Jesus about all the pain in this world and lamenting how it was affecting me. God responded by speaking these words to my heart: “Remember, Earth is temporary and that means your pain is temporary.” He helped me see that all the trials and tribulations, death and destruction, betrayal and pain … it all will be put to a permanent end by Jesus Christ. There is an expiration date to our pain and that date is known as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Only God knows the exact date and time when He will send His Son to take us home (Matthew 24:36). God wants everyone to know Him and be saved in His Kingdom. Let’s keep working to share His Light and His love with our world today and every day. There are two songs that helped to inspire this devotional today: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Rachael Lampa and “Turn to Jesus” by Katy Nichole. I encourage you to listen to both, because the lyrics can help us focus on Jesus. Let’s thank Jesus for being our safe place, our refuge and ever-present help in trouble. Let’s look to Jesus and focus on Him so that we are not consumed by all the pain and suffering in this world. Let’s thank the Lord for always being here for us and never leaving us to face life alone. Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you asked God to show you how you can partner with Him in pushing back the darkness in this world? How does it feel to know that God’s Light and love will win in the end? Further Reading: Hebrews 12:2 Hebrews 13:14 James 1:2-4 Romans 5:1-5 Joshua 1:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

To receive, to give, to experience. With him and with others. Maybe we should shift our focus there for a deep breath from the tough stuff that is attempting to hold us down. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Finding Relief in the Focus of What Matters Most By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” - Matthew 22:37-39 It was a song I hadn’t heard in years. Until a recent quick drive across town when my phone connected to CarPlay, and somehow the shuffle function turned to an old familiar Carrie Underwood tune. The words I’d once sung without so much as a second thought, suddenly captivated me with an “aha” moment. It was this sweet line: “When you figure out love is all that matters after all, it sure makes everything else seem so small.” I had been facing some hard life challenges. An unforeseen financial downfall that had hit our circumstances like a freight train, causing all sorts of difficult decisions, suffocating setbacks, and loads of comfort-cuts so to speak. Yet, this whole mess followed a major close call of loss of a loved one, fell in the midst of others in my intimate circle dealing with devastating health declines, and all surrounded by a swelling sense of God‘s presence and loving hand over it all. So when these lyrics grazed my heart, it hit me. Comparatively half of what’s been holding me down in the dumps is vastly unimportant. But the loves of my life–love, is what really matters. People are what matter most. Our love for God and others–love from God and others–all of this is what actually matters. And as I become more aware and acknowledge this truth, everything else does seem much smaller. Is there some stuff going on in your world right now, clogging up the joyful halls of your heart too? Cares that, if you’re being honest, have less to do with a focus on God‘s love, or love for his people, and more to do with worldly gain or a concern with the lack thereof. Maybe consumption with a job search, details of some project, our country's political state, or uncertainty of your financial future? You know, the lines of Carrie’s song definitely aren’t directly out of the Bible, but I think we could agree that love might matter most to God too. Hence his greatest commandments mentioned in Matthew Chapter 22, to love God and others. Not that he doesn’t care about all the other things you’re struggling through right now. Because quite the opposite is true—he most certainly sees and cares for it all. But, if you’re anything like me, you may gladly welcome this perspective shift for a moment. Because becoming consumed with anything of the world can absolutely start to drive us all crazy. If you think about it—the other stuff we get all worked up over that starts to seem to matter so much. What is it that we are really wanting with, and from, it all? I think deep down we are wanting and reaching for relief. And we seek relief because we long for the comfort it brings. And how do we ultimately receive and experience true comfort? I think it’s from love. The fullness of love that only God can give. And here’s what’s beautiful—something also reflected in the chorus of the same song, “What you’ve been out there searching for forever is in your hands.” God's love is in our very hands. We already have it. To receive, to give, to experience. With him and with others. Maybe we should shift our focus there for a deep breath from the tough stuff that is attempting to hold us down. Intersecting Faith & Life: Think for a minute about the people in your life that you love. And those God has graced you with their love. You know they matter more than anything else the world wants to weigh you down with, don’t you? I pray you can find some precious relief you’ve been praying for at this very moment as you set your eyes and focus on them, on him, on what matters most. This, this love, is at your fingertips, in your hands, and in your heart. Always with you. God, God’s love, God’s people, and the blessing of being able to love them all back. Thank you, Lord. Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

He is in charge, He always has been and always will be. This will never change, and we can rest in His unchanging nature in the midst of an ever-changing world. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below The God Over Rulers By Emma Danzey Daniel 2:21 says, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” It is no surprise that election years bring a new level of tension and worry. We begin to wonder “What will the next four years look like if…” A lot can happen in four years and a president or a governing politician in the Senate or the House can make ungodly decisions that negatively effect our nation. However, Daniel lived in a time with a worldly king whom he did not agree with or bow to, but He reminds us that God removes and sets up kings. Today as we take time to break down this powerful verse, may it bring peace into our hearts that God is still the King of kings and Lord of lords. “He changes times and seasons” “America looks different now than it used to.” “We are running away from God as a nation.” “America is truly becoming a post-Christian society.” These are all statements that you might be hearing or wrestling through yourself. However, we know that just like God changes the times and the seasons, our days will be different from the past just like the future will be different from our current generation’s lives. This can be scary and unsettling if we allow it to be, or we can remember that the Lord is working everything together towards His return. We are told many times that there will be great trials and tribulations, that there will be war, famine, and evil taking place globally. However, we can easily reject the idea and just want heaven on earth now, but this is not the Lord’s perfect plan. Things are going to get worse before they get better. I think about the large pile of laundry on the bed right now. It looks like a mountain of a mess, but I know that after I go deal with the laundry and put it away, my family will have such happiness in all of our things washed, dried and usable for the week ahead. We might be seeing a load of dirty laundry of sin piling up in our own nation, but this is not new to history. Many, if not all, have seen this in their lifetimes in one way or another. Sin has always been since the garden and it will always be until death or Jesus’ returns. As times and seasons literally change, may we remember who is still in charge no matter how big the mess appears. “He removes kings and sets up kings;” This statement alone should bring us great peace. God is in control. No king or president reigns without our sovereign Lord allowing it. Not even a local mayor is elected without the Lord allowing it. You might say, “But what about dishonesty or padding votes?” “What if there are schemes of mankind behind the scenes?” The beauty is that even if sinful acts take place, nothing is a surprise to God and ultimately He can take sinful decisions of humanity and turn them around for the good of His believers and for His glory. We could live in “What ifs” every day, we could worry for weeks and months about politics, but what good does that do? Satan wants to distract us from the real battle going on. Yes, it is important to be properly informed and to vote. However, we are Christ followers have an eternal mindset. This is significant because our decisions and our goals should be heavenly focused. If we become consumed by the fear, anger, and goals of elections, then we forget our main mission to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19-20) The Devil wants us to be distracted from the real work of a disciple of Jesus and he is not above using politics to cause the church to miss the mission and the hope that we have in our King Jesus. He is in charge, He always has been and always will be. This will never change, and we can rest in His unchanging nature in the midst of an ever-changing world. “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” We as voters and citizens need great wisdom and knowledge. God can lead us in our choices and our decisions. He is not beyond revealing His will with His Word. When we are confused or do not know what to do, let us not remain complacent, but let us search the Bible for our answers. His Word stands true forever. We can pray and ask His Spirit in us to lead us and help us to navigate conversations, the unknown fears we have, and pray through the sorrow over the sin of the world. Intersecting Faith & Life: How are you feeling about the upcoming elections? Do you have fear, anger, indifference, or even hope? Whatever you are experiencing, remember that our King of kings is in control, and He removes

His divine power, unleashed through our dependence upon and yielding to Him, provides everything we need to live as His called, chosen, and redeemed children. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Divinely Empowered to Love People Well By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV). After one particularly discouraging family reunion during which my faults appeared to have greatly outnumbered my positive qualities, my therapist helped me regain a balanced perspective. She encouraged me to journal separately on each day of the vacation, prayerfully considering what I felt I did well and what I wish I’d done differently. This activity helped me to recognize ways in which I’d allowed my inner critic’s voice to speak louder than God’s gentle and empowering grace. This was important because focusing on my flaws only kept me stuck. Whereas reflecting upon all I had in Christ inspired me to soul-deep transformation. Yes, I have many areas within that need growth, but I also possess the power of God, working in and through me. As today’s passage states, He has given me everything I need to live as He desires and love my people well. Peter, a leader in the first-century church, wrote the letter from which today’s passage comes while in Rome, knowing he would likely soon die. This was during the later years of Emperor Nero’s reign, a terrifying time for Christ-followers during which they experienced intense persecution. On top of this, the people to whom Peter wrote were also suffering from strife and dissention within their faith community—when they most needed one another’s support. Frightening and uncertain circumstances can cause us to behave in ugly ways. When our stress levels increase, our gentleness and self-control tend to decrease, when we rely solely on ourselves. But when, in the middle of chaos, we pause to connect with Christ, He fills our souls with strength, speaks words of truth, and reignites our hope. He reminds us of His precious promises, sprinkled throughout Scripture, such as His pledge to never leave us or forsake us, to work all things for our good, and to bring us a glorious future. Intersecting Life & Faith: We cannot love like Jesus apart from Jesus. No amount of human effort will enable us to overcome our sinful tendencies and fear-based responses. Self-reliance only distances us from our Savior, the One who died to free us from everything that corrupts who He created us to be. His divine power, unleashed through our dependence upon and yielding to Him, provides everything we need to live as His called, chosen, and redeemed children. But notice, this godliness comes through our knowledge of Him, as well. As Chuck Swindoll from Insight for Living wrote, “Our knowledge of God through His Word is the first line of defense against the conflicts that threaten to tear us apart.” In the New Testament, we often see two different words translated as knowledge. One, eido, refers to assenting to, or coming to realize a fact, such as that the earth is round, or that two plus two equals four. The word used in today’s passage, however, epignósis in the original Greek, has the connotation of knowledge gained through personal experience, and often, in relationship. Therefore, the more we come to know Jesus, by drawing near to Him in times of trouble, allowing His gentle whisper to calm and nourish us, and grasping the unfathomable vastness of His love, the greater our godliness. We come to know, with ever-deepening intimacy, the God who, in Exodus 33, equated His glory with His goodness. As I consider all involved in “our knowledge of him,” as today’s passage states, I’m reminded of Romans 12:2, which tells me I am transformed by the “renewing of my mind.” This involves unlearning old, unhealthy patterns of behavior and learning to live in my new reality as a loved, empowered, and victorious child of God. I love what Paul Tripp wrote: “… because of my relationship with Christ, I have been given a warrior Spirit that lives inside me.” That is far from a statement of defeat. To the contrary. Scripture assures us, in all things, our triggers and deeply-ingrained sins included, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Rom. 8:37). I’m encouraged to know, the next family reunion, I will more consistently respond to my relatives, the most challenging included, like my Savior. Further Reading: Galatians 5:13-25 Ezekiel 3:26-28 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Photo Credit: Discover more Christian podcasts at lif

If you’re struggling to feel worthy enough to come to Jesus, what about today’s verses in Matthew 11:28-29 encourage you to put aside your shame and run to Him in prayer right now? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below How to Come to Jesus By Sarah Frazer Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Growing up in church, Jesus was a familiar name. I never remember a time when I didn’t know what the name of Jesus meant or who Jesus was. My heart is burdened to know that there are people in this world, even today, who don’t know the name of Jesus. Whether you have been reading the Bible for a long time or are new to the faith, Jesus is the central figure. Although we might love studying our Bible to see who Jesus is and what He is doing, we might wonder, what does that have to do with us today? Other than knowing about Jesus’ life and His teaching, what more is there? Jesus is more than just a real Man who lived thousands of years ago. Jesus is more than the One who took our place and paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus is God and sits on the throne in heaven and intercedes for us. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and work today are all relevant to each of us. Knowing about all of this in the Bible is vital to our Christian growth. Pursuing more and more the knowledge of Christ surpasses all that we could strive to do in our faith. Paul said it was something he wanted to do more than anything else in this world (Philippians 2:8-10). Is knowledge enough, though? Knowledge of Christ, although valuable, is not all that Jesus offers you and me. More than knowledge, we have been invited to have a relationship with Jesus. God uses the analogy of a family throughout the Bible to compare our relationship with God, the Father, and Jesus, the Son. We are called brothers and “heirs” (Romans 8:16-17). We are related to Jesus as siblings. This type of relationship is more than just a knowledge of Someone. One time, while on a short-term mission trip, a native girl found out we were from the United States. She asked us if we knew Michael Jordan. We all laughed. Of course, we knew who Michael Jordan was, but she was asking if we knew him in the sense of having a relationship with him. We explained to her that we knew of him, but we didn’t really know him. Can the same be said of us and Jesus? Do we know about Jesus but not truly know Him? Even if you feel as if you have a relationship with Jesus, maybe something is keeping you from deeper intimacy with Christ. Let’s look to Matthew 11:28-30 to see how Jesus invites all of us to come to Him. First, we come to Jesus with heavy burdens. You might imagine that you have to get rid of the things that are within you before you come to Jesus. Maybe you carry the guilt of past sins or the shame of choices that you have made. That burden does not disqualify you when you come to Jesus. Come as you are, knowing that the person you are now is not the end of the story. Next, we come to Jesus, knowing we will never be the same. Come as you are is a common phrase in our world today, but the beautiful thing about Jesus is when we come to Jesus as we are, we don’t stay that way. When we come as we are, we acknowledge our past and our sinful hearts, but we also come willing to be someone different. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden…” But then in Matthew 11:29, He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me….” We must also come to Jesus willing to change. We come to Jesus knowing that our old selves have been destroyed and our new hearts are now inside of us! (1 Corinthian 5:17) We are a new creation, and we come to Jesus so He can clean, heal, and make us beautiful. Finally, Jesus says we can come to Him expectantly. In Matthew 11:28-30, we see one word repeated twice. That word is “rest.” We can expect that Jesus will accept us and that we will find rest. I don’t know about you, but the worries and stress of this world can overwhelm my heart. Coming to Jesus means we lay down our burdens, learn from Him, and expect rest. Come to Jesus, friend. He is waiting and willing to accept you. His heart is already turned toward you. No amount of sin can keep us away from Him. If you are His child, through grace, you are saved (Ephesians 2:10), and through grace, you are already accepted as a child of God. Jesus is waiting to have a relationship with you. Come. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re struggling to feel worthy enough to come to Jesus, what about today’s verses in Matthew 11:28-29 encourage you to put aside your shame and run to Him in prayer right now? Further Reading: James 4:8 Jeremiah 29:13 Proverbs 8:17 Psalms 27:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/c

Take a moment with me, pause, and consider what’s concerning you. What is troubling your heart and consuming the thoughts of your soul? Now, give it to God. Surrender it. Release it. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Choosing God’s Peace Over Problems By Keri Eichberger Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but just when I thought my stress couldn’t get much worse, I recently became convinced I was pregnant. Listen, no disrespect to those currently praying for this incredible blessing (by the way, I’d love to join you in prayer), because born and unborn babies are absolute gifts. And if that were God’s will for me, I would surely find my way to embrace it with praise. But the honest truth is, “much worse,” was definitely what I felt in the face of that possibility last week. I mean, I’ll turn 45 next month and many days it seems I can hardly handle the five kids God gifted me. Plus, just before this possibility arose we’d unexpectedly found ourselves drowning in a huge financial hole. I was too tired, too old, too inadequate, too broke—so I thought. Not to mention, this was not part of my peaceful future plan. How in the world would I? I wondered. I’ll tell you one thing I was convinced of—well two actually. One: What felt like a heavy inescapable pit last week, seemed super tolerable now, considering what I thought was literally growing within. And two: I needed God‘s peace and relief big time, regardless. I now know that I’m not actually pregnant—and if I were, we’d be having quite a different chat about the miracles of God and his divine ability to define medical odds (if you know what I mean). But when I was so sure, days upon days, without a shadow of a doubt, that I was going to be adding a sixth child via a geriatric pregnancy, I became consumed with all the taxing implications. Then laser soul-focused on the emotional and spiritual adjustments I needed to make to prepare if this was to be God’s plan. And here is where I landed in the midst of my worries, fears, and troubled heart. I have two choices every day—every moment really—in the face of the big unknowns of today and tomorrow. I can either allow the swirling scary thoughts to overwhelm me with worry and anxiety, like this started too. OR, I can hand them over to the One who actually has control of all the outcomes anyway. And here’s the kicker, only one of those choices can give me what I really want. Peace. So, I chose peace. How about you? Is there something that doesn’t seem to be going quite as you had planned? And is it disrupting your peace? Do you feel troubled, fearful even? Oh boy was I feeling that big time when me and my apparently pre-menopausal hormones had to take consecutive days of pregnancy tests last week. The thing is, we can’t ultimately control a lick of what’s in store. And trust me, there’s going to be some tough stuff ahead, even if most of your plans do align with your hopes and expectations. But we can still have peace. And peace is most certainly part of God’s plan. Always. Better yet, we can have God’s peace. Which is so much better, infinitely more rich, than what the world will offer in a variety of fleeting fixes and temporary comforts. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you.” He has left it, deposited it, in us, as his followers. To freely tap into, at any time via our advocate, the Holy Spirit. Just like he left it in the disciples before he completed his earthly mission. Friend, you and I have the Lord‘s peace. We just have to choose it. And I hope you’ll choose it too. Intersecting Faith and Life: Take a moment with me, pause, and consider what’s concerning you. What is troubling your heart and consuming the thoughts of your soul? Now, give it to God. Surrender it. Release it. In doing this you’re choosing more peace. And I know that’s what we both want. So, today, release and choose peace when you’re worried about what might happen. Release and choose God’s peace still when what you didn’t want does happen. Because sometimes his plans do look different than ours. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because remember, his plan is always best. He knows and sees what you don’t. And no matter what, he has deposited in you, he always offers, and you can always have, his peace. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Seek to positively influence your spouses, children, and family's lives. You will not only help them and build them up, but it will also change your attitude and help you see life with gratitude and hope rather than despair and pessimism. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Use Your Tongue to Uplift Others “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” James 3:9-10 In our marriage, our routine is to ask each other how our days are when we come home at night. We talk about both the highs and lows of our day. Because my husband's a pastor, I often hear the good and the bad of church life. But as the months wore on, we quickly realized that we were talking more about life's lows than the highs. Although we needed each other to talk to, the more we complained, the easier it became to complain. Soon, each day brought nothing but complaints. Finding the good in any situation we were involved in was difficult. One day, we prayed together and asked God to change our hearts regarding our view of our days. We chose to see the good and the positive in people and our situations rather than the bad. Although we needed each other to process through pain and analyze situations from various perspectives, it was not good for our spiritual life or marriage to constantly complain to each other about our work. We asked God to change our perspectives and see life through a positive rather than a negative lens. It was not easy at first since we had gotten into such a bad habit of complaining. But the more we chose to see the positive each day rather than the negative, the easier it became. Within a month, we came home and emphasized the positive rather than the negative. Studies show that the more we complain, our brains are rewired to think negative thoughts. When those thoughts go unchecked, they change our hearts. Once full of hope and optimism, our hearts are soon clouded with negativity and malice. We soon start to change how we see the people around us. Seeing the people we once saw as positive becomes more negative because of our critical spirits. Hypercritical people are often hypocritical people. This is because we are to be Christ's examples. Yet, when we spend time complaining rather than looking at the positive side of things, we view our world with pessimism and despair rather than optimism and hope. Although it is essential to see our world in a good way, we must emphasize the positive things in life. Our words carry weight. When you speak to the people around you, are you the first to give a critical word? Are you someone people know is safe because they know you will give them a word of encouragement? Although it is essential to speak the truth plainly to people and to help people in their lives by pointing out their sins so they can be better people, we don't want to be people who are only known for what we are against rather than what we are for. We need to strike a good balance between how much we complain and how much we encourage. If we complain more than we encourage, we tend to use our tongues for cursing rather than building up our brothers and sisters. If we tend to criticize too much, we will be tuned out because we will be seen as overly critical people who only speak negative words rather than positive ones. If you find you are using your tongue to curse rather than build up, there's hope. For the next seven days, seek only to say positive things to people. When you feel tempted to give a negative word, change it into a positive. If you have difficulty with this, pray and ask God to help tame your tongue. Seek to positively influence your spouses, children, and family's lives. You will not only help them and build them up, but it will also change your attitude and help you see life with gratitude and hope rather than despair and pessimism. Father, let us be people who choose to use our tongues for good rather than evil. Let us, God, not curse our brothers and sisters but build them up, saying what may benefit them. Please help us be people who reflect you by giving people the hope that's in you. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life In what way are you using your tongue to curse others? What steps can you take today to help you change negative words into positive ones? Further Reading Ephesians 4:29 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Peace comes when we remember that we’re travelers, passing through, and therefore, today’s pain won’t last forever. And, we are heading toward a beautiful, joyful, certain and secure paradise where we will no longer experience pain, sickness, persecution or heartache. A place where we will live with God, completely whole, for all of eternity. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Hope in Hard Seasons By Jennifer Slattery Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:1-3 Imagine losing your job, many of your friends, maybe even experiencing rejection from your extended family. How might you feel, and how might your hardship and pain affect your faith? While I don’t know how I’d respond in such a situation, I do know how I reacted, decades ago, when a series of difficult events left my family and I in a three-year period of constant transition, loss, and uncertainty. Initially, I felt abandoned by God, not chosen and loved. But God used that dark season to deepen my faith and the bonds within our family. That said, I’ve never experienced persecution like the Christ-followers addressed in 1 Peter. After turning to Christ for salvation, these mainly Gentile believers “suffer[ed] grief in all kinds of trials,” inflicted by their Greek and Jewish neighbors. If evaluating their standing from their circumstances alone, these precious men and women would not have felt chosen. Therefore, the opening of Peter’s letter must’ve felt like an assuring balm to their wounded souls. “To God’s elect,” he wrote, “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God” (1 Peter 1a, 2a, NIV). How comforting to read the reminder of God’s perfect wisdom—of all things past, present, and future. He knew, before they even understood who Jesus was, precisely what they’d experience each day after they yielded their souls to Him. He chose them—not for destruction or defeat, but for victory and eternal joy. In Christ, they’d received a living hope—a firm promise that no one and nothing could take away. They could know, with certainty, where they were heading and everything that awaited them when they arrived. In the New International Version, quoted above, Peter refers to these men and women as exiles. The New American Standard Bible calls them aliens, and the New Living Translation refers to them as foreigners. The Greek word behind each of these translations indicates someone temporarily residing in an area that is not their permanent home. Intersecting Life and Faith According to Scripture, this applies to all of us. This present world is not our home. We are, essentially, passing through—steadily progressing toward our eternal destination and the inheritance secured for us by the death and resurrection of Christ. Today’s passage reminds me of Christ’s words in Matthew 6:19-21, when He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” That doesn’t mean God doesn’t want us to enjoy nice things, invest in a 401K, or take relaxing vacations. But He does warn us of the danger of allowing those temporary pleasures to capture our heart. When that happens, the hardships we experience feel all the more painful because we’re less anchored in Christ and overly attached to the things we’ve lost. Peace comes when we remember that we’re travelers, passing through, and therefore, today’s pain won’t last forever. And, we are heading toward a beautiful, joyful, certain and secure paradise where we will no longer experience pain, sickness, persecution or heartache. A place where we will live with God, completely whole, for all of eternity. Because we are chosen and called to a hope-filled future, held secure by the God of hope. Additional Reading: Romans 8:18-39 Revelations 21:1-5 Articles: What Does the Bible Say About Rewards in Heaven? 10 Things All Christians Should Know About Heaven Discover more Christia

If your life feels too rushed and busy, how can you stop today and spend time just being still and listening to God’s voice? What are you waiting for God to do in your life? How can you hand that over to Him, trusting that He will do it in His timing and in His way? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: God Is Not in a Hurry By Sarah Frazer Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7 (ESV) My oldest daughter does not like to be in a hurry. Over the past few months, I’ve had to wake her up a little earlier than everyone else on school days. I sneak into her room, turn off her sound machine, and whisper, “Good morning.” She takes longer to get ready, and I understand the need for a slow morning. I don’t like to feel like I’m in a hurry. My favorite time of the day is the morning. But when we get to sleep in and enjoy the morning without being rushed, those are my absolute favorite times. My life feels like I’m in a hurry most of the time. One thing I have tried to implement lately, taken from my daughter, is to stop rushing through my days. There is something about waiting and being still that doesn’t seem productive. I struggle with the need to feel like I’m working all of the time. But if there is a pocket of time I’m learning the beauty of sitting still and just being there. No agenda, no job, no need to be productive. As I study the Bible, I’ve seen over and over again that our God is not in a hurry. In Psalm 37, we see David, the author, providing us with a blueprint for the life of the one who loves God. There are several command words in this chapter. Words like “Fret not, trust, delight, commit, and be still.” David is reminding us that, yes, our world is filled with rush, hurry, and evil, but God’s ways are different. Our God is never in a hurry because He is always on time. When Paul, in Acts 16:6, wanted to go to Asia to spread the Gospel, God forbade it. It wasn’t that the Gospel wasn’t supposed to go to Asia. It would eventually. The call to go the opposite direction was a matter of timing. God led Paul and his companions to Macedonia instead. God had a plan for you and me as well. As His children, can trust His plan. We get impatient waiting for God to intervene, though, don’t we? We want to see our prayers answered in ways and in the timing we desire. Sometimes, God’s timing seems unnecessarily long. Psalm 37:7 reminds us to wait for God and be still. David says why we should wait. “In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” Psalm 37:10-11 (ESV) The word meek here means “humble, poor, and needy.” God calls His children to be humble. It is humbling to wait. The rich get served first in fancy restaurants, and those with power seem to move ahead of the line. The evil in this world feels like it is never punished, but according to God’s word we need only wait “a little while.” In God’s kingdom, God controls the events and the timing. We can trust and commit our hearts to God because we know, like David, “{God} is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing” (Psalm 37:26). God is providing for each of us generously, we need only be His child and hold His hand. We often get in a hurry because we want things right away or feel as if we have waited long enough. Our prayers feel like they are not even making a difference because we don’t see any change in our lives. This is when we trust. like David did, in, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV) God is a worthy provider and will not lead us astray. That also means that even though we might feel like we are waiting, we are still moving forward. Our mindsets can get stuck in this idea that we have to be busy and work hard. Although we do not neglect what God has entrusted us to do, we often mistake busyness with Christian duty. Being productive is not one of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:23-24. God does not ask us to just get things done. God is asking us to be still throughout our day, too. God asks us to trust Him. Remember that God is not in a hurry, and so He is asking us not to be either. Intersecting Faith & Life: If your life feels too rushed and busy, how can you stop today and spend time just being still and listening to God’s voice? What are you waiting for God to do in your life? How can you hand that over to Him, trusting that He will do it in His timing and in His way? Further Reading: Acts 16:6-10 John 11:1-6, 21-27 Galatians 6:9 Romans 12:12 Discove

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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.” SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 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 Go

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? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquir

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.” . SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: The God of Every GenerationWritten 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ 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 th

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 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 wil

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/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ 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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Full of Grace, Seasoned with SaltWritten By: Emma Danzey Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians is a beautiful letter in the Bible written by Paul while he was in prison to the church of Colossae. As he concludes his letter to the people, he makes a point to be devoted to prayer and make the most of every opportunity with outsiders. (unbelievers) His advice is found in verse 6. As we break it down today, may we do so remembering those around us on the outside of the kingdom of God. “Let your Conversation be Always Full of Grace” First of all, the fact that a conversation is being had with unbelievers should remind us that we are to be in relationship and regularly around those who do not know Jesus. This is part of God’s plan for us to shine in the darkness of the world for Him. We are not just to walk past those who do not love Jesus, we are to converse with them, get to know them, ask them questions, and genuinely care about them. I confess this can be a challenge in my own life. I do not always want to, “make time” for people who do not know Jesus. It can be awkward and it can feel like a lot of pouring out compared to others relationships in my life. However, this is the call of a believer to go and share the gospel. Jesus spent a significant amount of time with people who did not know God, so He could reveal Himself to them. We are called and commanded to go and make disciples just like He did. Paul teaches that we are to always be full of grace. This is huge because unbelievers will attack our faith in Christ, the world hates Jesus and His Word. However, as we live out grace in our conversations, it reveals the deep love that the Lord has for us and for them. We know that it is by grace we have been saved, so when we model that grace in our conversations with unbelievers, it gives them a view of the love of Jesus. No matter what they are saying to us, we can respond in ways that they do not deserve, grace is a gift from God that is significant in the witness of a follower of Christ. “Seasoned with Salt,” This is not the only time in the Bible when salt is mentioned in regard to the life of a Christian. Old Testament believers were to season their offerings to God with salt (Leviticus 2:13), King David had a covenant of salt with the Lord (2 Chronicles 13:5), we are told that we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), and salt is referred to being at peace with others. (Mark 9:50) As we reflect on all of these purposes of salt, we can remember that salt adds flavor, it preserves, and it is part of an offering of worship to God. We can add spiritual conversation that causes unbelievers to crave more of Jesus. We can speak in ways that preserve relationships with those who do not have relationships with Jesus. We can worship the Lord by the ways we speak to the people that He has created in His image. “So that you May Know How to Answer Everyone” It is difficult to know how to answer questions of unbelievers sometimes, but God has given us clarity in how we can answer everyone. When we focus on being full of grace and seasoned with salt through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence in our responses. There is peace in knowing that this is only possible with the help of God. One of the fruits of the Spirit is peace. We can be people who know how to answer in peaceful ways even if the answers are challenging or different from the world’s. Intersecting Faith and Life: 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. Further Reading: Matthew 5:13 Mark 9:50 Ephesians 2:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Wisdom Begins with Awe By: Whitney Hopler “Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7, CEB Sitting in the sanctuary of the Washington National Cathedral, I enjoyed a powerful experience of sound and light. Majestic organ music reverberated off the cathedral’s stone walls so strongly that I could feel the vibrations. Sunlight streamed in through the colorful stained-glass windows around me. As the sound and light washed over me and directed my attention to God, I felt a sense of awe. Everything that had distracted me earlier – such as my to-do list and stories I’d read in the news that day – cleared out of my mind so I could focus on God. I learned more of God’s wisdom that day, as awe helped me pay attention to the Creator of all sound and light. Awe enlarged my perspective, giving me reverence for God and inspiring me to seek God’s wisdom. In Proverbs 1:7, the Bible reveals that wisdom starts with fearing God. In our modern context, the word “fear” often has negative connotations. It usually refers to something scary. However, in the biblical sense, fearing God isn’t about being afraid of him. Instead, it’s about feeling awe for God. It’s recognizing that God is perfectly loving, holy, and powerful – and letting that inspire a deep sense of reverence for God in our souls. “The fear of the LORD” refers to being in awe of who God is. It means recognizing God’s greatness and seeking God’s guidance for our lives because we know that God truly knows what’s best for us. This awe of God is the foundation of wisdom because it reorients our entire perspective. When we live in awe of God, we understand that God is the source of all truth and knowledge. We realize that our human understanding is limited, and we need God’s guidance to make the best decisions in life. This humility before God is where true wisdom begins. It leads us to practice discernment, which helps us learn which choices are truly the best ones to make day by day. The second part of Proverbs 1:7 contrasts the wise with those who are foolish: “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Fools, according to the Bible, are people who reject God’s ways, believing they know better. They refuse to be taught, preferring their own ideas and desires over the wisdom that comes from God. In essence, they live without regard for God’s authority, and as a result, their lives are full of confusion and stress. Seeking wisdom, on the other hand, is not just about intellectual knowledge. It’s about living in harmony with God’s will and purposes. When we fear the Lord, we begin to see life from God’s perspective. We start to value what God values and desire to live according to his ways. This kind of wisdom is practical, and comes from our relationships with God. We find the inspiration we need to seek wisdom by discovering and appreciating the wonder of God’s work in our lives. The more we experience God’s wonder and feel awe, the more inspired we become to grow closer to God and learn from his wisdom. We respect our Creator’s ultimate authority and recognize him as the source of all that is good and true. We trust God knows what’s best for us, even when we don’t fully understand his ways. This kind of trust requires us to let go of our pride and open ourselves up to God’s work in every part of our lives. When we are in awe of the Lord, we welcome wisdom into our lives. This doesn’t mean we will never face challenges or make mistakes. But it does mean that our lives will be grounded in the truth of who God is. We will be guided by God’s wisdom, which will always lead us to what’s best. In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. So, let’s embrace this reverent awe of the Lord every day. As we do, we will find that God’s wisdom is not only accessible but abundantly available to us! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how wisdom begins with awe, reflect on these questions: When have you recently felt a deep sense of reverent awe for God? How did that experience inspire you to seek God’s wisdom? In what ways does experiencing awe for God give you a fresh perspective s

Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Finding Hope in God after a Distressing Diagnosis By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Recently, I have been in and out of doctor’s appointments nonstop. Due to persistent pain and flu-like symptoms, I went to the doctor to try to get help and later had to go to the hospital. With all the symptoms I’m having and the tests that have been run, my doctors have come to the conclusion that I have an incurable diagnosis. What I first thought was a virus turned out to be my body attacking itself in a faulty autoimmune response. Sadly, this diagnosis will stay with me for the rest of my life as there is no cure. Thankfully there are medicines to alleviate pain and symptoms. Throughout the course of this illness and the long process of my diagnosis, I have had periods where my trust in God deepens as well as I have had times where I question His goodness. Sometimes we have to experience both of these things before we emerge on the other side. At first, my walk with God suffered due to my intense symptoms. I felt as though God had left me to the wolves and my lot in life was to suffer. During an intense episode of symptoms, I thought I might die of the pain and I reasoned with myself that I was ready to go. There have also been times where I prayed for God just to take my life because I was in so much pain and I wanted the pain to just end. As time has progressed, I have seen God in my pain. While He did not cause the pain, I know He is helping me through it. My symptoms have gotten better at times and this shows me God is working through the situation. Through continued prayers and petitions, I have acknowledged my dependence on Him. Even though He will not take me out of this situation, He will walk with me through this valley of death (Psalm 23). Most of the time we think about how much an incurable diagnosis has taken from us, but I try to think about the things it has given me. The things it has given me is a renewed love for things I once enjoyed and the opportunity to appreciate the little things in life. My incurable diagnosis has filled my life with new changes and sometimes I am too tired to even get to talk walks—something I once used to enjoy. However, on the days I feel good, these little blessings are all the greater. Being able to take an hour walk and feel good is a true blessing. I used to see exercise as a punishment to my body, but now I see it as a gift. Feeling good enough to go out for a walk, go for a hike, or run through a field are all gifts from the Lord. It is funny how we take these things for granted when we are feeling well, yet we crave them when we are ill. When we face an incurable diagnosis, we start being thankful for these little things and these mighty wonders. What might be an everyday task for someone could be a blessing in disguise for someone with an incurable diagnosis. Each day is a gift, but sometimes our joy has to be taken away before we truly see its beauty. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). As Paul says here, God is the God of all hope, and He will fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him. All of this will ensure our hearts overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Whenever our incurable diagnosis has us feeling down, we need to turn to God. He can fill us with hope as we trust in Him. It can be hard to trust God with hard things, such as an incurable diagnosis, but we need to trust Him with all things. Although God doesn’t normally heal people supernaturally in the present day, there is no reason to believe that He won’t help us go into remission and fight our illnesses. Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God. Challenge Questions: Is it hard for you to find hope in God during difficult times? Are you facing an incurable diagnosis? How might you find hope in Him today? Whether you have an incurable diagnosis or not, you can still tak

Do you want to be liked by people? Is it hard for you to say no or to speak truth? Do you want to be accepted by man more than you think upon how you are already accepted by God? What would it look like for you to dwell on the truth that God already accepts you and loves you? How can you remember this in the heat of hard situations and conversations? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How to Stop People Pleasing By Kelly Balarie “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 NIV Praying in agreement, I said, “Oh, yes, I completely agree.” Yet, a nudge hit my heart. Did I really agree with everything this person was praying? Certainly, I was saying yes but, absolutely, I was feeling a red-flag no on the inside. Something was not right. I ignored it and kept praying with the lady anyway…. More details of what this person wanted -- was said after prayer. Something still didn’t feel right. “Oh, ya, I see what you’re saying!” I replied to the person. But, did I? Was I really seeing the way they did or was I just pretending I did? I didn’t fully agree with everything being said. Yet, I was afraid to say this truth. I also wasn’t so sure this was the time nor the place to get into a whole detailed, long conversation as to why I thought differently. I didn’t want conflict; I wanted to keep peace. I like peace. I like people liking me too. Just let it go, Kelly. So, I did. I let it go time and time again. Until the day came that this person made a decision that impacted me in a big way. Then, I flew off the handle at them. Why? Because I wasn’t sure I could trust their motives anymore. I wasn’t sure I could trust me anymore with them. Yet, they never knew all of this. For a long time, I hid my truth. So, they never knew I had a single issue with them until that very day came. Why? Because I was never honest. I wasn’t honest with them nor myself. I kept excusing, rationalizing, and negating away the hard conversation. In this, I lied. People pleasing and pandering to people is a form of dishonesty. We may say, “Oh ya,” “That makes sense,” “Right,” and “I agree”, but do we really? We may nod our head, but what is God saying? It hurts to write this, because often people pleasers, like me, are so used to doing these things that it doesn’t seem wrong. It seems nice and kind. How does God see this behavior? In Galatians 1:10, Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This verse strikes home. We cannot rightly love God when we are pleasing people. There are mixed motives involved here. There are competing loyalties. There are divided interests. God wants all our heart. With this, my people pleasing heart is convicted. So, I go through the process that releases and changes everything. I say, “God, I am sorry. I am guilty of lying, hiding, excusing, and not serving you, first and foremost. Will you forgive me?” Then, I forgive myself and receive His grace. Moving forward, I remember: My job is to please God above pleasing man. I can pray and ask God for wisdom that He will supply for hard conversations. I want to keep my conscience clear, so truthfulness is of vital importance. God has ample grace that will empower me in honesty. He will empower you too! Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you want to be liked by people? Is it hard for you to say no or to speak truth? Do you want to be accepted by man more than you think upon how you are already accepted by God? What would it look like for you to dwell on the truth that God already accepts you and loves you? How can you remember this in the heat of hard situations and conversations? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Shifting our family’s mindset from ownership to stewardship, from entitlement to gratitude, and promoting sacrifice and service will take consistency, commitment, and care. It is a process, but we are not alone. We partner with the Holy Spirit and prayerfully ask the Lord to guide and direct us as we seek to honor Him and all we say and do. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Shifting Our Family’s Mindset By: Laura Bailey “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV “Why can’t we go to an ice cream place after school? It’s been over a week since we’ve gone!” “Why can’t I buy those new shoes? I only have two pairs of sneakers; these are different!” “ Why does it matter that I left my new jacket at school? If something happens to it, we will just get a new one.” “Why can’t we get take-out? We never get to eat out!” Over the last month, my girls complained often about my husband and me not meeting their expectations. I was beyond frustrated at their lack of appreciation; it didn’t matter what we did for them, they were still ungrateful. I shared my frustration with a group of mom friends the next day with nodding heads; many others shared similar stories. “We want to provide for our children, give them opportunities, and make their lives enjoyable and comfortable. But how do we do that while preventing a sense of entitlement and fostering genuine gratitude?” one mom asked the group. Even among the body of believers who strive to guard their hearts against excess consumerism and are dedicated to giving back to the Lord and sharing their wealth, the reality is that our resources are abundant for many. There’s nothing wrong with having a career that provides financial stability or providing our families with experiences and resources to make their lives easier and better. The problem is when our hearts and minds shift from stewardship to ownership. What is the difference between stewardship and ownership? Stewardship is when we are responsible for caring for something that belongs to someone else. Ownership is full possession; it is entirely ours to do what we wish. As Christians, we acknowledge that everything comes from God and are s simply stewards of His gifts ( John 3:27). When we believe everything belongs to the Lord, it guides us as we decide how to spend our time and money. As stewards and not owners, we ask ourselves, “Is the best use of God’s resources?” While Scripture is not against wealth, having nice things, or even living a comfortable life, it does admonish us to be on guard against storing earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). It places the responsibility of caring for those in need on us (Proverbs 22:9). If we find that we are clinging tightly to financial security or personal comfort, if we lack an attitude of gratitude, then we have shifted from stewardship to ownership. Graciously, if we ask God to examine our hearts, He will help us as we move back towards His desires for our life ( Psalm 129:23-34). Setting the Example Have you heard the term, “It’s not what’s taught but what’s caught?” Our children are impacted more by how we live our lives than by the mini-sermons, lessons, and general advice we share. We shouldn’t neglect to speak Truth over them, but all will be lost if we don’t “practice what we preach.” I often feel the tug to complain about making dinner at home when it would be so much easier to eat out and flop on the sofa afterward rather than having to make and clean up a meal. When I see the latest clothing trend I’d love to buy, I have to stop and think about whether it’s wise to purchase it. We must be hyper-aware that our children are always watching us; they are taking it all in, and as parents, we must not only be hearers of the Word but also doers (James 1:22-25). Creating a Mindset of Gratitude When Paul writes to the Thessalonians, encouraging them to be thankful in all circumstances ( 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18), he is not ignoring the realities of life in a fallen world, yet reminding them that gratitude is a heart position. As believers, we can wake up daily with thanksgiving because we have the Gospel's good news. We were once in darkness, and now, through the gift of salvation, we can experience eternal life ( 1 Corinthians 5:17-21). Shifting our family’s mindset from ownership to stewardship, from entitlement to gratitude, and promoting sacrifice and service will take consistency, commitment, and care. It is a process, but we are not alone. We partner with the Holy Spirit and prayerfully ask the Lord to guide and direct us as we seek to honor Him and all we say and do. Intersecting Faith and Life:How can you teach your children to honor God with their resources? Today, read and study Scripture together, filling their hearts and minds with biblical Tr

Let go of your concerns and place them in God’s hands. Trust that God will sustain you, and rest assured that God will be working for the best in every single one of the situations that concerns you. Then enjoy the freedom that brings you! When you’re no longer weighed down by worry, you can experience the well-being and growth God wants for you in every season. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Let Go for Your Well-Being By: Whitney Hopler “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22, NIV When I walk around my neighborhood in the fall, I love to see colorful leaves falling from the trees to the ground. They let go gracefully and fly free through the air until they gently land. It reminds me that it’s important to let go of the concerns I carry myself. If all the cares I carry in my heart and mind were each an individual leaf, there would certainly be enough to fill a large tree. They would catch my attention by looking beautiful, but then it would be time for me to let them go by praying about them and trusting God to handle them. Holding onto my concerns would only lead them to decay, and it would also hold the tree back from thriving. Letting them go, however, would set God’s plans in motion so well-being and growth could happen. Fall leaves remind me that the only way to prepare well for the next season is to let go and trust God. The Bible encourages us to cast our cares on God, assuring us that he will sustain us. God will faithfully support us in all situations, working out what’s best for every single one of our concerns. But first, we have to trust God to do so. Just as a tree releases its leaves to make way for new growth, we too must release our worries to God to keep growing spiritually. Letting go can be difficult. Our human nature often clings to control, trying to manage every detail of our lives. We worry about the future, our loved ones, our health, and so many other concerns. These cares can become heavy – like a tree full of leaves – if we refuse to release them. They can weigh us down, preventing us from experiencing the peace and joy that God wants us to experience. However, when we choose to let go and place our trust in God, we make room for God’s sustaining power to work in our lives. God promises that he will never let the righteous be shaken. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges. But it does mean that we have a firm foundation in God that cannot be moved. He will carry us gracefully through every kind of circumstances – even the most difficult times we face. So, imagine what it would look like to truly let go of your cares. Picture yourself standing beneath a tree in the fall, with your hands full of colorful leaves that represent your worries. Then, one by one, you release them into the air and watch as the wind carries them away. As you let go, you begin to feel lighter, more at peace, and more in tune with God’s presence. God’s invitation to cast your cares on him is not just a suggestion. It’s a promise that God will care for them faithfully and work out the very best in each situation. By letting go, you aren’t abandoning your responsibilities or ignoring your problems. Instead, you’re acknowledging that God is greater than any challenge you face. You’re trusting God to sustain you, to guide you, and to bring about the best outcome according to his perfect will. Whenever you feel burdened by the concerns in your heart and mind, remember the lesson of the falling leaves. Let go of your concerns and place them in God’s hands. Trust that God will sustain you, and rest assured that God will be working for the best in every single one of the situations that concerns you. Then enjoy the freedom that brings you! When you’re no longer weighed down by worry, you can experience the well-being and growth God wants for you in every season. Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider why it’s important for your well-being to let God handle your concerns, reflect on these questions: What cares are you holding onto that you need to release to God? What steps can you take to practice letting go and trusting God more fully in your daily life? How have you experienced God’s sustaining power in your life when you’ve chosen to trust him? In what ways can you remind yourself of God’s promises when you’re tempted to hold onto your concerns? Further Reading 1 Peter 5:7 Matthew 11:28-30 Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 62:8 Isaiah 41:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever had a craving that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can satisfy? How does it feel to know that God can and will fulfill your deepest longings? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Taste of Eternity By Alexis A. Goring “For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.”—Hebrews 13:14 TLB Did you know that it wasn’t God’s desire for humankind to taste death? We were supposed to live with Him forever in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, our First Parents (Adam and Eve) sinned and were banished from the Garden of Eden, which was a place beyond our wildest dreams. Their choice separated them from God. They no longer had direct access to Him and were not able to continue seeing Him face-to-face. However, God did not abandon Adam and Eve. He kept prayer as an open line of communication and sent His angels to protect them from the evil one. He also gave them His grace and mercy and implemented the plan He had put in place for when humankind sinned. Many centuries after Adam and Eve died, God sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to make a way for us to be reconciled with God through the plan of salvation (John 3:16). Because of this plan, we have the hope and promise of enjoying eternity with our Lord and Savior when He returns to take us home to Heaven. But until then, we exist on this Earth that is suffering from all the effects of sin. The Bible says that God has things beyond our greatest imagination prepared for us in Heaven (1 Corinthians 2:9), and one day we will receive it all when we are reunited with Him! But until then, do you find yourself having a longing for eternity? The writer C.S. Lewis said, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” Lately, I’ve experienced this unsatiable craving for eternity spent in the presence of God. I’m eager to be in His Presence, meet His angels—especially the ones that were assigned to keep me safe—be reunited with loved ones who passed away, and be free from all the pain and suffering of life as we know it. The good news is that Jesus is coming again, so one day this will be possible for all who follow Him. But meanwhile, we are on a journey. Have you ever traveled somewhere for something you wanted so badly that you didn’t care how much time it took to get it? I remember when my physical therapist told me that she wants to drive two hours from Maryland to Delaware so that she can enjoy her favorite French fries. She lamented that she was craving those fries from a popular place on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk but didn’t have time to make the trip. She told me that it is worth the drive. I told her that whenever I travel to a far-away destination, I don’t eat certain foods. This is because I hear how delicious they taste and I don’t want to crave them when I return home, because I may never visit that place again. It would feel unbearable to want what I cannot have when it’s not available locally. My way of solving that potential problem is by not even tasting that food, no matter how mouthwatering delicious it might be. It would be hurtful to crave what I cannot satisfy without spending gas money or airfare. Lately, I have been thinking that our spiritual experience as believers in God is similar. When we are born again and follow Jesus earnestly, we get a taste of eternity, and we have a craving for the pure perfection of Heaven. We want to receive the promise of an immortal body and being reconciled with God in real time. We long for all that God has in store for us and the good news is that eventually that craving will be satisfied when we go home with Jesus. But until then, we need to live for Him and focus on the fact that one day He will fulfill this currently insatiable desire to completely experience His Kingdom. Just like my PT was willing to make the long drive out of state to eat her favorite fries, our God sent His only Son (Jesus Christ) on the long journey from Heaven to Earth and guided Him through His life. His plan of salvation was completed so that we could be reunited with Him and restored to life before sin. Eventually, our taste for eternity will be fully satisfied. Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you ever had a craving that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can satisfy? How does it feel to know that God can and will fulfill your deepest longings? Further Reading: John 5:24 John 17:3 Romans 6:23 1 Timothy 6:12 1 John 2:25 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is grabbing your attention? Is it distraction due to the world or are you giving attention to Jesus? Where your attention is so is your devotion? What you give your heart to, has you. Consider your day. How can you carve out time for God? Time for connection? What on your calendar might you need to remove? How can you use spare moments to carve out times of intentional prayer or connectedness with The Lord? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: When Distraction Steals Your Devotion for God By Kelly Balarie “’Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” – Matthew 11:28 NIV Scrolling is resting. That’s the lie I tell myself anyway, as I settle down with my phone for ten minutes. That’ll do the trick. Of course, we all know that ten minutes of scrolling easily turns to thirty. The more I scroll, the more I see what people are upset with, what’s going wrong in the world, what looks like a perfect life for others and whatever else is mindless. Finally, hopping off the phone, am I better for it? Hardly. Did it eat up my time? Absolutely. Do I know what is going on in the world? I think so. Am I more stressed? One-hundred percent. As the day goes on, life happens and I have to handle it all – bills, kids, a move, requests, need of others. Come evening, I seek rest again. A movie? That could do the trick. I watch the movie and head to bed. In bed, conviction hits me. What happened to my time with God today? What happened to my time with God all this week? I spent so much time scrolling on the phone and watching tv that my time with the Lord evaporated. My time in His Word was measly. My time in prayer was non-existent. In my pursuit of seeking worldly rest, I missed it entirely. In fact, before I even came to this realization, in bed, I had to repent of watching the movie I watched and all those icky parts in it. The dialogues of offense at some church scandal gripped my mind.What the world suggests is rest is not rest at all; it is time to sit down and to cultivate inner turbulence that we will have to work out later. It may feel good in the moment but we will pay for it down the road.Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” – Matthew 11:28 NIV Only when I come to Jesus do I come to know real rest. Only when I hear His words, are the words of my mind calmed by the Prince of Peace. Only when I step away to pray can I see His best way. Distraction is a delusion that doesn’t serve us. Yet, our focus on Jesus is devotion that can’t be stolen from us. It is only godly devotion that leads to inner recuperation of spirit, body and mind. The world slimes us with sin, pressure, and problems, while Jesus heals us because He is The Way, The Life and The Truth. I had to admit that I had, inadvertently, traveled far from God. Lying in bed, I realized that God was setting up my come-back! “Come to me…” Jesus said.He is always saying that. Are we listening? Come to me, you who are weary? Come to me, you who are numbing yourself in alcohol. Come to me, you who are immersing yourself in a busy schedule because you can’t handle how you feel. Come to me, you who are hiding behind your phone. Come to me, you who are pretending you have it all together. God still wants you, dear child of God. He wants you to come. This is your come-back party too. If you hear His voice, follow Him. If you feel worldly burdens, unload them on Him. If you are under too much pressure to survive, let Him take that load. He is inviting you to come to Him. Intersecting Faith & Life: What is grabbing your attention? Is it distraction due to the world or are you giving attention to Jesus? Where your attention is so is your devotion? What you give your heart to, has you. Consider your day. How can you carve out time for God? Time for connection? What on your calendar might you need to remove? How can you use spare moments to carve out times of intentional prayer or connectedness with The Lord? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Right now, will you pause and spend a few extra moments fueling your soul with the Lord? Friend, in him you will certainly find sufficient strength in his holy presence to face whatever he holds just ahead. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Finding the Strength to Do Hard Things By Keri Eichberger The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19) For the past eight years I’ve wondered here and there why God allowed me to work so hard to hit a goal, only to fall slightly short. I mean, I believe there is purpose in all things he calls us to, so I’m always looking for ways to learn from the lessons he scatters along my life. But it’s not always apparent to me. Not immediately anyway. I was in my mid-thirties and had never run the local mini marathon. I’d always wanted to when the time was right, and had been enjoying running. In fact, it had become quite therapeutic when my kids were young. My frazzled feet on the open road, pounding out the stress, noise, and chaos of those crazy years. So, in 2016 I finally signed up, chose a finish goal of two hours, and got to training. When race day came, I was prepared and appropriately conditioned to complete the 13.1 miles in under two hours (based on my trial run pace of nine minutes per mile). But, twelve miles in, a steady rain began to flood the streets and my shoes. My calves locked up, my pace slowed to a jogging crawl, and I collapsed over the finish line at two hours… and 20 seconds. I missed my mark. It shouldn’t have mattered so much honestly. Which has definitely been one of my takeaways over the years. Along with the fact that I am not in control—God is. But out of seemingly nowhere this morning, I had a sort of revelation about the whole experience. Fast-forward eight years, at the age of almost 45, I struggle to run a single mile under eleven minutes. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to my running partner, and husband, Mike, “How in the world did I ever run thirteen miles at a nine minute pace when I can hardly run one now at such a turtle speed?” Then, we chuckle and chalk it up to our aging joints and tired bodies. But this morning, I gained clarity of the true source of my strength all those years ago that had allowed me to do this difficult thing. Something I know I never could’ve done on my own. It was God all along. Waking weary, and not sure I could finish my measly mile jog this morning, I felt prompted to dust off my old wired earbuds and search for the songs I’d saved back then that assisted my training runs. I pressed shuffle and within seconds I felt a familiar power surge from years ago as truths of God and lyrics of worship swept into my ears and threw my lungs and legs. Tears began to sting my eyes. I let the sunshine permeate the listless life within me and light up my soul with a renewed strength that felt inextinguishable. And I couldn’t stop at a mile. Fueled by God I kept running. Yes, it was him all along. Is there something you’ve been facing or considering that you’re not quite sure how you’ll manage or power through? Remember, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. God powered me through my runs. He is the strength that is getting me through today. And when I wonder how I’ll do the next hard thing, I can remember that he is who will be my strength then. God is, was, and will be your strength too. So maybe all along my falling short was just to keep me on the lookout for what God wanted to teach me. Because I think many times we learn more in life when we don’t get the reward we wanted, when we have to wait, and when we fall a little short. Today I was assured once again that it is not me sustaining and strengthening the outputs of my life. God is. And when we are tapped into him, fueled up with his people, his word, his presence – reminders of his love and sovereign protection – we find his strength and power that can make anything he wills for our life possible. Intersecting Life and Faith: Right now, will you pause and spend a few extra moments fueling your soul with the Lord? Friend, in him you will certainly find sufficient strength in his holy presence to face whatever he holds just ahead. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.