The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Are you overdue for a spiritual check-up? If you’ve been wondering how to know if you’re growing spiritually or what the Bible says about renewing your mind, this devotional will help you reflect on your faith and realign your heart with God’s Word. In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us not to conform to the world’s standards but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Yet, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others—whether friends, celebrity Christians, or social media influencers—instead of measuring our hearts against Scripture. Drawing from Paul’s humility and honest self-reflection, this devotional encourages us to stop competing, stop comparing, and start aligning our lives with God’s standards. True spiritual growth comes when we consistently examine ourselves and allow Scripture—not the culture around us—to shape our transformation. ✨ Highlights Why spiritual check-ups matter — Regularly examine your faith, attitudes, and heart alignment with God’s Word (2 Corinthians 13:5). Comparison is a trap — Measuring ourselves against others can lead to pride, shame, or complacency. Paul’s example of humility — Despite his influence, Paul called himself the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), reminding us we all need grace. Renewing the mind — Transformation begins when we filter our thoughts, habits, and actions through God’s Word rather than worldly standards. Pressing toward the goal — Focus on Jesus and the calling He’s placed on your life, not the noise around you (Philippians 3:14). 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you had a spiritual check-up? What’s one area God is calling you to grow in right now? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithCheckUp. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our Sister shows— Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Spiritual Check-Up 101 By Lynette Kittle “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will-- Romans 12:2 Like we go to the doctor or the dentist, do we go to God for a spiritual check-up to see how we’re doing spiritually overall?  Or, do we look at the surrounding crowds of individuals around us, comparing our current condition with how they are doing, checking the latest celebrity Christians to measure ourselves next to them and see if we’re spiritually keeping up? Are we measuring our spiritual condition with the world then deciding whether we’re doing better or worse than them, whispering a ‘thank you” to God that we’re not walking in their shoes, relieved about ourselves, but not being very gracious when it comes to those who are struggling? Many of us may not realize that looking at others to feel better about ourselves is prideful along with having a haughty spirit. In comparing ourselves to others around us, we’re setting ourselves up to fall, as Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” God’s Word Sets the Standard Of course, as Christians, we know deep down that people aren’t how we measure our spiritual condition, but rather the word of God is what we need to hold up to our lives, to see how we’re doing. 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” When we do, it alerts us and points out areas in our lives where we may be off-track and needing of correction and that is probably why many of us are reluctant to examine ourselves, because we may not want to know the truth or like what we find.  The Apostle Paul’s Self-Examination Many of us think of the Apostle Paul as a Saint, yet, in his own words, he counted himself the worst of sinners, which is hard for us to believe because he wrote most of the New Testament.  Still, he wrote in1 Timothy 1:15. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” He recognized that sin is sin and there is no difference between being a big sinner and a little sinner, because all sin leads to destruction. Nowadays, many of us judge how well we are doing spiritually by checking social media updates, seeing how we’re doing in comparison to others, measuring their successes and losses against our own.. Still, again, Paul brings us to looking at God’s standards rather than man’s, stressing to us in Romans 12:2, that we are not to conform to human patterns but to be transformed by

As Moses approached the end of his life, his focus wasn’t on regret, bitterness, or personal loss—it was on God’s people. In Numbers 27:15-17, Moses prayed that the Lord would appoint a leader to guide Israel so they wouldn’t be “like sheep without a shepherd.” Despite his mistakes and missed opportunities, Moses left a legacy of faith, humility, and care for God’s people. This devotional reminds us that true spiritual leadership looks beyond ourselves and points others toward the ultimate Good Shepherd—Jesus—who leads us into rest, protection, and eternal promise. ✨ Highlights Moses’ selfless prayer — Even at the end of his life, Moses was focused on God’s people, not his own loss A legacy of faith — Despite failure, Moses’ life still pointed others toward God’s promises Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd — The fulfillment of Moses’ prayer is found in Jesus, who leads us to spiritual safety and rest (John 10:11) Kingdom perspective — God calls us to live with an eternal mindset, thinking beyond our present circumstances and investing in future generations Carrying God’s light — As Christ-followers, we are called to shine His light wherever we go and leave the world “better than we found it” 💬 Join the Conversation How are you leaving a God-led legacy in your life? What practical ways are you pointing others toward Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithfulLegacy to encourage others on their journey of faith. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 25:15-17, NIV A recent guest on the Faith Over Fear podcast shared how his wife, when battling illness that placed her on bedrest and fearing for her future, encouraged him not to wait too long, once she passed, to marry someone else. Needless to say, this completely shredded his heart, in part because he was dealing with his own fears and grief regarding his wife’s illness, but he was also deeply concerned for her, and empathetic toward her anguish.  Thankfully, she is doing much better—no longer on bed rest, able to go on vacations with her family, and enjoying her 11 grandchildren. But her statement highlights something. Love thinks beyond today and certainly beyond how things affect us personally.  Often, when we consider the last year of Moses’ life, we fixate on his mistake—the moment when he acted out of pride and a brief lapse of faith and forfeited entry into the promised land. That had to sting. But as today’s passage indicates, it also greatly concerned Moses—but notice, as his life neared its end, he wasn’t focused on himself. He could’ve been. Frankly, had I been him, I probably would’ve been battling guilt, shame, sorrow and regret. And maybe even a tinge of bitterness or despair. I mean, the man had spent 40 years trekking through the wilderness, leading a massive group of individuals who did not make Moses’ role easy. At one point, they even threatened to stone him. For four decades, Moses had served God well—humbly, faithfully, sacrificially. But then, like I said, in a moment of weakness, or frustration, or maybe both, he blew it at the cost of entry into the promised land.  It’s important to note, however—his sin didn’t cost him his relationship with God or entry into heaven. Based on what I read elsewhere in Scripture, he still received entrance into the ultimate promised land—eternal paradise.  But he wasn’t able to lead the ancient Israelites, people for whom he deeply cared, during what would be their greatest, most exciting and, likely frightening, transition of their lives. And in today’s passage, we catch a glimpse of how much this concerned him. It’s like he’s saying, “Lord, don’t let them suffer because of me. Bless them. Watch over them and raise someone else up to lead them.” When I read his prayer in Numbers 27—his request that God would bring someone to lead His people that they might go in and go out and not live like sheep without a shepherd, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in John 10, when He declared Himself our Good Shepherd who leads us, that we might go in and out and find pasture.  He is the ultimate leader Moses’ life, and to whom all of the Old Testament points. And He is the One we are to follow and

When life feels overwhelming and your heart is troubled, Psalm 4:8 reminds us of God’s promise: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” In this devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares a personal story of how God used the song “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez to bring peace in the middle of anxiety. Through Scripture, prayer, and resting in God’s presence, we are reminded that we can lay our burdens down and trust that He never abandons us. ✨ Highlights God never leaves us — He promises to be with us always (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20) Honesty in prayer matters — God invites us to bring our deepest pain and struggles to Him (Psalm 62:8, Hebrews 4:13) God is our safe place — No matter how uncertain life feels, His presence offers protection and peace (Romans 8:35-39) Resting in Him — By casting our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7), we can release our anxiety and sleep in peace, knowing He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4) Practical encouragement — Share your heart with God, meditate on His promises, and trust Him to handle what you cannot 💬 Join the Conversation How do you find rest in God when life feels overwhelming? Do you pray, listen to worship music, or meditate on Scripture? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #RestInGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews  Song Mentioned: “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez Full Transcript Below: Rest in God By: Alexis A. Goring “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” — Psalm 4:8 NLTOne night as I was preparing to go to bed, my mind was too troubled to sleep.  So, I turned to prayer. I asked God to remind me how real He is and within seconds of that prayer request spoken directly to God, He brought a song to my mind with lyrics I hadn’t listened to in years. “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez ministered to me and gave me great hope. The song lyrics begin by painting the picture of a person feeling like they are surrounded by darkness and deep in despair. They feel like their world is caving in. The person begins to seek God by being honest about what they are experiencing.  They tell God that their mind is playing games yet again but deep inside they know that God is right there in the dark with them and He’s never abandoned them. Realizing the hope in this, they ask God to bring them back to the safe place they remember having with Him when they were growing up in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. A place where they knew God’s personal care intimately. They desire to return to the safe haven that they knew so well in their childhood. In those days, it felt like they could free fall into God’s open arms and be covered by His all-surrounding protection. They want to rest in God. There are so many takeaways that one can glean from this song. Let’s focus on a few: Takeaway #1: God has never and will never abandon you (Hebrews 13:5). Sometimes, we may feel like God has left us to face life alone but that is not true because the Bible says He will be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Takeaway #2: God encourages us to be honest with Him. He can handle the depths of our pain, especially when we are feeling despair. Nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). He knows our thoughts before they form in our mind. Given this truth, we may as well tell Him everything that’s weighing heavy on our heart (Psalm 62:8). He waits patiently for us to come to Him just as we are and cast our burdens on Him (Matthew 11:28-29). Takeaway #3: God is our safe place. Period. No matter how unsafe our world may feel and no matter where we live on this Earth, we can go to God for safety. His Presence is fully accessible to us everywhere on this planet. He knows all and sees all (Proverbs 5:21). The Bible says nothing can separate us from His Love (Romans 8:35-39). When we feel scared and hopeless and like the sky is falling, we should seek God. And we don’t have to look far to find Him. He’s closer than we think and always just a prayer away. Takeaway #4: God wants us to rest in Him. How do we rest in God? Good question. I believe we can rest in God by first letting our guard down and opening up to Him about how we’re feeling and sharing our heavy load with Him. Then we can ask Him to ease our anxiety and lift us up out of the pit of despair. The Bible says to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7) and trust Him because His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Finally, as He soothes us, we can rest in His care and go to sleep in peace every night knowing that He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4). This means He’s effectively handling everything we’re stress

Mornings can feel overwhelming when to-do lists, responsibilities, and worries start piling up the moment you wake up. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reminds us that Psalm 46:5 offers a powerful promise: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” When we start our mornings with prayer, invite God into our schedules, and trust His guidance, we can face even the busiest days with peace and confidence. God’s presence is constant, His help is timely, and His strength is enough for whatever comes our way. Highlights Why mornings matter — how starting your day with God’s help sets the tone for peace and focus The promise of Psalm 46:5: God’s presence keeps us steady and secure Practical tips for beginning your morning with God: Pray first — surrender your worries and ask for His strength Read Scripture — meditate on God’s promises for the day ahead Declare truth — speak God’s Word aloud and align your mindset with His promises How trusting God at the start of the day shapes your response to challenges Why September’s busy seasons are an opportunity to rely more on God’s help 💬 Join the Conversation How do you start your mornings with God’s help? Do you pray, journal, meditate on Scripture, or declare a favorite verse? Share your morning routine and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #StartWithGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Start Your Day with God’s Help By: Whitney Hopler “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5, NIV Shortly after I wake up each day, all the items on my schedule and to-do list for that day start swirling around in my mind. I can feel overwhelmed if I wait too long to do that one thing that prevents unnecessary stress for me each morning: pray. However, if I start my prayer devotional time within the first few minutes of waking up, I can direct my attention beyond my responsibilities to the One who will help me manage them. It only takes a brief time of connecting with God intentionally to start to notice God’s presence with me. As soon as I focus on enjoying God’s presence, I receive his peace. That gives me the confidence that I won’t fall – no matter how much I have to do during the day ahead – because God will be walking through the day with me. God will be there to give me whatever I need, for whatever situations I face, so I can’t fall as long as I’m relying on God’s help.  September mornings can be especially busy, since many people move into a faster pace at work, school, and church after the slower summer season. The new responsibilities can feel heavy. Psalm 46:5 assures you that no matter how crowded your calendar becomes, you don’t have to handle it alone. When you invite God into your mornings, you can begin your busy days with the reassurance that God will be there to help you with all you have to do.  Each morning is a fresh opportunity to walk in faith by trusting God to help you with whatever you need. You may wake up feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, burdened by yesterday’s struggles, or anxious about what your new day may hold. But God promises to be right there with you, to keep you from falling. God’s help is available at the break of every new day!  The way you start each morning affects your ability to handle whatever comes your way. When it says “God is within her,” Psalm 46:5 reminds you that God is within you through his Holy Spirit, and because of God’s presence right there with you, you won’t fall, no matter what happens during your day. The promise “she will not fall” reminds you of God’s unlimited power. You may stumble, but you won’t fall down into despair. You’ll face challenges during your day, but with God at your side, you’ll be able to overcome them. God will hold you steady and give you the grace you need for every situation in your day.  You may sometimes feel like God’s help is slow to come. You may wonder why certain prayers seem unanswered or why some burdens feel heavier than others. But Psalm 46:5 reassures you that God’s help comes at the perfect time – at the break of every day. Just as the sun rises every day reliably, God shows up for you every day, as well.  So, start each day by communicating with God before doing anything else. Thank God for the opportunity to be part of the new day, and pray about everything that concerns you so you can let go of your worries and start relying on God to help you with what you need for your day. Then choose a Bible verse or passage to read, and let it shape your mindset for the day by medit

In Psalm 34:18, we’re reminded that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” But in seasons of heartbreak, unanswered prayers, or overwhelming busyness, God can sometimes feel distant. Cindi McMenamin shares how we can quiet the noise, draw near to God, and experience His presence as close and real as the air we breathe. ✨ Highlights Why God sometimes feels distant and how to reconnect with Him Four practical ways to experience God’s presence: Take a Divine Pause — slow down, breathe deeply, and be still (Psalm 46:10) Whisper His Name — use simple “breath prayers” like “Jesus, I need You” (Acts 4:12) Read His Word Aloud — Scripture is “living and active” and draws us closer (Hebrews 4:12) Start Praising Him — worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s goodness The promise of Jeremiah 29:13: when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you felt God’s presence as close as your next breath? Share your story and inspire others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #AsCloseAsYourBreath. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: As Close as Your Breath   By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted  And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NASB)  Does it sometimes feel like God is far away?  Heartbreak, struggles, hurts from the past, unanswered prayer, or just filling your schedule with everything but Him can make you believe God is distant. But Scripture abounds with evidence that He is as close to you as the air you breathe.  Psalm 139 assures us that God knows every detail of our lives and in verses 7-12, we read there’s nowhere we can go outside of His presence and away from His watchful eye. Hebrews 13:5 also tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. But maybe you know all that and you still long to know He’s there.   When we feel like God is far away it’s often because we are the ones who have distanced ourselves. Perhaps other loves have stolen our heart away. That feeling that He’s distant can be an indicator that we need to put ourselves in the position where we can sense His presence, hear His voice, notice His work around us, and invite Him closer to our hearts.  Intersecting Faith and Life:  How can you be assured God is right next to you?  Take a Divine Pause—Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise. Too much confusion. Too much anxiety. Too many apps or windows open. Too many voices and thoughts running through our minds. Center your mind on Him (Colossians 3:1-2) and start to breathe deeply. Try it. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. Exhale your pre-occupation with self. Inhale a desire to know Him more completely. Exhale the worries of the moment. Inhale His peace. Now, don't you feel closer to His heart already? There's a reason His Word says "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 ESV).  Whisper His Name—There are times we need Him but we just don't know what to say or where to begin. Start by saying His name aloud and then speak your heart's cry. Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus, not only because "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12), but because Jesus responds to His name when His loved ones call to Him.  The writers of the classics called this type of whispering cry “breath prayers.” My breath prayers to sense His presence are "Jesus, I need You" or "Jesus, give me a heart for You." Calling His name just as often as we breathe is one of the simplest ways to sense His presence. And I believe the simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart—and ours—the quickest.  Read His Word Aloud—God speaks to us through His Word. And one of the best ways to sense His presence is to get into His Word and ask His Holy Spirit to guide you into a better under-standing of it. When you read God’s Word, and even speak it audibly, you will sense its power and His presence. The Bible says God's Word is "living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). That sharp sword will prick your heart through conviction, inspiration, enlightenment, or determination. A pricked heart is better than a numb, dull, or complacent heart any day, so get into His Word and find Him there.  Start Praising Him—God inhabits the praises of His people. Ever wondered why you sometimes feel closer to God when you're in a church

In Romans 1:1, Paul reminds us what it means to be set apart for the gospel — living fully surrendered to Christ and committed to sharing the good news with others. Laura Bailey reflects on Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and challenges us to examine our own willingness to share the gospel, even when it feels uncomfortable. Like Paul, we are called to let our lives reflect God’s grace and boldly carry the message of salvation to those who need to hear it. ✨ Highlights What Romans 1:1 teaches about living a life set apart for Christ Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and its powerful testimony Why sharing the gospel message requires faith, courage, and obedience How our stories can point others to God’s grace and salvation A reminder that we’re responsible for sharing the message, not controlling the response 💬 Join the Conversation Who in your life might need to hear the gospel message today? Has God been nudging you to start that conversation or send that note? Share your experience and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SetApartForTheGospel. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Set Apart for the Gospel By: Laura Bailey  “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—”Romans 1:1 NIV I love getting mail, don’t you? Who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter from a friend or family member, especially one filled with encouragement, love, and words of affirmation? Better known as “snail mail,” letters are considered an outdated form of communication by most.  Now, we converse through 280-word text limits and a series of emojis. A champion for the written word, I still pen letters, dotting my “i’s” with a heart, underlining important words, and using way too many exclamation marks!  I am convinced that holding a handwritten letter from a loved one is one of the best feelings in the world.  It’s an instant morale booster, and often, the sender’s words feel like they were delivered straight from the Lord. They were just what my heart needed to hear. Letters remind the recipient that someone cared enough about them to write a message they needed to hear.  And that’s precisely the heart behind Paul’s letter to the new believers in the church of Rome, encouraging them in their faith. Romans is a letter to early Christians in Rome, following the historical custom of greeting, identification of the author, identification of the recipient, and the reason for writing. Paul shares that he is a servant, or slave, to the gospel. In the original Greek text, the word "servant" implies someone who sold themselves into servanthood for some time. By describing himself in this way, Paul is telling his audience that he doesn’t consider his life his own—Christ owns him.  And for what purpose? To share the gospel message! Paul has given up everything to fully commit his life to sharing the gospel and encouraging other believers.  Why was it so important for Paul to list out his qualifications? We read in Acts 9 that Paul, formerly called Saul, was the chief persecutor of Christians. While on the road to Damascus, the Lord called him to repent and then go and share the gospel with the Gentiles. Paul’s life was a living testimony to the power of the gospel to change lives.  Paul was the perfect person to share the message of salvation and how God uses our stories for His glory. Paul was persecuting and killing the very people he was now ministering to and encouraging in their faith. These people were a little wary of this man, and rightly so. Paul understood his words could be received with some apprehension, so he explained to the Romans how his life had been changed, not because of what he had done but because of what Christ had done and was continuing to do in his life. In faithful obedience, Paul made it his mission to share the good news with everyone everywhere (Romans 1:5).  And that’s what the book of Romans is all about: sharing the good news of the Gospel for both salvation and encouragement. Paul will spend the rest of his letter presenting the message of the gospel and explaining why it is essential, not just for salvation, but for every day of believers' lives. The compassion and concern that Paul has for this early church is palpable; he has made it his life’s mission to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word. He understands the sense of urgency; souls are at stake, there is no time to waste, and every day is an opportunity to share that God loves them and has made a way for them to be saved from eternal damnation. When I was in seminary, one of our assignments was to write a l

Have you ever struggled to be quick to listen and slow to speak? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reflects on James 1:19 and how challenging it can be to practice patience, humility, and gentleness in our everyday interactions. From stressful situations to family conversations, James reminds us that our reactions reflect Christ’s character to those around us. God calls us to represent His nature by choosing compassion over anger and listening over rushing to respond. ✨ Highlights What James 1:19 teaches about patience, listening, and responding with grace How our reactions reflect God’s character to those around us Why slowing down and practicing gentleness leads to healthier relationships The connection between our faith, accountability, and emotional responses A prayerful reminder to welcome God’s correction and grow in humility 💬 Join the Conversation Do you find it hard to be slow to speak and quick to listen? How has God helped you practice patience and gentleness in your relationships? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithInAction. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak By Megan J. Conner “Brothers and sisters, let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”James 1:19 (NIV) – CHECK  How many of us have heard this scripture and felt immediate conviction? I know I have – absolutely, 100%! I long to embody these humble sentiments, but I find myself more often than not falling short – very short. Perhaps you feel the same. Why is it that many of us struggle with quiet spirits, closed mouths, and open ears? The Book of James is one that challenges me and cuts straight to the heart in several passages (James 1:1, anyone?). Not one to mince words, James just comes right out and boldly declares we should all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. He goes on to say that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  In other words, our actions outside of this mandate counteract the work of the gospel in the lives of those around us.  Ouch!  So, my lack of patience with the airport personnel who just announced my flight was delayed again, thus producing the loss of my luggage again, is not pleasing to the Lord no matter how justified I feel?  When I take a breath and calm down, my logical brain can clearly analyze the disconnect. However, because my reaction to a frustrating situation is immediate, my analytical brain is overrun by my heightened emotional state.  What about when someone in my family comes to me to share a question or concern and I not only fail to listen, but I jump in with a quick solution completely bypassing their feelings so I can check off the next box on my list? I love my family and it is never my desire to harm them in any way, yet how easy it is to instantly react in such a manner and miss out on a possible opportunity to show them my love and the love of Christ? Right before our focus scripture today is an explanation from James on how and why we should be held accountable for our actions and reactions.   “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures,” (James 1:16-18, ESV). Our loving, benevolent Father gave us every perfect and good gift so that we might represent Him to those around us. He brought us forth by the word of truth so that we would produce fruit that bears His image. If we are His image-bearers here on earth then how we act and react is directly connected to how others view His nature and character.  If you are anything like me, then the reflection of this scripture against our hearts looks marred and messy at best.  However, our Heavenly Father knows we have fallen short and will fall short again and again. Thank you, Jesus, for the grace and mercy of the gospel. Jesus paid the full price for our sins and covers our failings with His sacrifice. But this grace does not excuse us from accountability to His commands. The Word of God is called a double-edged sword that cuts bone and marrow (find quote).  Direct declarations, like this one, cut straight to our hearts purposefully so that we might recognize areas where we are not walking well with the Lord.  If that is you today (it certainly is me), then let us receive the compassionate correction from Him who loves us.  Let us heed His word and value the lessons He is teaching us through the words of James. Lord, would you help each of us today to welcome a quietness of s

Do you ever struggle with FOMO—the fear of missing out? In this devotional, Hannah Benson reflects on Psalm 16:6 and reminds us that God has set boundaries for our lives with purpose and intention. While it’s tempting to compare our blessings with others, God calls us to trust His unique plan and timing. Instead of chasing every opportunity or envying someone else’s path, we can rest in the truth that we will never miss out on what God has for us when we walk in His will. ✨ Highlights How Psalm 16:6 teaches us to embrace the “pleasant places” God has chosen for us Why comparison and jealousy steal joy and distract us from God’s plan Trusting that God’s timing and blessings are uniquely tailored for your life A reminder to celebrate answered prayers instead of chasing what’s next Encouragement to surrender control and find contentment where God has placed you 💬 Join the Conversation Do you ever wrestle with FOMO or comparison? How has God reminded you that His plans are better than your own? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #TrustHisTiming. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When You Wonder if You’re Missing Out A devotional by Hannah Benson “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 (ESV) Do you ever struggle with FOMO (or fear of missing out, as it’s often called)? I wrestle with this fear all the time. The fact is, we can’t be everywhere all at once even if we wish we could. As much as we don’t want to hear this, we are not meant to be everywhere. Certainly not everywhere all at once and sometimes not ever. I know this is painful to hear (it is for me, too), but we need to realize that not every space is ours to fill. Read that again. Not every space is ours to fill. As Psalm 16:6 puts it, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” This means not every opportunity is ours to have. I know it’s hard to watch someone else win the award, receive a promotion, or “move forward” (according to our definition) in life. What about when we want to be everywhere all at once? When we’re uninvited or simply can’t do everything or we’re forced to choose between two amazing opportunities? Is it possible to “miss out” on God’s will for our lives? Or what if the space we find ourselves in isn’t the space we want to be? Because of our human nature, sometimes, we are going to be envious of the blessings God has chosen to shower upon someone else. We are going to wonder why we weren’t invited. Why we aren’t as popular. Why we didn’t get the scholarship, the award, or the leading role in the school play. This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. A mixture of prideful arrogance often led me to believe I “deserve” whatever it is I want. Selfish, isn’t it? And when God in His mercy sees fit to bless someone else with the very thing I wanted, I became angry. Why didn’t He bless me the same? This was a struggle for a long time until the Lord gently pried my hands open and urged me to stop clinging to what I wanted as if it were an idol. And He reminded me that He knew best. Just because He didn’t bless me with the exact same blessings as someone else didn’t mean He was withholding good things from me. Humans are not meant to be copycats of each other. Even identical twins, siblings, best friends, and spouses. We may have a lot in common with those closest to us, but we won’t have all the exact same experiences and blessings even if we try. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us. He has a calling for you and me. Intersecting Faith & Life In case you need this reminder today, if you are following the Lord, you will not miss out on anything He has for you. Look around you. Look at where you find yourself right now. Perhaps life isn’t perfect. It never is. But are you living an answered prayer? Do you remember a time when you got on your knees, maybe folded your hands, and begged God for a miracle and He came through? I am guilty of praying for something, begging God for a miracle, and forgetting to thank Him when He provides a breakthrough. When I think back on my life, I’m honestly overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed when I think of where I started versus where I am. Last summer, I told God, if He wanted me in the film industry, He was going to have to push me in there. This summer, I’m involved in at least 4 film projects working with wonderful mentors I’d never even dreamed possible. I told God I needed a job. Two years later? I’m working remotely in marketing, including film mark

In a world filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelming stress, how can we truly experience God’s peace? Drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, reminds us that God offers an unshakable calm when we choose prayer over panic and trust over control. Through Scripture, practical steps, and personal reflection, this devotional invites us to trade our worries for God’s peace and refocus our minds on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy. ✨ Highlights Why anxiety, fear, and worry are at an all-time high—and how God meets us there How praying with an open Bible deepens trust and strengthens your faith Philippians 4:6-9’s step-by-step antidote to anxiety: pray, thank, focus, and rest Why fixing your thoughts on God’s goodness brings peace that surpasses understanding A simple, powerful prayer to surrender your concerns and experience God’s presence 💬 Join the Conversation What verses bring you peace when worry takes over? Have you seen God replace your anxiety with His calm? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CalmInChrist. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: His Calming Presence By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer  “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).  It’s been said we are living in the most anxious times on earth. Post pandemic loneliness and a sense of isolation still impact many people, young and old alike. Countless people suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Mental and emotional health issues are off the charts. Stress is triggering cancer cells in our bodies and adding to our health problems. Many struggle with a sense of identity. Financially, it’s one of the most difficult times to make ends meet. And the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health crisis with devastating results.  Where is God in all of this?  If you’re like most believers today, you’ll say you know in your head that God is in control, but you have a hard time relying on Him in your day-to-day life. And, what I’ve observed after decades of ministry is that those who can’t bring it from their head to their hearts—from the pages of God’s Word to their daily lives—are also those who admit they need to be in the Word of God and know it much more.  To know God is to know His Word. To know His Word is to know Him. I once heard my mentor author, Elisabeth Elliot, say: “Pray with an open Bible. How can we know what to pray if we aren’t reading God’s Word? And how can we understand God’s Word if we aren’t praying?”  The more you open up His Word (whether it’s in book form or an app on your device), the more He will open your eyes and heart to know who He is and how He can calm your anxious heart.  Intersecting Faith and Life:  Philippians 4:6-7 has been a lifeline for me through the years—especially because there is much to worry about… when you’re contemplating decisions that will impact your future when you’re seeking a man to marry—or struggling in your marriage when you’re pregnant—or trying to get pregnant when you’re caring for a child, parent, or grandparent when you’re trying to stay afloat financially when your health—or the health of someone you love—causes fear or frustration Life is often accompanied by concerns that quickly turn into worries that can develop into fear or anxiety. Yet God’s Word gives us a simple, yet practical, antidote to the type of worry that breeds fear. Philippians 4:6-7 instruct: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT).  The following verse tells us what exactly to focus on. Our worries of what hasn’t yet happened? The things we are anxious to control? The worst possible scenario? No.  “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (verse 8, NLT). We are to focus on what is true—or real, not on what we fear will happen. We are to focus on what is “pure, and lovely, and admirable.” Those descriptions sound like God’s characteristics, not our circumstances

In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” But what does that really mean when life is full of stress, setbacks, and struggles? Whitney Hopler explores the difference between happiness and true joy, showing us that rejoicing in the Lord is possible even in life’s hardest moments. Drawing from Paul’s prison writings and personal reflections, this devotional reminds us that joy is not based on circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s unchanging presence and love. ✨ Highlights Why joy and happiness are not the same—and why joy lasts How to rejoice in the Lord even during trials and stress Paul’s example of choosing joy while imprisoned for his faith Practical ways to cultivate daily joy, like gratitude and noticing God’s wonder A reminder that joy isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of God 💬 Join the Conversation What helps you choose joy when life feels overwhelming? Have you experienced God’s presence carrying you through a difficult season? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ChoosingJoy. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Does It Mean to Rejoice? By: Whitney Hopler “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4, NIV When I visited the Happiness Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, I read some of the thousands of individual sticky notes left by visitors who each wrote down something that makes them feel happy. People listed pets, friends, travel, cooking, sports, reading, walking in nature, listening to music, and much more. The note I left read: “Discovering and experiencing God’s wonder” and I was pleased to see that many other people mentioned God in their own notes. While many things can give us temporary feelings of happiness, only relationships with God can give us joy. Joy is greater than happiness, and unlike happiness, joy is possible to experience in any kind of circumstances.  In Philippians 4:4, the Bible encourages us to rejoice all the time. Honestly, this verse can sometimes feel unrealistic. How can we rejoice always when we have to deal with so many challenges in this fallen world? How can we do so even when we’re stressed, exhausted, frustrated, sad, anxious, or angry?  If rejoicing meant forcing ourselves to try to feel happy, there would be plenty of situations where we couldn’t do so. Thankfully, though, the rejoicing this verse describes happens “in the Lord”. We can rejoice because of our relationships with Jesus, who connects us in saving relationships to God, the source of all joy.  The Apostle Paul wrote this verse through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration from a prison cell in chains, as he was possibly facing being killed for his faith. His joy wasn’t tied to any circumstances that made him happy. Instead, Paul found joy in his relationship with God, who was present with him and faithfully loving him even in the worst circumstances. As your own circumstances change, your feelings will naturally change. Sometimes you’ll feel happy, but sometimes you’ll go through challenging circumstances that will knock happy feelings right out of you. No matter what, though, you can always experience joy by connecting with God. Whenever you notice God’s presence with you, you can focus on God and enjoy the joy that God will send you in the process. You can be struggling emotionally as you deal with an especially hard challenge, and still experience joy. That’s because joy is much more than just an emotion, like happiness is. Joy is a deep confidence that your loving God is with you and will help you!  In this verse, Paul repeats himself by writing: “I will say it again: Rejoice!” That repetition emphasizes how important it is to not let your joy be hijacked by any kind of challenging situation. Being joyful is a choice. When you find yourself struggling in a stressful situation, you need to make that choice as many times as it takes to keep your focus on God instead of on your circumstances.  One practice that can help you choose joy is expressing gratitude. The more you thank God for the blessings he pours into your life, the more you can turn your focus away from what’s missing in your life. Having an attitude of gratitude is a choice, as well. You can always make that choice – even during the worst circumstances of your life – because you’ll always have the ultimate blessing of a relationship with God.  It’s also helpful to pay attention to the wonder of God’s work in your life every day, which you can discover and enjoy even in the middle of challenging circumstances. God is always answering your prayers and showi

Arguments can spiral quickly—but God’s Word offers a better way forward. In this devotional, Laura Bailey reflects on Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 and shares practical, biblical wisdom on managing conflict, practicing patience, and choosing peace over pride. Through personal stories and Solomon’s timeless counsel, Laura reminds us that unresolved anger leads to broken relationships—but a heart submitted to God leads to reconciliation. If you’ve ever struggled with wanting the “last word,” this devotional encourages you to pause, pray, and pursue God’s wisdom when emotions run high. ✨ Highlights How Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 teaches us to choose patience over pride Practical, biblical strategies for handling conflict and avoiding unnecessary arguments Why delaying your response can lead to better understanding and restored relationships The dangers of letting anger control us instead of surrendering it to God Encouragement to prioritize people and peace over proving you’re right 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you paused instead of reacting in anger? How did God guide you through it? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ChoosePatience to encourage others who are seeking God’s wisdom in moments of conflict. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stopping the Argument Before  It Starts  By: Laura Bailey “The end of a matter is better than its beginning,  and patience is better than pride.  Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,  for anger resides in the lap of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV I’ll admit it. I am a “get the last word” kind of gal. I could blame my fiery red hair, my explosive personality, or the fact that I received the argumentative gene from both my parents.  However, the truth is that I am a proud person.  Not only do I desire to have the final say, but I am also reluctant to admit that I was wrong and delay seeking forgiveness.  Fully aware that this runs counter to the admonishment to “ love your neighbor as yourself, ( Matthew 22:39), I’ve spent a significant amount of time in both prayer and Bible study in the hopes that the Lord will tame my tongue and soften my heart.  I discovered these verses from Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning,  and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,  for anger resides in the lap of fools.”  Whew, talk about a gut punch.  The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with sage advice and practical, godly wisdom on how to live in a way that pleases the Lord. Solomon succeeded his father, David, to the throne at a young age. Yet, God promised that he would be the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12). Shortly after taking over the throne, his wisdom is on full display when he pacifies an argument between two mothers (3:16-28). Solomon knew the benefit of resolving conflicts quickly, while staying calm and in control of his emotions.  One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was to wait a day before acting or responding to something that upset me. If I was still upset after a day, they encouraged me to wait a week. If I was still upset after a week, give it one more week. If, at the end of two weeks, it continued to bother me, then I should reach out. By delaying my response, the hope was, in the words of my late grandmother, “everything eventually works itself out,” or I would be clear-headed enough to have the conversation without letting my emotions prompt me to say something I would later regret.  Solomon’s words echo this same sentiment, but he takes it a step further. He tells us, just let it go, don’t stew on it, don’t bring it back up, lay it rest. While I understand that there are things we should address, offenses that we should not overlook, and grievances that are suitable for airing, but, in my experience, the majority of things that “steal our joy” are not significant; they are petty and rooted in our personal pride and selfish desires.  I love how The Message translates Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.”  I am sure, if I ever shaved my head, there would be a copious amount of scars pocking my cranium.  God gave us feelings; anger is not only normal but natural. The Lord knew that there would be things in this life that cause us strife and lead us to frustration, and as a result, our anger would be stirred. However, while anger is an appropriate response to injustice, wickedness, evil, and the widespread hurt and harm that pervade our lives, we must not let our anger c

Navigating social media today can feel like a no-win situation—say too much and you're criticized, say too little and you're ignored. In this devotional, Deidre Braley reflects on Matthew 11:16-19, where even Jesus and John the Baptist faced relentless judgment from their generation. Just like in biblical times, our world is filled with strong opinions, constant debates, and digital noise. But Jesus offers us a better way forward: to repent, draw near to God, and find rest in Him as we engage the online world with grace and truth. 📖 Read more devotionals here: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse Highlights Social media struggles are nothing new — Even Jesus faced criticism no matter what He did. Repentance brings clarity — Turning toward God helps us see people as He does: beloved and worthy of grace. Resting in Christ — True peace comes when we lay down our anxieties and follow His gentle way. Living differently online — With a Christ-centered mindset, we can engage in the digital world without losing our grounding in faith. Join the Conversation Have you ever felt caught in the social media no-win cycle? How do you stay rooted in Christ when digital debates get overwhelming? Share your thoughts with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInFocus — we’d love to hear your story! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Catch 22: How to Engage With Social Media in a No-Win Situation  by Deidre Braley  Matthew 11:16-19: “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,  ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;  we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”  The other day I fell down the rabbit hole of social media and, before I knew it, I was like Alice in Wonderland: disoriented, and suddenly feeling uncertain about reality.  I had meant to just hop on and respond to a message from a client, but I got distracted by a “recommended post,” and when I clicked on it, it took me to another social media platform altogether. After I’d been carried over there, I was a goner. I began to scroll through these all-new-to-me people, each with their own strong opinions, loud crowds, and unwavering certainty.  By the time I surfaced for air, I was completely dejected. I felt a sense of whiplash from the digital back-and-forth I had just witnessed, and felt a sort of ethereal confusion I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I thought, There’s just no getting it right! It doesn’t matter what you say or think; someone will always completely disagree with you—and they won’t be afraid to malign you for it either.  I often hear people say that we live in unprecedented times, and while it might be true that our technology is evolving across new frontiers, reading passages like the one above leads me to believe there is actually nothing unprecedented about the human heart. In Matthew 11, Jesus voices the same frustration—the same no-win situation—that I felt that day on social media. People had something critical to say about everyone and everything—no matter what they did or did not do. John the Baptist didn’t eat and drink, and people claimed he had a demon (v.18). Jesus did eat and drink, and people called him a glutton, a drunkard, and—gasp!—a friend of tax collectors and sinners (v.19). In the meantime, the people were so busy speculating about John and Jesus and judging their every move that they missed the point: that the kingdom of Heaven was in their very midst, and that God had drawn near enough for them to actually touch. I find it interesting that in the following section of Scripture, Jesus begins to denounce the cities where he had done his most powerful works, because the people within them had still not repented—that is, turned back toward him (Matthew 11:20-24). They had encountered the Living God and missed the point entirely. I wonder if they too were too busy squabbling over his dinner habits to recognize who was even standing in front of them.  Intersecting Faith & Life  How are we meant to conduct ourselves in this current digital landscape, then? Looking at this passage of Scripture, Jesus seems to address the fickle, critical, and discontented heart in two phases. By giving our hearts the same treatment, we will not necessarily change the current reality of social media, but we will be able to maintain ho

In this heartfelt devotional, Hannah Benson reflects on Psalm 37:4 and God’s promises about the desires of our hearts. While we often pray for dreams, relationships, and opportunities, Hannah reminds us that true fulfillment comes when we delight ourselves in the Lord first. God wants to transform our desires to align with His will — not to give us idols that take His place. Through personal stories and biblical insight, this devotional invites us to surrender control, trust God’s timing, and find contentment in Him above all else. ✨ Highlights The deeper meaning of Psalm 37:4 — why God shapes our desires before He fulfills them How good things like careers, relationships, or ministry dreams can become modern-day idols Why God sometimes says “no” and how His redirection protects our hearts A practical way to test your desires: “If God asked me to give this up, would I?” Encouragement to trust that God’s plan is always better than anything we could imagine 💬 Join the Conversation What dreams or desires have you had to surrender to God? How has He reshaped your heart in the process? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #DelightInTheLord to join the conversation and encourage others to trust God’s timing and purpose. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Will Meet the Desires of Our Hearts, but He Won’t Give Us the Idols We Ask For. A devotional by Hannah Benson “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your hearts.” Psalm 37:4 (ESV) This verse has been an anchor for me over the past several years as I’ve navigated the challenges of high-school and now adulthood. I have so many dreams and desires on my heart. Some doors God has swung wide open, while others, I’m still wondering what is on the other side. Sometimes, God whispers to my heart: “You need to knock.” After all, didn’t Jesus say “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 ESV). We know the Lord delights to give good gifts to His children. But what happens when we’ve asked, sought, and knocked multiple times, but God says no? If the Lord doesn’t give us what we want, does this mean we didn’t have enough faith? That we didn’t ask or believe as hard as we should’ve? According to Psalm 37:4, if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Does this mean we didn’t delight enough in God? Why then didn’t God give us what we wanted? Reread the verse. Notice it says, “God will give us the desires of our hearts” not “God will give us everything we ask for.” The psalmist writes in Psalm 73:25 (ESV), “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” Dear friend, God is meant to be the greatest desire of our hearts. The verse in Psalm 37:4 could have a two-fold meaning. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will truly give us the desires of our hearts—Him! He will be what we long for most, which is far more important than anything else we could ever want. When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He changes our heart to want what He wants for our lives. I can’t tell you how many times I have longed for something. Usually, one of two things happens when I have something placed on my heart. I either clench what I want in my fist and that’s when I realize it’s an idol. God will usually remove it from my life (either permanently or at least for a while until my heart changes). God wants us to surrender and trust Him. Even if He says no. Even if He asks us to make a decision that doesn’t make sense. I have found that God will meet the desires of our hearts, but He won’t give us the idols we ask for. Now, you may be thinking: “That’s crazy! I would never ask God for an idol or bow down to any other god. I’m a believer!” Intersecting Faith & Life If we long for something more than we long for God, even if it’s good, then it becomes an idol in our lives. It could be our desire for a job, a spouse, a child, even an open door to go on a missions trip. Those wants and desires aren’t wrong, but if placed above God, then that’s when things get sticky. A key question to ask ourselves when wanting something is: if God asked me to give this up, would I? If the answer is no, then that’s a sign our heart is in the wrong place. If the thing we desire most has turned into an idol, then God won’t give it to us. I speak from personal experience. This isn’t to say that upon surrendering that which our heart longs for we shall receive it either. God is sovereign and knows what is best

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” — Proverbs 20:24 Have you ever felt like you’re wandering aimlessly, unsure if you’re on the right path? In today’s devotional, Lynette Kittle reminds us that even when life feels uncertain or our choices seem unclear, God is still directing our steps. Through Scripture and personal experience, we’re encouraged to trust God’s timing, follow His leading, and rest in His promises — even when the way forward doesn’t make sense. ✨ Highlights Why our steps are ordered by God, even when we don’t see the bigger picture How to recognize God’s quiet guidance when life feels confusing or uncertain A personal story that shows how God’s direction often becomes clear after we act in faith How the enemy uses doubt and discouragement to make us question God’s plan Practical encouragement to lean on Proverbs 3:5-6 and fully trust God’s guidance 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like you were wandering — only to later realize God was leading you exactly where you needed to be? We’d love to hear your story! Share your experience and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #TrustHisSteps to encourage others walking through seasons of uncertainty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Step This Way, Please By Lynette Kittle “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?--Proverbs 20:24 Sometimes, we seem to sense God’s leading, feeling surefooted of the direction our steps are taking us.  Yet, at other times, it can feel like we’re aimlessly wandering around, not hearing His voice at all and unsure where our next steps are leading us to, causing us to feel at times like we’re just stumbling around in life, making missteps, getting off track and headed directions we didn’t plan on going.  Not that we’re trying to misstep, but as our steps aren’t making sense at the moment and don’t seem to be leading us in the direction we thought we were headed. Long before the popular “Star Wars” miniseries “The Mandalorian” created the catchphrase, “This is the way,” God’s been showing us the way to walk.  This saying originates in the Bible, found in Isaiah 30:21, where God assures us, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” When Our Steps Seem All Over the Place Recently, I felt like I was really struggling in choosing and sending birthday gifts to a treasured friend. Spending literally days, evenings, and weeks praying for inspiration and direction, looking at various options, and so on, I finally decided in what seemed like a last-minute style on a few select items to send. So feeling let down, like I waited too long, missed the gift-giving boat, didn’t plan well, and so on and so forth, the gifts were sent but left me feeling like I had fallen short, failed, and let her down. A few days later, I received the following text from my friend who received the gifts: “I want to thank you so much for the birthday gifts. I think I can honestly say I have never enjoyed gifts as much as these. Every day for 5+ days I totally enjoyed my roses and the cheesecake was so amazing. It was perfect! I still have a few pieces of the chocolate I’m hoarding those…lol. Thank you for such wonderful gifts!” When It Feels Like a Misstep How many times do we allow the enemy of our soul to point fingers at us, causing us to doubt God’s guidance in our lives and accusing us of all kinds of shortcomings in an attempt to steal our joy away from us, rather than trusting that He is leading us, even when it doesn’t seem or feel like it at the time? This isn’t the first time that my wandering or uncertainty in a situation has brought about an inspired response, where, although it seemed like I was just roaming around clueless, God was leading me in a very specific direction that reaped heartfelt responses. When We Think We’re in Charge of Our Steps Although we might be tempted at times to believe that we are in control of our steps, Psalm 37:23 explains, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way” (NASB). Not only is God leading us, but He enjoys it. Sometimes we may believe when we ask for His guidance that He’s tired of our asking, but He’s not. God delights in leading us in His way. Likewise, we can trust Him to be with us, directing our steps in the right direction. As Proverbs 3:5-6 assures and urges, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own unders

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” — Genesis 22:2 (NIV) Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that didn’t make sense? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey unpacks Abraham’s radical obedience in Genesis 22 and what it teaches us about having unwavering faith when life feels uncertain. From trusting God’s provision to surrendering our own plans, we’re reminded that stepping out in faith leads to God’s blessings, promises, and purpose. ✨ Highlights Why Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 22 is a model for trusting God amid uncertainty How God’s provision of the ram foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb The connection between Abraham’s faith and God’s promise to bless all nations Encouragement to say “yes” to God’s calling, even when it defies human logic Living a life of surrender and experiencing the blessings that flow from obedience and faith 💬 Join the Conversation Has God ever called you to take a leap of faith? Maybe it was a career change, a move, or a personal decision that required deep trust. We’d love to hear your story! Share how you’ve seen God provide and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #UnwaveringFaith to encourage others walking through seasons of uncertainty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty By: Laura Bailey “Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”  Genesis 22:2 NIV Has the Lord called you to do something that, at the time, didn’t make sense or seemed a bit crazy? Perhaps the Lord called you to change your job, but that would mean a significant pay decrease. Or maybe He called to move to another state, but then you’d be leaving behind your strong Christian community. Possibly, you sensed that the Lord called you to adopt a child, but physical space and financial resources are already scarce.  While you might not relate to the specific circumstances above, most of us have experienced a time when we felt God calling us to step out in faith and trust in His plan, purpose, and provision. Acting in faith is not always easy; in fact, most of the time it’s challenging to walk by faith, not by sight. Yet, God has longed for His children to trust Him from the beginning of creation. To even amid uncertainty, be faithful and obedient to whatever He’s called us to. And while following God’s commands at times can be daunting, especially when they defy human logic, we can recall all the ways God has been faithful to give us strength and comfort. We see God’s provision on full display in Genesis 22:1-19, where the Lord calls Abraham to do the unimaginable. Yet, Abraham, without delay, obeyed.   Abraham, Isaac, and his servants set out on their journey, and after three days of travel, arrived at their destination. Abraham instructed his servants to stay behind, grabbed the fire and his knife, and told Isaac to carry the wood; they were going up the mountain alone. Isaac noticed that they were missing the central element of a sacrifice – an animal. Abraham tells him not to worry about it– “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8). Once they arrived, Abraham made the altar, bound up Isaac, placed him on top of the firewood, and raised his knife to kill his son ( Genesis 22:9-10). But, graciously, the angel of the Lord calls out from Heaven, telling Abraham not to harm Isaac. Abraham then looks over and sees a ram in the bushes and sacrifices it to the Lord, naming the area “The Lord will Provide” (Genesis 22:13-14).  Then the Lord promises Abraham three things. The first two are specific to Abraham; the Lord will bless him with offspring, making them as numerous as the stars in the sky, and give him victory over his enemies ( Genesis 22:15-17). But the last promise is good news for all of humanity. God tells Abraham, “and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me” ( Genesis 22:18). Jesus, the savior of the world, God’s only son ( John 3:16), who He loves ( John 15:9), will come from the line of Abraham.  We see  God’s unconditional love, grace, and mercy for His children through the blessing He bestows on Abraham and his descendants (that’s you and me!) Just as the ram was the substitute sacrifice for Isaac, Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world (John 1:29). Through Jesus’

What will people remember about you when your life is over? This devotional explores what it means to leave behind a faithful legacy that blesses future generations. Through the surprising story of Alfred Nobel, who transformed his reputation from an inventor of explosives to the founder of the Nobel Prizes, we’re reminded that it’s never too late to change your impact. A legacy isn’t just about wealth — it’s about the values, faith, and love we pass on to others. God calls us to focus on what has eternal value and to intentionally build an inheritance of faith, character, and purpose for those who come after us. ✨ Highlights The surprising lesson from Alfred Nobel’s mistaken obituary and how it changed his life Why your legacy is more than money — it includes faith, character, wisdom, and prayer How Proverbs 13:22 challenges us to focus on eternal impact over temporary success Practical ways to build a faithful legacy through daily habits and intentional choices Encouragement that it’s never too late to start fresh with God and inspire future generations 💬 Join the Conversation What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Reflect on this devotional and share your thoughts with the LifeAudio community. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithfulLegacy to encourage others on their journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Legacy Will You Leave? By: Whitney Hopler “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” – Proverbs 13:22, NIV Imagine waking up, opening the newspaper, and seeing your own obituary printed there. That’s exactly what happened to Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. But the obituary wasn’t supposed to be his. It was a mistake. His brother had died, but the newspaper got it wrong and reported that he had passed away. When Alfred read the mistakenly published obituary, he saw that it criticized him for inventing and selling something that killed so many people. Alfred had made his fortune from explosives used for destruction and war. Reading his own obituary showed him how the world remembered his life up to that point. That experience motivated him to build a better legacy. Instead of continuing to build wealth from explosives, Alfred decided he wanted to leave a legacy that inspired people to contribute to the world in positive ways. Before he died in 1896, he set up the Nobel Prizes to honor people like scientists, writers, and peacemakers around the world. Now most people remember Alfred as the founder of the Nobel Prizes, which continue to celebrate positive change and inspire people worldwide.  The first part of Proverbs 13:22 points out: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”. At first glance, this might seem like it’s only about passing down money. That’s part of it. The Bible encourages us to be generous with our money. But the word “inheritance” isn’t limited to money, and the most valuable parts of our legacies aren’t financial at all. We can leave our faith, our character, our work ethic, our wisdom, our story, and our prayers. All of that is even more valuable than money!  Have you ever known someone who passed away and left behind a legacy of love and holiness? You may not remember all the details of that person’s life, but you likely remember how that person lived with real love and truth by focusing every day on what has eternal value. That’s the kind of legacy God wants us all to leave behind!  The second half of Proverbs 13:22 says: “the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” In other words, even if people gain a lot in their earthly lives without relationships with God, their wealth and accomplishments won’t last because only righteous people who follow God’s guidance for their decisions will leave valuable legacies.  So, what legacy will you leave? What are you doing today that will bless people and honor God tomorrow?  You don’t have to be rich or famous to leave a faithful legacy. God will help you build your legacy every day he gives you to live from now on, in your own ways that accomplish God’s good purposes for you.  You also don’t have to worry about your past, as long as you’re committed to building a faithful legacy now. It’s never too late to start fresh with God. He can turn your mistakes and regrets into something beautiful that lasts if you ask him to help you build the kind of legacy he wants you to pass on.  All you have to do to build a faithful legacy is focus on what has eternal value every day. So, communicate with God regularly by building strong prayer and

When life feels unbearably heavy, it can be hard to believe God’s goodness still surrounds us. In this heartfelt devotional, Keri Eichberger reflects on walking alongside her dear friend Allison, who recently lost her husband after a two-year battle with cancer. Through grief and heartache, Allison’s unwavering confidence in God’s promises becomes a powerful reminder that His goodness never leaves us—even in the darkest valleys. This devotional invites us to trust that, no matter our circumstances, God’s love and blessings are still present today and that He is preparing even greater goodness for our future. ✨ Highlights How God’s goodness and love sustain us in seasons of grief and uncertainty A moving story of unshakable faith through loss and trusting God’s promises Why believing in God’s goodness changes the way we endure suffering Encouragement to hold onto hope, comfort, and God’s faithful presence A biblical reflection on Psalm 23:6 and its promise of God’s everlasting care 💬 Join the Conversation What helps you hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming? Share your story and encourage others walking through hardship. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ConfidenceInChrist to join the conversation and remind others that God’s goodness is always near. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Confidence in the Good to Come By Keri Eichberger Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6)  It pains me to have to report this, but my dearest friend lost her young husband after a two year battle with cancer just a few short weeks ago. It’s been a treacherous journey that we relentlessly prayed wouldn’t end this way. But all the while, I’ve been grateful to walk alongside Allison, honored to hold her up through the hard emotions and heavy moments. And because I love and care for her deeply, I have been bearing some burdens for her. One of which has been desperately desiring to remove her pain that was or would be. But the problem is, I can’t make it all go away. I can pray, show up with a hug, or lend a listening ear. I can share bible verses, send encouraging texts, and let her know she’s thought of and won’t be left alone. Yes, I can offer a little light. And so that is just what I did last week. Dropped in to listen and love.  Our efforts won’t be all-sufficient, but we can all be a touch of God’s goodness and shed some of his light in the shadows for others. And sometimes, as in my case, the unexpected happens. I may never know how my gestures will help Allison, but she’s certainly serving me in the process. Because as I was leaving that afternoon, she said something so profound. I had just quoted the title of a book that I’d mentioned wanting to share with her when the time was right. Written by my Christian author friend, Lisa Appelo, it’s called, “Life Can Be Good Again.” And as soon I spoke those words, without a thought, Allison assuredly stated, “I believe it’s true.” She was claiming her confidence that regardless of her grief, God indeed still held good for her life. And this is where and why I stand encouraged, amazed, and changed by her affirmation of faith. How can it be that someone enduring the hardest of hard can still say, “life can be good again.” It’s God. And she knew that.  Do you know that? Do I know that? The truth that even though life can look terribly wrong, out of order, and so personally painful, there is still goodness here and then. And also true: there will be so much more goodness. But if I’m being honest, I’m not always confident in this truth. When I’m afraid of what might happen, or what might not come to be in my future and in the lives of those I love.  God says he will always be there. He says his goodness will follow us. And he says all the days of our lives. And maybe you can’t imagine this either. Maybe you’re having a hard time envisioning how you might experience his goodness through the worst that could be too. But the thing is, not only has he gotten us through our hard things of the past, I have watched him carry others through the absolute unimaginable with grace, swelling peace, and a strong awareness of blessings surrounding them. Carrying a light only he can offer. I’ve seen all of that in Allison the past two years and still now. Her hope is a living testament to me and all those around her. Her assurance through the valley that the unchanging God is good yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s true. Regardless of what we may have believed. Regardless of how hard life might get. I want this living hope, along with God’s unshakable promises in the living

We all have moments we wish we could take back—times when pride, frustration, or impatience gets the better of us. In this heartfelt devotional, inspired by Titus 3:4-5, we’re reminded that God’s grace and mercy aren’t earned by our own righteousness but are freely given through Christ. Through a personal story of conviction, apology, and reconciliation, we see how asking for forgiveness can restore broken relationships and reflect the gospel at work in our lives. ✨ Highlights Why asking for forgiveness is essential to living out our faith A personal story of pride, correction, and reconciliation How God’s mercy covers our shortcomings and restores relationships Practical encouragement for letting go of pride and seeking peace A reminder that Christ’s forgiveness empowers us to forgive others 💬 Join the Conversation Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from—or someone you need to forgive? How has God’s mercy helped you reconcile relationships in the past? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #FaithInAction to encourage others walking this journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Ask for Forgiveness Often and Always “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his mercy…” Titus 3:4-5 In ministry, I’ve said and done things I wish I could take back. On a particularly bad day, I was dealing with some personal struggles, and a church member had asked to meet with me and my husband. As we met together, the church member took the opportunity to complain about the direction the church had taken. As she complained, I stopped her at one point because what she was saying was incorrect.  When I corrected her, she got a surprised look on her face, and she expressed that she was highly offended at the interruption. As she walked out, I knew she felt unheard and unappreciated. Unfortunately, I was too busy trying to be right rather than the right relationship. A few days later, the Holy Spirit convicted me. He wanted me to apologize. I didn't want to apologize. What I had said was correct theologically, but it more adhered to the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. Although Jesus wants us to correct others when their theology doesn't align with the truth in Scripture, he also wants us to love others and be slow to anger. In this situation, however, I had been much quicker to anger than I should have been.  I swallowed my pride and sent a text letting her know how sorry I was and that I hoped she could forgive me. Surprisingly enough, within a few minutes, I received a text back saying that she forgave me and that we were still on good terms. The above verse reminds us that it is not by anything we do in our righteousness that earns us God's grace. Rather, it is in the moments of our weakness that God pours out His abundant grace and mercy upon our lives. In the moment when I asked for forgiveness, God poured out His grace and mercy over my quick and flippant response to this woman.  I had not loved her as Christ loved her, and he was asking me to make amends. Although it was difficult to apologize and ask for forgiveness, I was grateful that she was willing to accept it. The gospel message is that Christ died to be the ultimate sacrifice for all our sins. These are all the sins we have committed and all that we ever will commit in this life. We can rest assured that simply by asking for his forgiveness, God is faithful to grant it. Just as we understand the weight of Christ’s death on the cross, we also need to offer forgiveness freely when someone asks for it. This demonstrates our understanding of the gospel message, both in our own lives and in the lives of others.  Take a moment to reflect on your relationships in life. Is there someone from whom you need to ask for forgiveness? How easy would it be for you to send a text, write a note, or call that person and ask for forgiveness? If the only thing standing between a reconciled relationship and a severed one is pride, God wants to remind us that He gives His grace and mercy to all of us, no matter what we've done.  Just as we receive God's grace and mercy simply because of Christ's death on the cross, we also need to extend and ask for forgiveness accordingly. We need to be reminded daily that all of us deserve death. But He took away our sins and replaced them with love, forgiveness, and, best of all, salvation. Although it is not always possible, we must strive to live in peace with everyone. Although some people’s hearts are too hardened to reconcile appropriately, it is still vital that we reach out and try. It means suffering rejection and a continued broken relationship.&nbs

When a tornado devastated her small Kentucky community, Megan J. Conner found herself reflecting on the fragility of life and the strength of faith. As she surveyed the uprooted trees on her property, Megan was reminded of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19—that we would be rooted and grounded in God’s love, drawing strength from Christ to withstand life’s fiercest storms. In this heartfelt devotional, she invites us to examine the depth of our faith and lean into the unshakable love of God when everything around us feels uncertain. ✨ Highlights A personal story of loss, restoration, and hope after a tornado How God’s love anchors us when life’s storms uproot our security The meaning of being “rooted and grounded in love” from Ephesians 3:14-19 Practical steps to deepen your faith and strengthen your spiritual roots Why knowing Christ’s immeasurable love changes the way we endure hardship 💬 Join the Conversation Are your spiritual roots deep enough to weather life’s storms? What practices help you stay grounded in Christ? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #RootedInChrist to encourage others on their journey of faith. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Uprooted By Megan J. Conner “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:14-19 (NKJV) Recently, my small rural community in southern Kentucky was hit by a tornado. While there is much to be grateful for, as the collateral damage could have been MUCH worse, we are still devastated. Lives perished, businesses and homes were destroyed, livelihoods and tangible remembrances were swept away. We live in the lower hills of the Appalachian Mountains, an area typically immune to such tragedies, as there is not enough flat land for these vicious cyclones to gain momentum or remain active. The last time a tornado caused any measure of significant damage here was in 1974. However, on May 16, 2025, nature defied the odds and ravaged our town and the neighboring community east of us. Our family home and business survived the tragedy, but not without damage. In particular, our back deck, fence, and wooded land were greatly impacted. Our home sits at the top of a hill, overlooking our own personal forest. I LOVE my trees! It is the main reason we bought our house. Our property is filled with skyscraping beech, oak, and ash trees. Our second story literally sits level with the trees, making it feel like we live in a real-life treehouse. It is just stunning.  A dream come true for this former westerner used to brown dirt and dry land. Our woods are fairly dense and give off a sense of grandeur, of ancestry. It is likely these trees were here well before the Civil War.  Our forest appeared immovable and unshakeable. Until… an unimaginable force came through and literally unearthed several entire trees from their deep, substantial roots. We lost six trees during the tornado. Not a single one broke. All six trees were completely uprooted in their entirety and displaced from the land that once gave them life. Due to their massive size, there was nothing left to do but have them all chopped up for firewood and removed. They could not be restored.  As I stood there looking down upon one of these massive trees with giant clods of dirt still clinging to its deep-seated base, I could not help but notice the symbolism between the natural and the spiritual. How do we stay rooted in Christ, immovable and unshakeable in the storms of life? In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encourages the believers to draw their strength from Christ.  It is through the Holy Spirit within that they can withstand severe tempests. And at the root of it all, anchoring them in the Lord is LOVE. To know the love of Christ and the fullness thereof is to form an unbreakable, immutable bond with God; a root system that is so deeply entrenched, nothing in this world can uproot it.  Wherever you find yourself today, whatever dark clouds hover nearby, I pray you would be “…rooted and grounded in love, (that you) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness

Whitney Hopler reflects on the power of encouragement through the lens of 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Drawing inspiration from her father’s lifelong friendship with Hibbie, Whitney reminds us how simple acts of support, prayer, and love can bring God’s light into a hurting world. True Christian encouragement strengthens relationships, spreads hope, and reflects God’s heart for His people. ✨ Highlights Why encouraging others is a reflection of God’s love in action How simple words and gestures can strengthen someone’s faith The multiplying effect of encouragement—how it inspires others to pass it on Practical ways to uplift friends, family, and community members in need A biblical reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to build one another up daily 💬 Join the Conversation Who has encouraged you the most in your faith journey? And who in your life could use encouragement today? Share your story and inspire others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #EncourageOneAnother. Let’s build each other up and spread God’s hope together! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Encourage One Another By: Whitney Hopler “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV My dad Jim is grateful for many friends, and one of his friendships stands out to me. Dad and his friend Hibbie bonded as young boys whose fathers had passed away. Both of them had to deal with the grief and challenges of not having their fathers while growing up. They encouraged each other and built each other up day by day. By the time Hibbie passed away at age 87, he and Dad had celebrated about 80 years of friendship! I’m inspired by how Dad and Hibbie leaned on each other, shared their burdens, and strengthened one another for nearly a lifetime.  That’s what the Bible urges us all to do 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Life is hard in this fallen world. We face many challenges, but we’re not meant to go through our challenges alone. God has given us a powerful gift: each other. God calls us to encourage one another. That means giving each other courage through kind words and actions. Encouragement is often simple, but it’s significant. God will send his power flowing through our lives when we speak encouraging words in our conversations or write them in our texts and cards to each other. When we show up for one another and help meet one another’s needs, our efforts will make a positive impact because God will bless our actions.  Encouragement matters because it reflects God’s love for people. Throughout the Bible, God shows his love for people through encouragement. When we encourage other people, we’re showing them God’s love in action. That’s powerful! Encouragement can change people’s paths through life for the better by pointing them to the hope God offers. It can give them the faith to believe they matter or the strength to face something that’s especially challenging for them. It also draws people closer together. When we encourage others, we’re building relationships by creating trust and showing that we care. Encouragement is also powerful because it multiplies. The more we encourage people, the more they can pass it on by encouraging other people they know. Encouragement spreads like light, brightening the lives of everyone who experiences it in our homes, workplaces, churches, schools, and communities. So, encouragement is a powerful way for us to bring light into the darkness of this world! The apostle Paul understood that when he wrote this verse to people in the Thessalonian churches. They were facing many challenges in their lives at that time, and Paul knew that they needed to be reminded of God’s love for them. Paul didn’t just teach them the truth; he told them to encourage one another with it. He also wrote: “… just as in fact you are doing” to let them know that he saw and appreciated their efforts. God calls us to make encouragement an ongoing lifestyle rather than only a one-time choice. Just like Jim and Hibbie encouraged each other throughout the decades, we’re called to encourage the people in our own lives whenever we can.  Think of people in your life right now. Who’s struggling with something? Who’s especially stressed or lonely? Who might need someone to tell them: “I see you, and I believe in you”? Your encouragement could be the reason someone doesn’t give up today.  You need encouragement too. So, don’t hesitate to let your trusted friends know when you could use encouragement about anything you’re facing righ

Have you ever prayed and wondered if God was really listening? In this devotional, Lynette Kittle walks us through the struggle of feeling unheard by God and explores two powerful steps we can take when prayers seem to go unanswered: self-examination and persistent seeking through fasting and prayer. Drawing from Daniel’s experience, we discover how spiritual battles can delay answers but also how God hears us the moment we call. ✨ Highlights Why unconfessed sin can create a sense of distance between us and God (2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 John 1:9) How Daniel’s story reveals that prayer delays don’t mean God is silent or absent Practical steps to restore closeness with God through confession, fasting, and seeking His presence The reality of spiritual warfare and why persistence in prayer matters (Ephesians 6:12) Encouragement to trust that God hears you—even when answers feel delayed 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever experienced a season when it felt like God wasn’t answering your prayers? How did you find strength to keep believing and seeking Him? Share your story with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInTheWaiting to inspire others walking through similar seasons. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Hello, God, Are You There? By Lynette Kittle “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear”--Isaiah 59:2  Have we ever felt like God wasn’t hearing us, not listening, and wonder why?  If so, do we look for new ways to pray with more powerful words and phrases to say in our prayers? Do we point fingers at the devil, blaming him for interfering somehow in our prayers, maybe preventing them from reaching God like what happened with Daniel? So what steps can we take when it seems like God is either not hearing us or answering our prayers? The following are two ways we can look to see what may be behind these feelings.  Dig Deeper  It’s not something we like to do and most of us try to avoid it, but possibly a self-evaluation is needed to see if we’re sinning, not just in the everyday way we all do throughout life, but in an in-depth look where we go beyond the surface and start digging down. 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” If we find sin, what is our next step to rid the separation we’ve created between God and us, and to reconcile with Him, so that He hears us once again? It’s really simple, as 1 John 1:9 directs, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God calls us to repent because He wants our relationship to be restored. Fast, Pray, and Mourn for Answers Daniel 9:3 describes how Daniel prayed and sought answers from God. “So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Yet, even so, it seemed like God wasn’t answering him and, like us, Daniel didn’t understand. But God was hearing and listening, and He sent Gabriel to let Daniel know what was happening in the heavens (Daniel 9:22), saying, “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision” (Daniel 9:23). Then, later on, after three weeks of mourning and seeking answers (Daniel 10:2-3), Daniel experienced another divine encounter. “I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, His face like lightning, His eyes like flaming torches, His arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and His voice like the sound of a multitude” (Daniel 10:5-6). “He said, ‘Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.’ And when He said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.’” (Daniel 10:12-14). Through Daniel’s story we see that the enemy can interfere with our pray

God created you with intention and purpose, shaping you as His workmanship to fulfill good works uniquely designed for your life. In this devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown explores why living a teachable life is essential to recognizing God’s plan and stepping into your calling. Through personal reflection, biblical insight, and real-life examples, we’re reminded that embracing God’s design leads to transformation, wisdom, and a deeper connection with Him. When we open ourselves to learning—from Scripture, experiences, and others—we begin to see God’s hand shaping us daily. Pursuing Him unlocks peace, motivation, and meaning, helping us overcome cycles of discouragement and live with eternal purpose. ✨ Highlights Why recognizing God’s workmanship is key to living with purpose How having a teachable mindset draws us closer to God’s calling The connection between pursuing God and experiencing lasting joy and fulfillment Practical wisdom on gaining understanding through Scripture and relationships Encouragement to trust God’s intentional design, even in seasons of uncertainty 💬 Join the Conversation How have you seen God’s workmanship in your life? Has being teachable helped you grow in faith or purpose? We’d love to hear your story! Share your thoughts and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #RecognizeHisWorkmanship to inspire others to pursue God and embrace His calling. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Do You Recognize His Workmanship? By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) If I’m ever blessed with a son, there’s one underrated lesson I want to impart: Be teachable. I want him to be willing to learn from the obvious places like the Bible, his teachers, his parents, and his family. Yet, the not-so-obvious places like secondhand experiences and fictional stories are also valuable.  Not everything he hears will be accurate, but being teachable doesn’t mean being naive. Instead, a teachable mindset means being willing to learn from all experiences. That entails knowing what to do and what not to do. Moreover, when people give him feedback, he should hear them out, even if he doesn’t ultimately change anything. God created us for “good works,” but those who aren’t teachable don’t get to experience the fullness of this truth. Teachable people are works in progress. Emphasis on progress. They are like a craft being fine-tuned. We are prevented from realizing our full potential when we don’t fully realize this workmanship. I was reminded of this recently when talking with a friend from college. Those school days were about a decade ago, and back then, she was sad, lonely, and seeking purpose. All these years later, it’s even worse. Despite any insight offered to her by her parents or friends, she always has a response. There’s always a justification for her behavior. We are always wrong, and she is always right. In reality, she is not teachable. She doesn’t recognize what God created her for. However, we don’t have to live stuck in the same old cycles of misery and sorrow. When we allow ourselves to be teachable, we open ourselves up to change. When you recognize that you are made in God's image, suddenly, you don’t feel the burden of living a purposeless or fleeting life. Instead, we recognize a deeper vocation, one that inspires motivation and happiness—a calling that tells us we are living for more than just ourselves, and we are all the better because of it. God created you intentionally. There are unique responsibilities and goals that He wants you to fulfill, and you can. While we can settle for the world, being teachable leads us to something more. Therefore, ask yourself, do you recognize His workmanship? Intersecting Faith & Life: Seeing God at work in your life is not always easy. That’s especially true when things aren’t going your way. Disappointments and setbacks can make us question our purpose and God’s design. If He loved me, why is He allowing this? If God created me, why am I so broken? Whenever those thoughts or anything like them crop up, remember, you are made in His image. You are His workmanship. The trick is always to find ways to recognize and recall that. Pursue God We all know those who call themselves Christians, but don’t pursue God. They avoid church, reading the Bible, and discussing faith-related topics. Perhaps, that’s where you are right now. I’ve certainly been there. We can all find one reason or another to avoid God, but the better way to live is to pursue Him. We experience His presence, goodness, peace, and m

In this devotional, Keri Eichberger reminds us that the deepest connection our hearts long for can only be found in Jesus. Drawing from John 15:5, she shares a personal story of longing for closeness with her husband, only to be reminded that lasting comfort, peace, and joy flow from remaining connected to Christ. When we stay close to the Vine, we bear spiritual fruit that no relationship, friendship, or earthly connection can replace. Highlights The Longing for Connection: Why our hearts crave closeness, affirmation, and love from others. The True Source of Fulfillment: How Jesus, the Vine, offers the deepest connection our souls desire (John 15:5). Spiritual Fruits of the Soul: Discover the blessings of peace, joy, comfort, and security that come from staying connected to Christ. Practical Encouragement: Remaining in Jesus looks like daily communion—talking to Him, listening for His guidance, and leaning on His presence throughout your day. Finding Comfort in Christ: Earthly connections are beautiful, but only Jesus offers the unshakable peace our hearts are searching for. Join the Conversation When have you experienced a moment where Jesus reminded you that He is your truest source of connection and comfort? Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ConnectedInChrist. Your testimony could encourage someone longing for the same peace and closeness today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Connection You’re Longing For  By Keri Eichberger I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)  We weren’t quite seeing eye to eye. Nothing major. Just a slight variation in our interest of focus on that particular Monday morning. My husband had certain very honorable responsibilities on his heart, while my desires were driving my mind in a different direction. And I was left with an empty feeling. Longing for connection and time whisked away from the heavy demands of my recent days. And seeking that connection with him—the person with whom I held memories of carefree fun, comforting love, and a sense of safety, steady, and serenity. And as dug to the depths of my longings, the Lord prompted me with truth about true connection. The truth about the fruit I was truly seeking from the connection I was craving, and also how to find it. In a connection with Jesus. And this wasn’t new news to me. I’ve known this well, but I also know I need to put it into practice over and over. Do you find yourself craving the comforts of connection? And with a specific or certain someone or someones? Maybe you could use a friend to pour out your problems to, a comforting soul to offer you some encouragement, or company to share the current joys of life with. Or just a genuine soul to remind you that you’re seen and loved. I desire all of these things. I was looking for them the other day when I felt a disconnect with Mike. I feel a similar sense of lack in seasons when my kids, friends, and family are distracted with their own demanding lives. And within each disconnect, the fruits of comfort, peace, and joy, that we find in our connections, seem harder to come by.  Something else to consider: How connected with Jesus are you when you’re lacking the comforts of connection with others? Are you closely connected with him when you’re seeking to soak in those missing blessings? Jesus told his followers, I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. We may often think about the visible fruit produced from our striving efforts when we hear this verse. But we also bear spiritual fruits of the soul. Precious blessings that blossom within when we remain connected to Christ.     Intersecting Faith and Life: If you ever end up empty of a sense of safety, serenity, comfort, or care—securities that I was looking for in the person beside me—and you seek to find it in connection with someone, can I remind us both of something? We can do none of this apart from Jesus. We must first connect with him. And not just temporarily. Remain means to stay. So if and when we drift a bit, we need to return. Remaining in Jesus looks like refreshing our communion every morning, and then holding his hand through every moment we encounter, through the entire day. Going to him over and over. In all our work, in every decision, in each conversation. Talking to him, leaning on him, listening to him. And as we do our connection grows stronger, along with the sweet fruits we crave. Understanding, affection, attention, approval. Jesus gets you and me. He cares and comforts. And not like anyone else can. Apart from him—away and at distan

In this devotional, Hannah Benson reminds us of a timeless truth: God sees you. Even when prayers seem unanswered, and our hearts feel weary, the Lord’s eyes are always on us. Through personal testimony and Scripture, Hannah shares how God gently reminded her of His presence in a moment of deep discouragement. Just as He revealed Himself to Hagar in the wilderness and heard Hannah’s cries in the temple, God is attentive to your life, your struggles, and your desires. Highlights God Sees You: Encouragement from Genesis 16:13 and the story of Hagar’s encounter with “El Roi.” When Prayers Feel Unanswered: Why God’s timing and responses—whether yes, no, or not yet—can still be trusted. Hannah’s Story: Biblical assurance that God hears and knows the desires of your heart. The Power of Obedience: How a simple note from a friend became a divine reminder of God’s care. Practical Encouragement: Be willing to follow the Spirit’s prompting—your act of obedience could be someone else’s answered prayer. Join the Conversation Have you ever had a moment where God reminded you that He sees you—maybe through Scripture, prayer, or even a word from a friend? Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #GodSeesYou. Your testimony could encourage someone else who is wondering the same question today: “Lord, do You see me?” 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Sees You A devotional by Hannah Benson ““So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Genesis 16:13 (ESV) Have you ever wondered if God sees you? Scripture clearly tells us He does, but being a fallible human, sometimes, we may struggle to know this truth deep within our hearts. Recently, I’ve wrestled with this question. I’ve been praying the same prayer for months and not yet seen a breakthrough. To this day, I don’t know how the Lord will answer. Perhaps it will be a yes. Perhaps it is a no. Perhaps He is speaking and saying not yet. Even if the answer is different than I hope, I trust that His plan is good. As a result, I’ve found myself spiritually on my knees. Crying out to God. “Do You hear me?” “Do You see me?” “Why won’t You bless me with what I want?” Later that week, I was at a rehearsal for a show I’m in. For years, I’ve been part of a biblical theater ministry that often feels more like church than a regular drama troupe. Prayer, worship, fellowship, and exercises in hearing the Holy Spirit often occupy our gatherings, especially in the weeks leading up to the performances. That night, several of us gathered in a room with pencils and strips of paper, listening to worship music and spending time with the Lord. We were encouraged to write notes as the Holy Spirit led, to write words of encouragement to our fellow cast members if God whispered something to our hearts. I received a note with a message that spoke directly into what I was going through and was exactly what I needed to hear. “God sees you. He knows.” Inside, I wept. The person who wrote the note had never heard the deepest prayers of my heart—those were between God and I. But God had impressed on her heart exactly what I needed to hear. Instantly, God reminded me of Hagar’s story in the Bible. When she’d been exiled from her home and she wandered in the wilderness, God revealed Himself to her. With joy, she exclaimed: “You are a God of seeing!” aptly calling Him “El Roi,” “the God Who sees me.” I also remembered Hannah’s story. When she cried out to God, her heart and arms empty and barren, her prayers weren’t in vain. He heard her, and He knew the desires of her heart. No matter what happens, I am reminded that God sees me, and He knows the desires of my heart. INTERSECTING FAITH & LIFE God speaks in the whispers, in the wind, sometimes in the quiet subtle moments in life that we may not even realize it’s the Lord speaking. In this particular case, He used a friend of mine who followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and may not have even realized the significance of her obedience in that moment. She didn’t “need” to write that note. What if she’d said “No”? What if she’d thought the prompting crazy and ignored the nudge? God is sovereign and certainly could’ve spoken to me in other ways, yes. After all, the most important way we hear from God is through His Word. But I for one am so thankful my friend followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Let this be an encouragement to you today: obey the voice of

Megan J. Conner reminds us that even in our deepest trials, God is at work revealing Himself to us. Drawing from the story of Job, she explores how suffering—though painful and bewildering—can lead to a greater understanding of God’s majesty, faithfulness, and love. True blessing isn’t always the resolution we hope for, but the unveiling of God’s presence in our lives. ✨ Highlights How suffering can draw us closer to God and fortify our faith Job’s story as a model for lament, honesty, and perseverance in hardship The “unveiled blessing”: seeing God more fully through trials Biblical encouragement to trust God even when life seems unendurable Scriptures for reflection: Job 42:1-6, Rom. 5:3-5, Jer. 29:11 💬 Join the ConversationAre you navigating a season of trials or uncertainty? How has God revealed Himself to you in those moments? Share your story and encouragement with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #UnveiledBlessings. Your insight could give hope to someone walking through their own season of hardship. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Unveiled Blessings By Megan J. Conner “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you,” Job 42:5 (NIV) Have you ever found yourself in a season of deep despair? Perhaps you are there now. Where sorrow seems ceaseless and you feel as if you are learning the true meaning of “longsuffering.”  Often, when people are entrenched in hardships, the Book of Job is inevitably brought up. As someone who has spent the better part of twenty years walking through one unwelcome trial after another, I can confidently attest that while many want to reference Job as the biblical character synonymous with suffering, few have actually read the full account.  In our current generation, Job has become more of a cultural reference than a sage testimony of the deity, wisdom, and provision of God extended to those immersed in tragedy.  It is hard to read the Book of Job – I get it, I really do. Some of the dialogue can feel a bit archaic, even mystical. But the reality is, we avoid this book of the Bible because we don’t want to intimately witness that level of misery. As human’s we have an innate desire to avoid pain at all costs, even if the sufferer is someone other than ourselves. It makes us uncomfortable. We desire life, not death, joy rather than sorrow, and if we aren’t forced to face such circumstances, who would voluntarily look to enter into them?  While undesirable to our humanity, it is abundantly clear throughout the Bible that God employs hardships to fortify our faith and draw us closer to Him. Joseph did not inherit his prophesied role until after he endured over a decade of slavery and imprisonment, the claim to the Promised Land was only achieved on the other side of the battle, and freedom from sin and death was only accomplished by our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the other side of the cross. Despite the clear pattern, we think our lives should be filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness. Job struggled with similar sentiments. After losing his property, his livelihood, and all of his children, Job sat in a heap of ashes, scraping pus off sores covering his whole body, and crying out to God that he wished he had never been born. Though he was known as a man of faith, Job struggled to comprehend God’s good plan in any of this. And rightfully so… How many of us would have responded any differently? Pride and a desire for justice rose up in Job, and he even challenged God to defend His actions. Job’s declarations may seem bold (who is he to demand the God of the universe justify His actions), but when unimaginable tragedies ravage our lives and hearts, there is little we can do but wail, lament, and look for something… anything to blame for our heartache. Thankfully, God doesn’t turn away from us (or Job) when our pain screams louder than our logic. As a Good Father, God patiently allows Job to vent until there is nothing left to say. When Job finally stops talking, a full 38 chapters later, God does something completely unexpected. He reveals His majesty, omnipotence, and power to Job. When face-to-face with such glory, there is nothing left to refute. Job bows in humility; his entire outlook and heart forever changed. “Then Job replied to the LORD: ‘I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repe

Alexis A. Goring reminds us that when we mess up, God meets us with compassion, grace, and mercy—not condemnation. Reflecting on a personal story from her time at Williams-Sonoma, Alexis draws a beautiful parallel to how God gently asks, “Are you okay?” before addressing our mistakes. Through Scripture and the inspiring song “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts, she highlights God’s enduring love and His desire to restore what feels broken. ✨ Highlights The power of compassion over condemnation when we make mistakes How God’s heart is like a caring friend who checks on us first (“Are you okay?”) Biblical assurance of God’s mercy and grace that renews every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) The hope found in Jesus Christ, the Savior who understands our pain and restores us A reminder that God can heal what we thought was permanently broken 💬 Join the ConversationHave you experienced God’s mercy in a moment when you felt broken or afraid? How has His grace helped you rebuild? Share your story and encouragement with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #MercyAndGrace. Your testimony might be the hope someone else needs today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts? Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/lgcjC9DEzTs?si=uYfH3MkQRxZqlfUL Full Transcript Below: Are You Okay? By: Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy.”— Psalm 103:8 NASB Have you ever needed mercy, grace and compassion after making a mess?  When I worked for Williams-Sonoma—one of my favorite stores that sells kitchenware and home furnishings—I always treaded lightly and carefully around the store displays because most of the products for the kitchen and dining room areas were fragile. I didn’t want to accidentally bump into a display or drop anything while I cleaned it or arranged the products neatly on the shelf. Therefore, every moment on the sales floor was a guarded experience for me.  For the first few months as a sales associate at this store, I didn’t drop anything nor topple over a display of delicate items…until one day. I accidentally bumped into one of the wine glass displays and half of those fragile items crashed down to the floor and shattered into what looked like a million pieces. I was mortified and worried about losing my job. However, one of my colleagues who worked in the stockroom calmed me down when she came alongside me. Instead of being mad at me for making a big mess of expensive items that now had no value because they were permanently broken, she made eye contact with me and with a concerned expression on her face, she asked, “Are you okay?” In that moment, my mortification turned to relief because I felt like I was given grace despite feeling like a bull in a china shop who caused a catastrophe. Reflecting on that experience years later, I realized my colleague’s compassionate response was similar to the response God has for us when we mess up. He knows we’re going to make mistakes at least once in our lifetime because we’re flawed humans, mere mortals who are sinners by nature and always in need of a savior. And when Jesus Christ who is the Savior we all need, steps into our mess—even if it’s of our own making—He doesn’t immediately scold us, chastise us, blame us, condemn us or shame us. He looks us in the eye and says with a heart full of compassion, “Are you okay?” What a wonderful God we serve! He is willing to make sure we are okay before He deals with us according to our actions. He is a fair judge (Psalm 7:11) who gives us grace and mercy when needed (Psalm 86:13). Praise the Lord! This reminds me of the song “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts. The lyrics talk about how God knew everything about our world before He created it. His Presence hovered over the darkness as He spoke light and life into this world. He created mankind with great care all the while knowing that we would hurt His heart when we choose to disobey Him and sin. God also knew that living in a sin-sick world and being affected by the pain of it all would break our hearts. So, He put a plan in place to save our souls. God sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to save our lives (John 3:16-17). Thanks to Him, if we accept His free gift of salvation offered through Christ then have the hope of Heaven after the end of our life on Earth. I appreciate how Roberts sings about how good God is—He’s not just true but His heart for humankind is filled with a love that endures through the ages. He is powerful yet gentle. He is a Good Father to all of us. Roberts says how we need to realize that we are not the owners of our life, God is, and He paid a pri

Growing in our knowledge of God isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s an act of worship. Using Proverbs 18:15 and a relatable moment with her child, she explores why Christians sometimes fear new perspectives and how God invites our honest questions. Through personal testimony, practical tips, and encouragement, Deidre shows that seeking deeper understanding of God can actually strengthen—not threaten—our faith. ✨ Highlights Why our deep-seated beliefs about God can make us resistant to new insights How asking hard questions can be an act of worship The reassurance of Hebrews 4:15–16 when we bring our uncertainties to God Practical ways to expand your understanding of God through scripture, discussion, and study Resources like The Bible Project and free seminary courses to grow in biblical knowledge 💬 Join the ConversationWhen was the last time you learned something new about God that changed your perspective? How has curiosity deepened your faith? Share your thoughts and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #WorshipThroughLearning to encourage others to keep seeking His truth. 🌟 Explore more from Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Megan J. Conner invites us to confront the fears and anxieties we often harbor around money and control. Drawing from her personal journey and key scriptures like Hebrews 13:5 and Philippians 4:19, she challenges us to shift our trust from financial security to God’s faithful provision. This devotional gently reminds us that money itself isn’t evil—our hearts and priorities matter most. Through surrender and faith, Megan shows how we can find peace and contentment even amid economic uncertainty. ✨ Highlights Why money is a tool, not the enemy, when used with the right heart How financial fear often signals a deeper trust issue with God Megan’s personal struggle with anxiety and the breakthrough found in surrender Scriptural promises to anchor your faith in God’s provision and care Practical step: physically “surrender” your financial worries through journaling and prayer 💬 Join the Conversation Are financial fears stealing your peace? How have you learned to trust God over your bank account? Share your story or a scripture that helped you surrender control. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithInFinances to encourage others wrestling with the same challenges. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Faith in Finances By Megan J. Conner “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 (NIV) Faith in finances is a tough topic to tackle, but is one I have felt the Lord revealing and refining in my own life for the last several years. While it is not always the most comfortable subject, I pray you hang in with me as we both take a deeper dive into what scripture says about our faith, our hearts, and our relationship with the almighty dollar bill. First, I would like to dispel the myth that money is bad, especially for Christians. The truth is, money is part of our worldly systems and even Jesus understood its role in the earthly realm (see Matt. 22:15-21). We exchange our labor for finances that provide us the means to put a roof over our heads, clothes upon our bodies, and food in our bellies. Money in and of itself is not evil. On the contrary, it can be a powerful tool for the Kingdom of God when used properly. The issue with money is not its existence; it is our hearts. I never was one who thought I had an unhealthy relationship with finances. My family made much out of the little both of my educator parents brought in growing up, and my husband and I have seen various seasons of plenty and seasons of want, yet we have maintained gratitude and even generosity towards others regardless of how much surplus (or lack thereof) there was in the pocket book. However, all of that changed for me after 2020.  Our family owns a business that employs a significant number of people.  People who represent families, ours included. We aren’t big, but we aren’t small either. We work hard day in and day out in a challenging industry and have always found a way to persevere through any obstacle. Despite our track record of God always making a way when there seemed to be no way, the economic challenges that arose in 2021 and beyond shook me to my core, literally. I had never experienced fear over finances the way I did these last few years. I struggled with anxiety. I was consumed by fear. In an attempt to “fix” it all, I worked more hours, dug deeper, and clenched my fists tighter around any and every attempt to control fiscal outcomes.  Realizing I was completely off balance, I repented before the Lord and humbly asked Him to set me free from this fear that had begun to control my whole life. The key to my freedom was TRUST.  Without my even realizing, I had stopped believing that my Heavenly Father was a trustworthy caretaker.  The issue wasn’t the economic challenges.  I simply had stopped trusting the Lord. At the root of all fear is a lack of trust in the Lord, in His goodness, and in His assured provision. God promises He will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). He is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things at all times, we have all that we need (2 Cor. 9:8). He also reminds us that He clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air. How much more will He then provide for us (Matt 6:25-34)? If you, like me, find yourself struggling for control over your financial situation, may I encourage you to step out in faith, to let go and let God? For the last two years, I have been on a journey of surrendering this burden each and every day. As I have recited scripture, prayed, and literally laid each monetary care at His feet one by one, I have discovered immense freedom and peace. The same is

In this powerful testimony, Michelle shares a journey through anxiety and panic attacks, highlighting God’s healing, sovereignty, and grace. Despite the struggle and moments of doubt, God’s goodness prevailed—restoring not only health but also a flourishing writing ministry. The piece challenges us to focus on God’s blessings rather than our hardships and encourages sharing our stories as living proof of hope found in Him. ✨ Highlights Battling anxiety and panic attacks, and the impact on ministry and career God’s healing power and the unexpected blessing of restored purpose Choosing to focus on God’s goodness instead of pain or rejection Using personal testimony as a platform to normalize mental health and share hope The importance of being prepared to give a reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) Practical encouragement: journal your blessings and practice sharing your testimony 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you shared your story of God’s goodness? What part of your testimony shines the brightest with hope? Join the conversation by sharing your story with #GodsGloryStory or tag @LifeAudioNetwork to encourage others to see God’s work in their lives. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let Your Story Be God’s Glory “Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 In the year 2020, I battled anxiety. These experiences with anxiety turned into rounds of panic attacks I couldn’t control. After getting help from psychiatrists and being prescribed medication, I was officially diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. After the diagnosis, I was distraught. I felt as if I would never be able to function normally again. Not only this, but I felt like my writing career was over. Because I couldn't function normally due to those waves of panic attacks, I felt as if I would never write again. However, God, in His sovereignty and goodness, allowed me not only to write again but also to become very successful in my career. As a guest on various podcasts, I always attest to God's goodness during this time in my life. Although many people understood my situation and either struggled with it themselves or had loved ones who struggled with mental disorders, there were a few who were not so understanding. They tried to leverage their knowledge of this disorder as an opportunity to get me out of ministry. Instead of focusing on the tremendous pain and trauma these people put me through, I chose to focus on the positive.  There are so many ways in which God has not only healed me emotionally from this disorder, but he has also allowed me to use it as a platform to normalize mental health. A Christian’s obligation is to be supportive and compassionate to sufferers of this disorder. Whenever people ask me how I can continue in my writing and ministry, I simply answer that God is good.  My ability to look on the positives and focus on God's goodness is a reminder that the above verse is crucial for us to live out in our lives. When life looks bleak, it is easy for unbelievers to look on the painful side of things. It's easier for them to become full of despair and hopeless that anything will ever work out.  However, they are looking to Christians for hope and understanding. They want to know that God is not only real but also sovereign and can turn even the most difficult situations around, providing hope and encouragement for us.  In this way, I believe I am giving people a reason for the hope I have. I have hope because I have God. I've seen him open doors and work so many wonderful things out in my life. Not only do I understand this, but I also feel that my blessings are from Him, knowing that I'm a completely different person than I was five years ago. That is all thanks to God's mercy and grace in my life.  Is there a situation in your life where you have hope, even though it wasn't something you thought you should have any? When you testify to God's goodness, what do you say? Do you choose to focus on the ways God has let you down or disappointed you? Do you choose to instead focus on the ways God has bestowed his grace and mercy on your life?  The way we testify to God's goodness is an example of our testimony. The more we focus on God's blessings and our ability to work despite our weaknesses, the more light is shed on God's character of using our weaknesses to turn negative situations into positive ones through his strength. People need to hear about God and who he is. There is no better way to do that than through our testimonies. Think about the ways God has been good to you. Get a journal and write these things down. When we choose to focus on the pos

we learn to approach the Bible with a fresh question: “What does this story reveal about God?” Rather than simply asking how Scripture applies to us personally, this lens helps us see God’s character shining through even in stories of human failure. From Adam and Eve’s exile to Cain’s punishment, God’s consistent compassion and provision stand out—clothing, protecting, and covering His people despite their sin. This understanding invites us to trust God’s faithful, loving nature and approach Him with confidence, even when we’ve messed up. ✨ Highlights The transformative question: “What does this reveal about God?” changes how we read Scripture Examples of God’s love and provision despite sin: Clothing Adam and Eve after their exile (Genesis 3:21) Marking Cain for protection after killing Abel (Genesis 4:15) God’s justice balanced with compassion—He allows consequences but continues to care and cover Encouragement to bring this understanding into your personal faith journey—God’s character hasn’t changed 💬 Join the Conversation How has shifting your focus to God’s character in Scripture changed your reading or faith? Can you recall a time when you felt covered by God’s compassion despite your mistakes? Share your insights and experiences with the hashtag #WindowIntoGodsHeart or tag @LifeAudioNetwork so others can be encouraged by your story. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: How to Read Scripture as a Window Into God’s Heart: Ask, “What Does This Story Reveal About God?”  2 Timothy 2:13: …if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.  As my professor Dr. Dan Lowery often says, “Remember—the Scriptures were written for you, but they were not written to you.” In other words, it is not always helpful to read a passage from the Bible and think, “Oh, this is about me.” Perhaps a better approach is to ask the question, “What does this reveal about God?”  Since learning to ask this question, I haven’t been able to read the Bible in the same way again. It has helped me to notice how God’s actions consistently reveal the essence of his character to be Love.  A beautiful example of this can be found in the stories of the first humans on Earth, each of whose sins we can likely recall with ease. First, we read about Adam and Eve, who disobeyed God and ate fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and then there is the story of Cain, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy.  But when we look away from their sin and zero in on God’s role in these stories, we notice something remarkable: in both instances, the characters do experience consequences as a result of their sins—but God also provides for them in unconditionally loving, and even surprising, ways. This is a moment when it makes sense to ask that good question we talked about: “What does this reveal about who God is?”  When Adam and Eve are sent from Eden after eating from the tree, the author of Genesis makes sure to point out an important detail. Though they had become aware of their nakedness only after eating the fruit—the shame a direct result of their sin—God didn’t send them out of the Garden that way. Genesis tells us that “...the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them” (3:21).  And in the next chapter, when Cain kills his brother Abel and tells God that his punishment of being a fugitive and wanderer on the Earth is too great, God once again offers a covering of protection; Genesis says that “...the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him” (4:15).  What does this reveal about God? That even when his people sin against him and consequences are necessary and just, he does not stop providing for them. He does not stop caring about them. He is compassionate and covers them even still. Intersecting Faith & Life  Once we learn to approach Scripture through the lens of this question, “What does this reveal about God?” we can then ask another good and important question: “How does this understanding about God impact how I relate with him?”  In these cases, we see that even after humans royally mess up, God is good, and loving, and faithful. Even when their sins have consequences (all actions do!), God makes sure to cover them with his provision. Knowing this, we can begin to work this understanding into the fabric of our own faith, because God never changes. Who he was then, he still is today. That means that when we mess up—even when we are consumed with shame—God still loves us, a

Megan J. Conner reminds us of the incredible truth that the Creator of the universe calls us His own. Through Scripture like 1 John 3:1 and Romans 8:17, we’re invited to embrace our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. This devotional explores God’s intentional design for relationship, His relentless pursuit to reconcile us through Christ, and His promise of an eternal inheritance. Whether you’ve struggled with feelings of unworthiness or wrestled with viewing God as a loving Father, this message will help you rest in His unconditional, everlasting love. ✨ Highlights The biblical foundation for belonging in God’s family (1 John 3:1, Gen. 2:18) How God’s love restores intimacy broken by sin through Jesus’ sacrifice Our inheritance as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) Encouragement for those whose earthly relationships make trusting God difficult Key verses affirming God’s faithfulness and unconditional love (Jer. 31:3, Rom. 5:8, 1 John 4:16, John 3:16) 💬 Join the Conversation Do you believe you are a child of God? What helps you rest in that truth when doubt creeps in? Share your story or a Scripture that reminds you of your place in His family. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChildOfGodFaith to encourage others to embrace their God-given identity. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Children of God By Megan J. Conner “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) It can be so easy to feel lost, isolated, or even abandoned in today’s world. The pressures of life, the unrealistic expectations we place upon ourselves, the burdens placed upon us by others, and the challenges and brokenness often present in our relationships can cause us to retreat inward, feeling like the only way forward is to go it alone. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. While all relationships will be imperfect as they are composed of fallible human beings, the need for companionship and belonging in a family unit is part of God’s divine design.  From the very beginning, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone.  “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him,” (Gen. 2:18, NIV). God intentionally placed us in relationships with others for our good. However, He didn’t stop there. He intended for us to be His children. The Creator of the universe desired to be our Heavenly Father. How unfathomable is that? However, similar to our human relationships, which can often be filled with distance or turmoil, intimacy with our Heavenly Father was separated by sin. This occurred originally in the Garden of Eden through Adam and Eve, but remains present in each one of our tainted hearts.  Again, unwilling to settle for separation from those He loves, God lavished love upon us by sending His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our transgressions so that we might be reconciled to God. Taking it even one step further, our Good Father didn’t just want reconnection with us, He invites us into His affections and inheritance as children of God.  “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,” (Rom. 8:17, NIV). We have been brought into the fold, redeemed, and are treasured as children of the Living God. We will inherit His Kingdom just like a prince or princess would through their royal lineage. That is how valuable you personally are to Him. Sometimes, our earthly relationships with parents or caretakers affect our ability to open our hearts to our Heavenly Father. Again, human relationships are messy and can be fraught with difficulty or disappointment. But, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num 23:19, NIV). He assures us over and over again in His Word of His faithfulness and unending affection towards us. The Bible states: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  Jer. 31:3 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 (NIV) “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) These scriptures and more assure us of our Heavenly Father’s patient and everlasting love for each one of us. We truly are children of God. What a G

In All Things Take Time to Grow, we’re reminded that God’s timing is always perfect—even when it feels slow to us. Drawing lessons from the towering California redwoods and the patience of farmers, this devotional encourages believers to trust the Master Gardener as He works in our lives. Using Scripture from Habakkuk 2:3, 1 Corinthians 3:6, and Galatians 6:9, it challenges us to remain faithful, patient, and confident that the harvest will come in His appointed time. ✨ Highlights Why growth in God’s timing is never truly slow, even when it feels delayed Lessons from California redwoods and the patience required for deep spiritual roots The danger of prematurely harvesting blessings before God’s appointed season Encouragement from Habakkuk 2:3 and Galatians 6:9 to persevere in faith Remembering that God gives the growth, not our own striving 💬 Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God asked you to wait? Share how trusting His timing changed your perspective. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TrustGodsTiming to encourage others who are learning to wait patiently for His perfect plan. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: All Things Take Time To Grow Trusting God When Growth Seems Slow Have you ever seen a California redwood, proudly standing hundreds of feet tall? I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing one in person myself, but I’ve had friends who’ve visited California tell me of their magnificence and share pictures with me. Admittedly, I don’t know much about redwoods—or any kind of tree for that matter—but I know enough to know that those trees didn’t just grow overnight. Some of the tallest redwoods in the world have been around for hundreds or thousands of years, and while they’re beautiful and unrivaled in their magnificence, they didn’t just appear that way. They had to grow, and their growth took time. If there’s one thing the Lord has been cultivating in me lately, it’s the idea that all things—not just redwoods—take time. I can naturally be an impatient person and want to see growth or the fruit of my labor now. But as the Lord said in Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV), “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” God, being sovereign, no doubt knew that His people would struggle and yearn to rush His timing. But notice Scripture says, “if it seems slow” not “if it is slow”. God’s plans for growth in our lives are never slow even if they seem so. Like a tree that grows so tall after years of growth, so all things take time in our lives. When we plant vegetables or flowers, we don’t expect to reap the fruits of our labor the next day. Why? Because we know growth takes time. We must nurture the plant and patiently wait for change to occur. Why then do we not trust the Master Gardener, knowing His work in our lives will grow in due time? As vegetables or flowers in a summer garden take time, it also takes the right environment for them to grow. You can’t plant a pumpkin patch in the middle of winter and expect anything to grow. You also can’t prematurely harvest something that’s not ready to be picked. Farmers know the right time to harvest the fruits of their labor, and so does God. As Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV). When it comes to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others or growing a ministry or business, the only thing we can do is be faithful with what has been entrusted to us and trust God will give the growth as He sees fit. And if growth comes, it’s vital for us to remember Who gave the growth. Intersecting Faith & Life I’ll be the first to admit that waiting isn’t easy. I would rather see growth now than wait patiently, but prematurely harvesting in our timing will only lead to unripe produce. As difficult as it is to wait, we must trust the Gardener and believe the harvest, when it comes in His timing, will be better than if we were to “pick the produce” prematurely. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV). Do you believe this promise? At the right time, we shall reap the rewards and blessings of obedience if we remain faithful and do not give up. With reassurance like that, I’m encouraged to trust, wait, and be patient knowing growth in God’s timing is better than growth in my own timing. Are you? Pray With Me: Dear Father, thank You for this reminder that all things take time to grow. I know I can get impatient often, wanting what I wa

In a culture overloaded with noise and distraction, The Crosswalk Devotional: Being Silent with Jesus invites you into the sacred practice of stillness. Kyle Norman reflects on Jesus' habit of withdrawing to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16) and challenges us to do the same. Drawing from personal insight, biblical examples, and modern parallels like the show Alone, this devotional explores how spiritual silence opens us to hear God's voice and deepen our relationship with Him. If even Jesus needed time away from the crowds to reconnect with the Father, shouldn’t we also make space for solitude and spiritual renewal? ✨ Highlights Why silence and solitude are vital for spiritual growth How Jesus modeled a life of intentional quiet time with God The emotional and spiritual transformation that comes through being still Practical ways to cultivate a quiet heart in a noisy world Encouragement to stop striving for answers and start simply being with Jesus 💬 Join the Conversation What does silence with Jesus look like in your life? How have you created moments of stillness to hear from God? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and share your story using #SilentWithJesus to encourage others to pursue quiet time with Him. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Being silent with Jesus Written and Read by Kyle Norman. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray” (Luke 5:16) There is a popular television show that my family enjoys watching. It is titled “Alone.” The premise is simple.  Several survivalists and outdoorsy types are dropped off in the middle of the wilderness, alone.  With no resources beyond what is on their backs, they must build a shelter, establish a supply of food, and get ready for the upcoming winter. There is no camera crew or support staff, they record their own journey.  The one who lasts longest wins a pile of money. What I find fascinating about this program is the emotional and spiritual journey that each contestant goes on. The utter silence of their surroundings eventually moves inward, and many begin to wrestle with issues such as identity, purpose, or value.  Many people end up leaving early, on their own volition, concluding that deep satisfaction in their lives can’t be found in prize money or competition wins. The bible talks a lot about silence. Elijah stands at the mouth of Horeb and hears the Lord in the sound of silence (1Kings 19:12) the Psalmist calls God’s people to be silent before him; (Psalm 62) Jesus invited the weary disciples to “come away to lonely place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31) Silence is a way to quiet the clamour of the frenetic world so that we can inwardly turn to that which is most important, most life giving.  In silence, we meet the presence of the Lord who surrounds us each day, but for whom the frenzy of the world too often distracts us.   Cultivating this silent fellowship with the Lord is vitally important for a healthy spiritual life. Even Jesus himself cultivate this practice.  Scripture tells us that Jesus would often withdraw to lonely places to pray.  He did this frequently, often to the dismay of the disciples who were too concerned with what next might be on the agenda.  Jesus, however, was never driven by the list of tasks or demands before him; he followed not societal pressures of fame or prestige; Jesus walked with the heavenly Father, and he walked with the Spirit.  And even though he was God incarnate, he still needed to step away from the noise of the world to listen to the voice of the Father, and to breath in the Spirit deeply. If this is something that Jesus felt the need to do for his human life, shouldn’t this be something that we cultivate as well?  When is the last time that you cultivated a time of silent communion with the Lord? When is the last time that you turned off all the electronic devices in your midst, stepped away from the computer or television, and simply sat with Jesus.   Ultimately, silence is more an internal quality than an outward reality. It is defined by what we are invited into, what we receive from the Lord, not about what we abstain from. Turning off the television, putting down the phone, and sitting in the absence of noise isn’t enough. We must actively open ourselves to the presence of Jesus in our midst.  We seek him more than anything else. See, the purpose of silence is not to get anything out of the Lord; we seek not the answers to our questions – although that may come. We do not seek a particular mystical experience, although we may find ourselves enwrapped in one. The direction of our heart and our soul is simply to be with the one who is the lover of our soul, and our heart’s delight.  Silence is about being with Jesus.&n

Vivian Bricker challenges us to take inventory of the things we may have unknowingly placed above God. Drawing from Exodus 32, she explores how even good things—like careers, relationships, or personal goals—can become modern-day idols if they consume our attention and affection. With personal reflection and biblical truth, this devotional reminds us that true worship belongs to God alone, and that letting go of false gods leads us back into alignment with His purpose. ✨ Highlights How modern-day idols aren’t golden calves, but often good things misprioritized Why worry and anxiety can subtly become false gods in our lives The spiritual cost of putting anything above God, even unintentionally A biblical reflection on Exodus 32 and God’s response to Israel’s disobedience Encouragement to surrender idols and return to wholehearted devotion 💬 Join the Conversation What false gods have you had to surrender? Whether it’s success, control, or even anxiety—your story could help someone else find freedom. Share how God led you back to Him and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ReturnToTruth to join the conversation and encourage others to keep God first. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Forgetting Any False “Gods” By Vivian Bricker  “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt’” (Exodus 32:7-8).  There are many false gods in this world today. While we often think of false gods as golden calves, shrines, or other created objects, they can also be in the form of our career, relationships, or appearance. Anything can become an idol if we place it above God. This also includes good things like a spouse, children, or parents. The moment we put something or someone above God, it becomes the “god” in our lives and can cause us to turn away from Christ. As one can imagine, this is not our purpose in life. Our purpose in life is to know the Lord, love the Lord, and make Him known. We won’t be able to do this if we have put other things above the Lord. For example, if we have made our career the god of our lives, we will make it our priority and focus above all else, placing God on the back burner.  Rather than serving the Lord and equipping other believers to know Him, we will become obsessed with our job, deadlines, and how to keep climbing the company ladder. While nothing is wrong with wanting to be successful or enjoy our jobs, we don’t need to place them as more important than God. God is greater than our careers because He is the One who has created us, saved us, and loves us. Our career or any other “god” we have created in our life does not do these things.  Something that I have struggled with is making worry and anxiety the gods of my life. We might not think of these things as false gods; however, when we establish them as our sole focus, they have become our “gods.” You see, I tend to get overwhelmed, stressed, and worried whenever anything goes wrong, and I lose sight of God. I hyper-fixate on the problem, and all I can do is worry and be anxious.  God has shown me many times that this is wrong, yet it is something that I still struggle with. Whenever worry or anxiety starts raising its head as the false gods in my life, I turn to God in prayer, ask Him to give me peace, and to calm my anxious heart. Something about simply asking the Lord to do this brings peace to my heart and gives me the relief that I need. Therefore, whatever has taken the place above God in your life, choose to give it over to Him and rest in His forgiveness.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Exodus 32:7-8 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” The broader context of this passage is that Moses had ascended to the top of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments written on stone and had left Aaron and the Israelites to wait for him. He wasn’t gone for very long when the Israelites engaged in pagan revelry and created a golden calf, which they worshipped and presented offerings to in the form of praise (Exodus 32:1-35). God knew what was happening, and His anger burned

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? In Half Empty or Half Full?, Megan J. Conner reflects on how our perspective shapes our faith. Through the story of Adam and Eve and the subtle lies of the enemy, she reveals how focusing on what we lack leads to spiritual discontent—and how gratitude and truth can shift our mindset back to the goodness of God. This episode is a powerful reminder that contentment starts with choosing to see abundance, even when circumstances tempt us to focus on what’s missing. ✨ Highlights How the enemy uses subtle deception to shift our focus from abundance to lack Why gratitude is key to spiritual peace and emotional resilience The ripple effects of perspective on our faith, speech, and actions A look at Genesis 3 and Proverbs 18:21 to explore the power of words and choices Practical challenge to build a daily habit of thankfulness and see your cup overflow 💬 Join the Conversation Where have you seen God’s abundance in a place you once saw as lack? Share a moment of gratitude or a shift in perspective and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #GratitudeOverflow to encourage others to keep their glasses full! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Half Empty or Half Full? By Megan J. Conner “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden...? For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:1-5 (NIV) Do you classify yourself as an optimist or a pessimist? Do you see your glass as half-empty or half-full? While we may dismiss these characteristics as simple designations, there is tremendous power in what we think and even greater in what we speak. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (NIV). What we recite over ourselves or rehearse with others has the ability to influence our thoughts, propel our actions, and even dictate our overall mental and spiritual states.  We all know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  We look at their account and can easily cast judgment on their erroneous ways. We can be tempted to think there is no way we would have disobeyed God like they did. They walked with God and talked directly with Him all the time. How in the world could they just turn their backs on Him like that? We flippantly assume that if it had been us in that garden, we would have made a very different decision. Perhaps, before we cast the first stone, we should take a closer look at what might have caused them to boldly sin against God in such a manner. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Gen. 3:1-6 (NIV) What tactic did Satan use to convince Eve that she should disobey God? If Satan had challenged her directly to defy God’s edicts, she likely would have refused. However, his enticement was subtle, not direct. Satan artfully got Eve to see what she lacked rather than what she had. Where there was abundance, she suddenly saw deficiency. On the outside, it seems like such a small shift, yet it produced immense repercussions. It is no different for us today. Our perspectives really do change everything.  Unfortunately, we are very familiar with the long-term effects of Adam and Eve’s poor choice as generation after generation endures the consequences of this sin. However, God did not forsake us (or Adam and Eve). He chose right then and there to pay the penalty for our sins through the death and ultimate resurrection of His one and only Son so that we might be reconciled back to the Father. Yet even in this, we still have a choice. Do we recognize the gift we have been given? Or do we still see the glass as half-empty?  Gratitude is THE key to the peace and contentment we all seek in life. Perspective dictates our daily direction, and it takes intentional effort to look for the good instead o

What does “home” really mean when nothing on earth feels permanent? In Looking Forward to Home, Lynette Kittle shares a heartfelt devotional exploring how our sense of home shifts as we grow in faith. Through personal stories and Scripture, she invites us to stop anchoring ourselves to physical places and instead long for the eternal home Jesus is preparing for us. If you've ever felt displaced or like you don’t quite belong here, this episode is a beautiful reminder: our true home is with Christ. ✨ Highlights Why a Christian perspective on home goes beyond physical places How moving often can actually deepen your eternal perspective The connection between loss and longing for Heaven Encouragement from Jesus' promise in John 14:3—He’s preparing a place for us Reflection on how Heaven becomes more real as our loved ones go before us 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like this world isn’t your true home? How has your view of Heaven changed over time? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and share your thoughts using #HeavenIsHome to inspire and encourage others who are longing for eternity with Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Looking Forward to Home By Lynette Kittle “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come”--Hebrews 13:14 When we think of home, what do we think of? What comes to mind, a particular house, or city, or an area of the country or world? Some might quote the popular saying, “Home is where your heart is.” Growing up, my family moved around a lot, so I decided as a teenager that when I grew up and became an adult, I would reside in one place for the rest of my life and never move again. That was my plan. But God had different plans and knew my moving from place to place growing up was preparing me for married life, one where He has kept us on the move, relocating over 30 times and still counting, moving from East to West, South to North, from one end of the United States to the other. Needless to say, my dream of living in one place for the rest of my life didn’t pan out as we waved goodbye to the place chosen to be my “forever home”, as some might call it. Not until years later, after my parents both passed away, did I start to realize that a specific place isn’t what makes a home, but rather the people we love who live there.  While my parents were still living, I loved visiting them in the town I had planned to live out my life, not ever wanting to leave the place and area that felt like home to me. But once they passed away and were no longer living there, my desire to live there passed away, too, where even the draw and appeal of it no longer called to me, not even for a visit.  Still, it was the same place I thought was where I wanted to live out my days. So what has changed my desire so completely? The Apostle Paul explains how, “The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:47), so as His followers, we are changed from residents of the earth to residents of Heaven. In thinking about how my feelings changed drastically after my parents left this world, I considered how Jesus’ disciples and followers may have experienced similar types of feelings with His leaving and absence, like it just didn’t feel like home any longer. Maybe why Jesus assured His followers before His leaving, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). How reassuring Jesus’ words must have been to them, after experiencing His death, resurrection, and ascension, to remember His telling them beforehand that He was preparing a place for them and would come back to take them with Him. What a comfort for His followers, then and now, to hear and know, because our real home is where He is, not a place, but with Him, so to go with Him, is to go home.  As Jesus prayed in John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.” Likewise, Revelation 21:3 describes our future home, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Home really is where our hearts are, where we feel most connected and loved by people rather than a particular physical location. Since my parents left this world, Heaven does seem more like home than it did before. Knowing they are already there with Jesus draws me home. Intersecting Faith & Life:  Where is home for you? Do you

In this moving devotional, Angela Anderson shares a real-life story of watching a woman struggle in deep waters—until she surrendered and was rescued. Through this gripping analogy, Angela unpacks the meaning of "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) and how spiritual surrender opens the door to God’s kingdom. When we recognize our deep need for God's grace, we stop striving and allow Him to rescue us. This devotional is a reminder that salvation isn’t about striving harder—it’s about admitting we can’t do it on our own. When we surrender, we experience the richness of God's love, peace, and hope. ✨ Highlights What it truly means to be "poor in spirit" Why surrender—not self-reliance—is the key to spiritual rescue A powerful real-life metaphor for how God saves us when we stop fighting Encouragement for those who feel like they’re drowning in life’s circumstances The immediate promise of kingdom living for those who fully depend on God 💬 Join the Conversation Have you had a moment when surrendering to God brought breakthrough? We’d love to hear your story. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #PoorInSpiritRichInFaith to share how God met you when you let go. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let the Poor Say I Am Rich By Angela Anderson Bible Reading: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (ESV) I stood there in awe with the rest of the crowd. I wanted to scream for help, but I was speechless. I could not believe what I was witnessing, and I was terrified at the thought of a tragic outcome.  There was a woman drowning in the middle of the ocean, and no one was coming to her rescue. She accidentally fell off the pier and she was too far out for even an experienced swimmer to reach her. Her arms were flailing, water was splashing, her head was bobbing up and down, and the crowd just stood there watching it happen. There was a lifeguard nearby, and he was also a silent bystander. I was perplexed. I thought it was the responsibility of the lifeguard to save people from drowning. Why wasn’t this lifeguard jumping in the water to save this woman? A few more minutes went by. It felt like everything was happening in slow motion. I saw the woman begin to get tired. Her arms were no longer moving wildly in the air and the water around her seemed to calm down. Then the worst possible scenario occurred. The woman went under. The crowd gasped in unison. Immediately, the lifeguard dove into the water and within seconds he appeared with the woman in his arms. He swam back to the pier while pulling the woman who was serenely floating alongside the lifeguard. Once they reached the bottom of the pier, they were pulled to safety by a team of rescuers who had just arrived on the scene. Occasionally, I think about that incident and my mind goes back to the moment when the lifeguard saw the woman drowning, but he did not instantly act. It was later explained to me that the lifeguard was waiting for the woman to stop struggling in the water. If the lifeguard jumped in to save the woman while she was still fighting for her life, he might have been pulled down in the chaos, and both may have drowned. The lifeguard could not force or coerce the woman to be saved. Instead, the lifeguard had to wait until the woman surrendered and allowed herself to be saved.  It is the same way with God and His continuous desire to save us. The verse for today found in Matthew 5:3 indicates that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? The word poor in this context does not refer to the lack of material wealth. On the contrary, to be poor in spirit is to recognize your spiritual poverty and your deep need to be saved. There is an awareness that salvation is not something that can be earned. There is an understanding that God’s favor is a gift. There is an acknowledgement that you must depend on God’s grace, rather than rely on your own righteousness, accomplishments, or strength.  For those who are poor in spirit, there is spiritual humility which is the opposite of pride or self-sufficiency. You can freely admit your need for God and His mercy. For example, the tax collector in Luke 18:13 had a heart of repentance when he prayed the words, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This is an outward sign of dependence on God and submission to His will. Once you reach this point in your life, there is an openness to God. You are receptive to the gospel. Only those who realize their need will fervently seek and receive the promise of God’s kingdom. This promise is not a future event. Instead, it is referring to belonging to God’s kingdom in the present. Those who are poor in spirit are reap

Is singleness a gift or a flaw to be fixed? In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker invites us to rethink cultural and even church-based assumptions about being single. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7:7 and Colossians 2:10, she reminds us that single Christians are not lacking—they are complete in Christ. Whether by choice, circumstance, or calling, singleness offers a unique opportunity to deepen our devotion to God and grow spiritually without distraction. Vivian speaks candidly from personal experience, addressing the pain, pressure, and purpose of singleness in a culture that often misunderstands it. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or “less than” because of your relationship status, this reflection will affirm your value and remind you that you are fully known and fully loved. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why singleness is not a flaw—but a God-given gift (1 Corinthians 7:7) The emotional challenges of being a single Christian in a relationship-centered world How Colossians 2:10 affirms that we are already complete through Christ Common misconceptions about single believers—and why they need to change Encouragement to embrace this season (or life calling) with purpose, dignity, and joy 💬 Join the Conversation Have you struggled to see singleness as a gift? Or have you found freedom and growth in this season of life? Share your thoughts by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SingleAndSecure to encourage others walking a similar path. Let’s start a real conversation about what it means to be whole, chosen, and complete in Christ—no matter our relationship status. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Acceptance for the Single Christian By Vivian Bricker “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7).  As a single Christian, I have often been ridiculed. Many Christians view me as something that needs to be “fixed.” What these individuals don’t know is that singleness does not mean you are broken or lacking in any way. Through faith in Jesus, we have been brought to fullness (Colossians 2:10). This means we are not lacking anything in our lives. Since we are given fullness in Christ, there is no reason to be ashamed as a single Christian. It is true that single life can get lonely, and we often feel a lack of love, but it does not mean we are not complete. Many people stay single for various reasons. Some simply choose to stay single in order to be devoted to the Lord, others have bad experiences with dating, and others have never been pursued by someone. It is best not to look down on singles or to make any comments on their singleness because you don’t know why a person is single. People who are single have different feelings concerning singleness. For some, it might be painful; for others, it is a sense of Christian growth and grace. In either case, Christian singles need to be respected and treated equally with other believers. There have been too many occasions where I have been looked down upon because I am a single Christian. These individuals think that if a person is single, they are immature or incomplete. As mentioned, single Christians are complete because we know Jesus and have been given fullness in Him. All Christians, regardless of their relationship status, are worthy, valued, and enough. To say otherwise would be to call Jesus’ love and grace insufficient. As it is, Jesus’ love and grace are more than sufficient, and we are all complete in Him. Intersecting Faith & Life:  Rather than believing lies about singles, it is time to listen to what God says in His Word. While marriage is a beautiful blessing and a gift, singleness is also a gift (1 Corinthians 7:1-40). This is what Paul is saying when he makes the statement, “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7).  In saying this, Paul tells us that each of us has our own gift from God. This would tell us that singleness is a gift and it is a great blessing. By being single Christians, we have much more time to devote to the Lord, go to Him in prayer, and read the Bible (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Our top priority is God, and He always will be.   Rather than seeing singleness as a lesser state, it is important to embrace our singleness. For some, this might only be a season of life, and for others, it might be for the rest of their lives. If you are young and think you are “doomed” to be single, know that singleness is not a curse. As stated, it is a gift. Jesus tells us that we should accept singleness if we can (Matthew 19:12). The Lord is never wrong, and we need to emb

What do we do when we’re walking through spiritual wilderness—those dry, difficult seasons that test our faith and strip us of comfort? In this moving devotional, Megan J. Conner invites us to consider what it means to build altars in the wilderness—not as monuments to our victories, but as places of sacrifice, surrender, and transformation. Drawing from Genesis 22 and the powerful story of Abraham and Isaac, this episode explores the sacred difference between memorials and altars, and how God uses wilderness moments to draw us deeper into trust, humility, and full dependence on Him. If you’re feeling lost, weary, or stretched beyond your limits, this is a tender reminder that God meets us in the wilderness, and often calls us to lay down what’s most precious so that new life can rise. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) The distinction between biblical monuments and altars, and why it matters for your faith What Abraham’s altar moment teaches us about deep surrender and costly obedience How spiritual “wilderness” seasons are often invitations to intimacy and transformation Why humility and sacrifice are central themes of the Christian journey Encouragement that what you lay down in obedience, God often raises up in new life 💬 Join the Conversation What has God asked you to surrender in a season of wilderness? How has He met you in that place? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #AltarInMyWilderness and share a moment when laying something down led to growth, renewal, or unexpected blessing. Your story may be the encouragement someone else needs today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Altars in the Wilderness By Megan J. Conner The phrase “altars in the wilderness” has become somewhat of a Christian catchphrase that has gained popularity over the last several years. The expression sounds deep, compelling, romantic, even. It alludes to a sense of profound destiny, as if connected to some measure of achievement or victory. While marker stones were often set up in the Old Testament to memorialize an act of God’s deliverance or miraculous provision during wilderness wanderings, there is a significant difference between a monument and an altar.  Throughout the Old Testament, we see monuments resurrected through marker stones. Similar to our modern-day statues, granite walls, or marble towers, these memorials were built as a lasting reminder of God’s triumph over an obstacle or enemy, and His divine deliverance of His people. We see examples of this in Joshua chapter four when the twelve tribes stack stones to memorialize the crossing of the Jordan river, and again in 1 Samuel chapter seven when God delivers the Israelites from the Philistines and Samuel erects a memorial called “ebenezer,” meaning stone of help. In both of these references, God miraculously demonstrated love in action as He cared for those who belonged to Him. While faith was required to follow the Lord in each of these scenarios, it was God who was responsible for the work, not man. How different in comparison when we look at the term altar.  Again, the word stirs in us visions of majesty and the divine, but an altar at its core is not a place of glory, but of humility. The word altar, when used as a noun in Hebrew, means “place of sacrifice,” and is derived from a verb meaning “to slaughter, to offer, or to sacrifice.” There is no grandeur here; rather, there is messy, raw surrender. A total and complete resignation of one’s self.  One of the most famous biblical examples of this can be found in the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham waited decades for his promised son, Isaac. Abraham was assured he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. Yet, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son upon the altar of the Lord. Abraham did not fully understand the outcome of this command, but his assurance in the Lord was so unshakeable, he obeyed and trusted God would provide a solution he simply could not see. “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.”  Gen. 22:6-9 (NIV) Take a look at the last sentence. Why do yo

When life unravels—through loss, illness, or uncertainty—can we really believe that God works all things together for our good? In this honest and hope-filled devotional, Lynette Kittle wrestles with Romans 8:28 and what it means to trust God when life doesn’t make sense. From unexpected hospital visits to life-threatening moments turned miraculous, this episode reminds listeners that God’s plans are always good, even when our circumstances aren’t. Whether you're facing job loss, grief, or simply feeling crushed under life’s weight, this devotional encourages you to cling to God’s promises and believe that He’s working behind the scenes for your good and His glory. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) What it really means to believe Romans 8:28 in the middle of suffering Why God’s goodness isn’t limited by our understanding of “good” A real-life story of how an unexpected illness led to a life-saving intervention Encouragement to shift from fear and worry to trust and peace How to lean into God’s promises during personal trials and heartache 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever seen God bring good from something painful or confusing? We’d love to hear your story. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #GodWorksItOut and share a moment when God showed up unexpectedly in a hard season—you might just encourage someone else today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Tough Times Come: Believe God By Lynette Kittle “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”—Romans 8:28 It’s easy to say, but when it comes down to it, do we really believe God works all things together for our good, including job losses, broken relationships, natural disasters, accidents, car and appliance breakdowns, bumps, bruises, sicknesses, and more? To think God works horrible and awful things for our good is hard for us to digest and comprehend. It doesn’t make sense to us, or seem possible, and seems to go against the loving, sacrificial God we know. Yet, lately, doesn’t it seem like the Lord is nudging us to take Him at His word and truly believe that He really will work all things together for our good? Remarkably, what we’ll find when we choose to believe His promise, is freedom and relief from fear, worry, regret, and so much more. For most of us, it seems we know the Scripture verse and want to believe it when hard things happen, yet it’s difficult for us to grasp and hold onto it during challenging times, where we’re experiencing loss and pain, and it’s easy for us to fall into fear and worry about how we are going to get through it and what might be coming next. As well, we deal with the pain and grief that accompanies situations, causing many of us, to feel defeated, without hope, vulnerable, and helpless to fix our situations. Even during major events, including natural disaster, loss of loved ones, job lay-offs, and more, we can experience the peace that comes with the Holy Spirit, reminding us of God’s promise to work it for our good, even the things that aren’t at all good in themselves. High Fever Leads to Lifesaving Care Recently, a close friend visited the hospital emergency room with a very high fever of unknown origin. Unable to pinpoint its cause, the physician admitted her to the hospital. Two days later, she passed out, nearly going into a dangerous cardiac arrest with what’s termed “the Widow-maker,” because of its high mortality rate. Had she not been admitted to the hospital, but at home or out and about at the time, the blockage of the largest artery to her heart would most likely have taken her life that day.  Yet, rather, God had her right where she needed to be to receive immediate lifesaving care. Although the high fever wasn’t good, how God worked it for her good was good. God’s Plans for Us Are Good As Jeremiah 29:11 proclaims, God has good plans for our lives. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” God loves us more than we love ourselves, and although we would do almost anything to keep from experiencing hard things in life, He knows that some things are only worked out and developed in us through tough stuff, a truth we don’t want to accept or believe. In this life, many of us have had times when we may ask God “why is this happening?” and “what good could possibly come out of this?”, not understanding why God would allow us to go through such hardships, losses, disappointments, and more. Yet, God loves us, through it all, even when we don&r

What does divine protection really look like? In this moving devotional, Alexis A. Goring reflects on Psalm 121:7 and explores how God, like a loving parent, shields us from dangers—both seen and unseen. Using relatable stories and Scripture, she reminds us that God's boundaries are not restrictions, but rescue. If you’ve ever struggled with trusting God’s direction or wondered why certain paths are blocked, this episode will reassure you of His loving guidance and constant care. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why trusting God’s wisdom protects us from spiritual harm (Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 46:10) How God acts as our ultimate protector—even when we ignore His warnings (Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 10:13) What it means to follow a “Good Good Father” who disciplines out of love (Hebrews 12:6) The difference between spiritual restrictions and divine rescue Practical encouragement to seek God’s guidance before making life decisions (Philippians 4:7, Psalm 139:16) 💬 Join the Conversation Has there been a time when God protected you—even when you didn’t realize it? Share your story or your favorite “God protected me” verse by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork with #HeavenlyProtector. Let’s celebrate the safety we have in our Good Father together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: A God Who Protects Us By: Alexis A. Goring “The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers.” —Psalm 121:7 (CEV) Did you know there is a God who will protect us and keep us safe from danger? I was reflecting on this Biblical truth one day while observing a professional actress watch over her baby girl as she filmed their day together on social media. Her toddler was acting cute in front of a mirror as she played with a rubber band in her hands. But as soon as her daughter put the rubber band into her mouth, Mom said in a high alert tone of voice, “That’s dangerous!” She put her phone down and went to rescue her daughter, taking the band out of her baby’s mouth before she could choke and die. Just like any good parent would drop everything to save their child from danger, we have a God who will protect us at all costs.  The Bible shows us that God is a good Father who cares about our well-being and safety. He will always be there for us if we let Him. God warns us about danger but sometimes we’re too stubborn and shortsighted to listen. However, God still covers us and protects us.  Another example about how God protects us is a cartoon I saw in a Christian publication many years ago. There was a big fence bordering a plateau on spacious land. A man ran toward the fence shouting that he’s tired of all these restrictions around him. His friend chased after him saying, “Stop! The fence is there to protect you!” But the man proceeded to jump over the fence and fall to his death because he didn’t realize that the fence was protecting people from falling off the steep cliff behind it. I think that illustration rings true for us as mere mortals today. This cartoon reminded me of our human condition. As humans, our wisdom is limited. We can only see so far ahead of us. We can only be wise to an extent. This is yet another reason why we need God. Sometimes, we feel like God is restricting us or keeping us from having fun. When we’re wanting to gratify our fleshly desires and do what feels good or enjoy what looks good in the sinful moments, we cannot see the consequences behind it. So just like the shortsighted man in that cartoon, we rush toward the restrictions, determined to either bulldoze through it or jump over it. But we don’t realize that such a brazen act could end our life. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12 (NLT), “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” This is why it’s so important to trust God and seek His infinitely wise counsel before we make our plans and proceed down any path in life. God wants to protect us but we have to be willing to listen to Him and obey Him. It’s so easy to forge ahead in whatever direction we believe we should go. When we do this, I imagine God as our Heavenly Father shaking His head and perhaps letting out a heavy sigh thinking, “There they go again.” However the good news is, nothing we do ever surprises God. The Bible says He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and He has planned all our days (Psalm 139:16). God knows when we’ll mess up and He’s made provision for our mistakes. He’s also provided a way out of every temptation every time we’re tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13).  God gives us His grace when we make mistakes because He knows we’re not perfect. He forgives

In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker explores the biblical command to care for others—especially the weak, lonely, or overlooked. Drawing on Psalm 41:1-3 and her personal upbringing, she shares how compassion is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of Christ at work within us. If you’ve ever wondered how to serve God more deeply, start by noticing those who need a friend. Highlights (What You’ll Learn): Why caring for the weak reflects the heart of God (Psalm 41:1-3) How compassion flows from a Spirit-led life (John 13:34-35) What Scripture teaches about loving the forgotten (James 1:27, Ephesians 4:32) Practical encouragement to live with empathy, kindness, and a pure heart God’s promise to sustain and bless those who extend love to the vulnerable 💬 Join the Conversation: How have you seen God work through your care for others? Who in your life needs a little extra compassion this week? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #CaringWithChrist and share your story or a favorite verse that reminds you to love like Jesus. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Importance of Caring for Others By Vivian Bricker “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness” (Psalm 41:1-3).  From a young age, my mom taught me the importance of caring for others. If someone was sick, crying, or in pain, I was supposed to help them. If a kid was sitting alone at lunch or playing by themselves on the playground, my mom taught me to be their friend. I actually met my best friend in elementary school by following my mom’s advice, and I have continued to do this without thinking about it. Whenever someone seems hurt, brokenhearted, or struggling, I tend to migrate to them and I’m quickly able to build a friendship with them. I give the credit for this skill to my mother because she wanted to ensure I was a friend to the people who didn’t have any friends. As someone who has often been on the other side of this scenario in my adult years, I have often wished there was someone who would come sit with me when I was alone at the lunch table or silently looking out the window at group events. Sadly, not everyone is taught this same teaching in their childhood. However, there is much that is said in the Bible about caring for others.  The Bible tells us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus tells us we are to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34-35). We are also told to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27). From these teachings, we can see how important it is to God that we care for others. How can we do this if we are turning a deaf ear to their cries for help? As Christians, we are called to love and care for others. Anything short of this is ignoring the Lord’s commands. The love, kindness, and care we extend to others are a natural overflow of our faith. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us bring glory to the Father and the Son by loving others as they have loved us.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Psalm 41:1-3 says, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” As this psalm tells us, we are blessed if we have regard for the weak. This means we will extend care, concern, and compassion to them. Love, kindness, and support will be our priorities toward others.  For those who have regard for the weak, the Lord will deliver them in their time of trouble. Jesus will protect, preserve, and bless them. They won’t be given over to their foes. Instead, the Lord will sustain them on their sickbed and restore their health. All of these are promises made to us when we have regard for the weak. We shouldn’t do these things simply for the promises; rather, we should genuinely want to care for the weak because of the love we have for God.  How wonderful it is to know that Jesus pays attention to our care and concern for others. With the same kindness we have extended to those struggling, the Lord will surround us with protection, preservation, and health. We can take solace in these blessings because the Lord appreciates the love we extend toward others. Doing these things out of a pure heart brings Jesus much joy.  How can you start extending care, concern, and compassion to t

Follow the Wind by Megan J. Conner explores how the Holy Spirit often moves like the wind—subtle, powerful, and unseen. Through a vivid moment on a quiet balcony overlooking the ocean, Megan reflects on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:8 and encourages us to embrace the evidence of God’s presence, even when we can’t physically see it. This devotional invites listeners to deepen their faith walk, embrace spiritual discernment, and trust God’s guidance—even when the path isn’t clear. Highlights Reflecting on the invisible but undeniable movement of the Holy Spirit A faith-building reminder that God leads us even when we can’t see the full picture Encouragement to take a personal inventory of areas where faith feels strong versus where doubt creeps in Scripture focus: “The wind blows where it wishes…” – John 3:8 Practical prayer prompt and journaling activity to strengthen your trust in God Join the Conversation Have you ever felt the quiet nudge of the Spirit or seen God’s hand guiding you when the road ahead was unclear? Share your experience and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInTheUnseen. We’d love to hear how you’re following the wind. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Follow the Wind By Megan J. Conner “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV) Warm cup of coffee in hand, Bible and journal in my lap, I greet another new day.  However, today’s view is a bit different.  Rather than my usual wooded scenery, I sit on a warm balcony overlooking the gulf. The ocean and the stunning white shores appear endless from my picturesque perch. Wave after wave crashes, and I am in awe of the sheer power. Who is this God who created such infinite beauty?  I cannot help feeling overcome by the majesty before me. But beneath the grand landscapes, something subtle speaks. There is a whisper of the Spirit that gently beckons within the wind. Have you ever truly considered the wind? It can be a gentle and leading breeze or a forceful and powerful gale. However, because it is an unseen force, it is often overlooked and sometimes even misunderstood. It can be the same with our awareness and understanding of our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. When Jesus explains to Nicodemus, the Pharisee, the mystery of how we must be born again of the Spirit when we come into faith, He uses the natural force of wind as an illustration.  “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV) We accept that the wind exists because we can sense it. We cannot grasp the wind, but we can feel its gentle brush against our skin. We cannot see or taste it, yet fragrance is often a travel companion to a breeze. Though intangible, there is evidence that affirms the existence of the wind. And we readily accept this truth without questioning its validity. The same should be true about the Lord, yet we struggle to believe in what is unseen when it comes to our Heavenly Father. Just like the wind, the reality of a living and active God in our lives is evident, if only we would have the eyes to see. Every day, we journey through our lives in an artistic masterpiece.  Stunning vistas, impressive geological sculptures, complex beings in all of their animate and inanimate forms, nurture our bodies and souls with their beauty and provisions, allowing us to survive and thrive here on this earth. Though visible, these earthly attributes remain hidden by the busyness and noise of all that demands our attention, and the worries that consume our hearts.  It is my prayer today that we quiet our souls, lean in, and listen for that gentle whisper, that fragrant breeze. Our Heavenly Father is here, leading and guiding us down the paths He has for us.  “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Ps. 23:1-2 (NIV) Though He may be unseen and the future foggy and uncertain, it does not mean God is absent or your steps are unplanned. May we, like Nicodemus, hear what the Spirit is saying to us.  May each of us open our eyes and hearts and follow the wind today. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you struggle with putting your faith in the intangible, in things unseen? If so, can you identify what areas in particular you wrestle with? Are there other areas of faith that come more easily to you?  I would like to encourage you today to complete a simple activity.  Spend some t

Keri Eichberger shares a vulnerable reflection on enduring seasons of deep emotional and physical discomfort. From her father’s sudden brain hemorrhage to chronic scoliosis pain and financial strain, she wrestled with losing every worldly comfort—only to discover that the true source of peace and strength is found in God alone. Based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, this episode invites listeners to rethink where they turn when life unravels. ✨ Highlights: Real-life encouragement on trusting God in suffering Why worldly comfort fades but God’s comfort is eternal A reminder that God meets us in our pain, not just to rescue us, but to refine us A powerful call to seek comfort in God Himself—not just relief 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced a time when everything felt like it was falling apart? We’d love to hear your story. Tag us @LifeAudioNetwork and share how God became your comfort using #FaithInTheFire. Your testimony might encourage someone else walking through the same valley. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Comfort We Long For By Keri Eichberger Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  I can clearly recall a moment last fall when I said out loud, with tear-filled eyes, I feel like God keeps stripping away comfort after comfort and I don’t understand why? Starting six months back I’d endured profound emotional discomfort through my Dad’s life-altering brain hemorrhage, an unexpected and detrimental loss of financial comfort, and then the loss of my best friend’s comforting companionship at home when my husband—who after five years of working remote—was called back into the office full-time and indefinitely. I literally felt like one thread at a time the comforts of my life were beginning to unravel beneath me.  I will thankfully say, through seasons of discomfort I had learned to understand two truths. One, that God didn’t promise comfort and ease in all situations and circumstances in life. In fact, he promised the opposite. And two, I understood that in our discomfort, God wants to remind us to look to him. So, though a bit slowly and reluctantly, I took heart in my confusion of adversity knowing this was part of the refining process that would lead to the blessings of a more resilient faith.  What has caused you discomfort? Have you had moments recently, or that you can remember, when you had comforts stripped away as well? Maybe something in your home surroundings shifted unfavorably, or you experienced a painfully stretching financial strain. Maybe you’ve dealt with the onset of a health or mental struggle that caused considerable difficulty. I bet you can recount many circumstances or memories of instances where you had to sort through and handle losses of comfort in your life. Personally, what I didn’t know last fall when I started to wear thin as the comforts kept crumbling, was that there was even more in store. Because a month later my scoliosis, which had been paired with manageable pain for years, finally passed the tip of tolerable and became debilitating to the point of surgery a few short months later.  But before I began to lash out at God once again for another layer of comfort peeled from my path, something struck me. I had been seeking comfort in all the wrong places. I had been blindly looking to the world for sufficiency and security. Sure, I understood that God never promised comfort from the world, and that he wanted me to rely on him for comfort. But he does not want me to seek him for the world‘s comforts. He wants me to seek him for him. For HIS comforts. Because he IS the comfort. And he is where I began to seek more and more of my comfort. He is where I am seeking my comfort today. And he is where I hope to continue to seek it. Him, who is our true source of comfort.      Intersecting Faith and Life: Where will you choose to seek comfort? The tough truth is, inevitably our years will deteriorate and our days will continue to contain discomfort. But the good news is this: When we truly understand, not only that worldly comfort is not promised here on Earth, but also that God is our true and only comfort, that is when we begin to truly seek him alone for the comfort for which we desire. And when we wholeheartedly seek him, we will find absolutely him, along with the true, lasting comfort of the soul we are all seeking, searching, and longing for.    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-

In this relatable devotional inspired by Psalm 23:1, we're reminded that God is our shepherd—even in everyday frustrations like broken lawnmowers and unexpected expenses. When everything felt like it was falling apart, this family discovered how God provides in unexpected ways, using others to show His faithfulness. Whether you're facing financial stress, emotional weariness, or simply trying to make ends meet, this story encourages us to trust God to provide exactly what we need—right on time. ✨ Highlights: Psalm 23:1 meaning – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” God provides, even when the need feels small. Faith in hard times – God showed up through the kindness and integrity of others. God provides in unexpected ways – A broken mower became a reminder of His perfect timing and provision. Trusting God to provide – This story is a powerful example of relying on Him, even in the little things. Rest matters to God – Our physical and emotional needs are never overlooked by our Shepherd. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God’s unexpected provision? What “impossible” situation has He carried you through?Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #TrustTheShepherd—your testimony could be just what someone else needs to hear today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trust the Shepherd “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 Watching my husband spend endless hours cutting the lawn with a push mower each week after two weeks’ worth of torrential downpours, I knew it was time for a change. After working long hours, he had little time left for any recreation. Having to spend hours cutting the lawn and doing yard work was cutting into what little valuable free time he had left. “I think it's time to get a riding lawn mower,” I said. My husband had owned riding lawn mowers in the past but always got them used from social media sales markets. His luck had been less than stellar when it came to finding one that lasted. As he looked online, he found one that we could afford and felt it would last. He went over to the man's home, checked the motor, checked the gas, and took it for a spin. He was so happy he wouldn't have to spend long hours cutting the grass again. That was, until he started it up the following day. After one swipe around the yard, the engine started to race. He turned it off quickly, and a puff of white smoke came out of the end. As he lifted the motor cover, he quickly discovered a crack in the motor. An hour later, I went outside to find him pushing the push mower once again. My mind started racing with the thought of how we would find another riding lawnmower. After all, we had spent a few hundred dollars on this one, only to discover that it was broken after the first day. We certainly couldn't afford to get another riding lawn mower only to find it would do the same thing. My husband sat down next to me, dejected. “Why is my luck always like that?” he asked me. I tried to comfort him, but to no avail. Why was this happening to us? I asked him to contact the gentleman who sold it to him, and he let him know the situation. He got him in touch with the man who had serviced the lawn mower last fall. Before that, the owner had put it away for the winter. They worked out a deal, and the man was able to fix the mower and the motor under warranty.  The Bible promises us that God is our good shepherd. Shepherds lead and guide their flock. They don't leave them alone, as they are unable to find food or water. He leads them to good things because he is the ultimate provider. God knew the lawn mower would break. But he also provided a man of integrity who would promise to fix it under warranty. He could have easily refused or said it was too far past the service period, but the man, compassionate over my husband’s plight, chose to do the right thing and make it right. Not only had God provided a lawnmower, but He also provided a man who would honor his work. In today's world, where we live in a “you break it, you buy it” mentality, we thought we were sunk. We felt we'd wasted hundreds of dollars on a mower only to find that we'd have to buy another one. However, God, in his ultimate provision, not only provided us with a replacement but also provided a mechanic who would do his best to fix the problem.  It seemed like an impossible situation to us, but it was no match for God. He knew the situation before it even occurred. He also knew my heart was in the right place when I asked him to buy them or save him the effort. God honored both my good intentions and my husband's need for physical rest. Not only did we get a lawnmower we could afford, but also the work to ensure it would last a l

Trusting God to Guide Us Through Painful UnknownsWhen life feels like a dark, uncertain path, Isaiah 42:16 reminds us that we are never walking it alone. In this deeply personal devotional, Jennifer Slattery shares how God restored her marriage and led her and her husband through a season of brokenness they couldn’t fix on their own. Through Scripture and raw testimony, we’re reminded that God will guide you, even when the road ahead is unfamiliar and painful. His promises hold firm—even when we can’t see what’s next. ✨ Highlights: God lights the way in darkness – Isaiah 42:16 offers hope for those feeling lost or stuck. Faith in hard times leads to spiritual healing – God doesn’t just show the way, He walks with us. Healing in marriage is possible – Even toxic patterns can be restored by divine intervention. We don’t have to have it all figured out – Trusting God through uncertainty brings peace and direction. God’s promises are personal – He meets us in our pain and leads us forward with grace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt blind in a season of life? How has God led you when you couldn’t see the road ahead?Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #GuidedByHisGrace—your journey could be the light someone else needs. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trusting God to Guide Us Through Painful Unknowns  by Jennifer Slattery I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;I will turn the darkness into light before them    and make the rough places smooth.These are the things I will do;    I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16, NIV) About five years into our marriage, my husband and I almost got divorced. Although love, strong and pure, had drawn us together, our mutual dysfunction nearly tore us apart. We didn’t actually want to end things. But neither did we want our toxic patterns to continue. The problem was, we didn’t know how to repair the mess and heal the hurt we created.  One night, while my husband was at work and our daughter asleep upstairs, I sat in our dark, silent living room, feeling so alone. Knowing what Scripture said about divorce, I concluded that the Lord wanted me to remain miserable for the rest of my life. I simply couldn’t imagine my husband’s and my relationship getting better.  Frustrated, I told the Lord, “Fine. I’ll stay, but You’ve got to do this for me, because I’m done.”  Although the prayer was more flippant than genuine, the Lord heard the unspoken cries of my heart—the pain, ache for connection, and flickering hope I’d buried in anger and “offense.” He saw the longing in our souls, the untended wounds and deception fueling our fights, and our ignorance when it came to building a healthy marriage.  We were walking blind, stumbling along a foggy, uneven road marred with potholes, boulders and detours. We needed God’s supernatural vision, His hand to remove the obstacles too heavy for us to maneuver, and His guidance for our long, difficult and uncertain journey.  In short, we needed Him to fulfill His promise recorded in today’s verse. The Lord originally spoke these comforting words, through a prophet, to the ancient Israelites during a dark period in their history. The people had rejected God to turn to idols, chose violence and oppression over integrity and love, and were seeking aid from a pagan nation rather than their ever-faithful Creator. The Lord warned them, for generations, of the judgment to come. But He also promised them forgiveness, transformation, and restoration through His “Faithful Servant”, the Messiah, His Son.  In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (NIV). He’s the One who illuminates every shadow lurking within our soul and who lovingly lights the path before us.  Intersecting Life and Faith The Lord knows we’re hopelessly blind. Spiritually ignorant. He also realizes we can’t correct our vision ourselves. And so, He met us in our self-destructing, deceived state to lead us to better. God Almighty remains intimately involved in the lives of His people. While He provided us with an extensive instruction manual through Scripture, He didn’t just drop a written guide on our doorsteps, dust off His hands, and say, “Job done. Now on to the next.” Instead, through Jesus, He moved toward us in the middle of our mess to show us the way out. Yes, today’s verse refers to salvation and the New Covenant Jesu

When life feels like a relentless heatwave—physically and spiritually—Psalm 23 offers more than poetic comfort; it offers divine renewal. In this devotional by Whitney Hopler, we’re reminded that God doesn’t just see our stress and exhaustion—He meets it with peace, stillness, and strength. Just like a good shepherd cares for his sheep, God refreshes your soul when you allow Him to lead you beside quiet waters. ✨ Highlights: God is your Shepherd – He provides, protects, and leads you with purpose. Spiritual renewal is available – Real rest comes not from a nap, but from God’s peace. Quiet waters = soul restoration – Make room for moments of prayer, nature, or Scripture that invite stillness. You lack nothing – Believing this frees you from stress and opens the door to lasting peace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Where do you go for rest when life feels overwhelming? How has God refreshed your soul lately?Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and share your story using #SoulRefreshedByGod so we can walk this journey together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Will Refresh Your Soul By: Whitney Hopler  “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul...” – Psalm 23:1-3, NIV  The summer heat can be so relentless that it drains away my energy. Whenever I come back to my air-conditioned home after being outside during summer, I crave some refreshment, so I pour myself a cold glass of water as soon as possible. On summer evenings, I take showers in cool water for more refreshment. This physical refreshment often reminds me of another kind of refreshment I need regularly – refreshment for my soul. Just like I need to recover physically from the heat of hot weather, I need to recover spiritually from the heat of stress that accumulates in my life from lots of work and other demands.  Psalm 23 describes God as a shepherd who helps us get the rest we need, leads us beside quiet waters, and refreshes our souls. God makes it possible for us to enjoy the spiritual revival and renewal we all need.  Here’s how you can rely on God to refresh your soul:  Verse 1 says: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” When the Lord is your shepherd, he is guiding you, protecting you, and giving you what you need. Just like a good shepherd makes sure his sheep have what they need to thrive, God makes sure you have all that’s truly important for your well-being. When you really trust that God provides for your most important needs, a strong peace starts to settle in your soul, and that peace refreshes you from the inside out.  Verse 2 points out: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” In this busy world, it can be hard to really rest. You might take a break to sit on a couch to scroll on your phone, but real rest – the kind that makes your soul feel new again – often escapes you. God knows you need this rest. He encourages you to lie down. Your “green pastures” can be refreshing times of prayer and meditation, experiences enjoying God’s wonder in nature, or other kinds of breaks that refresh your soul.  The second part of verse 2 declares: “he leads me beside quiet waters.” Quiet, still waters are peaceful. When your mind is racing and your spirit is troubled, God offers you his peace, which is much stronger than any stress you’ll ever face. You can enjoy following God to “quiet waters” by focusing on God’s peaceful presence with you.  Finally, verse 3 begins by saying: “he refreshes my soul.” This is the wonderful result of God being your shepherd. When God refreshes your soul, he sends you the strength you need for what’s ahead in your life. God has unlimited strength, so he can empower you in every way you need fresh strength from him.  So, ask God to refresh your soul whenever you need that. Just like you look for a cool drink when you’re thirsty, you can turn to God when your soul is tired. You can pray, tell him you’re exhausted, and invite him to lead you to his green pastures and quiet waters. This summer, when you feel the heat and want to cool down physically, let it remind you to seek spiritual refreshment too. God, your good shepherd, is waiting to lead you and to refresh your soul in ways nothing and no one else can!  Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to rely on God to refresh your soul, reflect on these questions:  What are some stressful situations in your life that are making your soul feel drained right now? In what ways do you currently try to find rest or refreshment? Are those ways really helping you spiritually? How can y

Pain may be part of our lives, but so is the presence of a compassionate Savior. In The Healing Compassion of Jesus, Keri Eichberger shares a heartfelt devotional from Matthew 9:36 that reminds us we’re never left alone in our suffering. Jesus sees us, feels our pain, and meets us with deep compassion. Whether you're dealing with emotional wounds, physical ailments, or the quiet ache of the everyday, this message speaks to your soul and offers comfort straight from the Shepherd who never leaves His sheep. ✨ Highlights 💔 You are seen: God sees your suffering, even when no one else does. 🕊️ Jesus feels with you: He doesn’t just notice—He cares deeply. 🐑 He is your Shepherd: Even when life feels isolating, His comfort is personal and real. 🙏 Find peace today: Let His compassion become the healing balm your heart has been longing for. 📲 Join the ConversationHave you experienced the healing compassion of Jesus during a hard season? Tag us @LifeAudioNetwork and share your story using #HeHealsWithCompassion — your testimony could encourage someone who needs it today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Healing Compassion of Jesus By Keri Eichberger When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)  I’ve been suffering for sometime now with a specific physical pain I’m really ready to move on from. But who am I kidding, if I think about it, and reflect back far enough there’s always been something I’ve been actively suffering through. Like when I was in my teen years and experienced a bad break up that left deep lingering emotional pain for half a decade, or when I started having kids and began to live through a never ending roller coaster of mental strenuous stress and struggle. And the sad news for us all is that suffering and pain will continue to be a part of our lives until the good Lord calls us home. And I don’t know about you, but the longevity of this truth leaves me in constant longing for compassion and comfort. I deeply desire for someone to see me, see my hurt, and care enough to help or ease the difficulty and discomfort.  I would ask if you feel the hurts of life too, but I know you do. We all do. The question is, what are you currently suffering through and how are you handling it? Has your suffering been long and seemingly without hope? Or have you been living through yoyo bursts of trials since before you can remember? Let me say, I’m so sorry. I feel your pain. It’s real and you’re not alone. You’re not alone because we’ve all been there. Though the truth is, our struggles can still feel isolating and like not one really gets it. Because though we all have our hard stuff, we can’t possibly be feeling or experiencing the exact emotions. We are unique souls with unique situations. So, yes, at times it’s hard to convince ourselves we’ll ever find the compassion we’re sure would soothe our souls. But can I remind you—though no one will completely get it, and thus it will seem like no one can completely comfort us—God sees you. And you may believe this. You may know that God genuinely sees you, but you may not feel like he cares enough to do anything about it based on the seeming lack of movement in a more favorable direction. In this case I want to reassure us both that he sees, but he also cares. He has compassion on you as you walk through each challenge and suffer through every hurt and heartache. Matthew 9:36 says, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This is the Lord Jesus. He is the shepherd seeing his hurting, helpless sheep, and having compassion on them. And you are the sheep, and he is your shepherd.   Intersecting Faith and Life: Consider what you have been suffering through lately. And remember, for each moment you or I feel helpless, hopeless, heartbroken, or even harassed, this is when the Lord swells with compassion. Your compassionate caretaker is constantly watching over you, loving you, and caring deeply for you like a shepherd tending to his beloved sheep. I pray you feel this. Right now and forever, he is with you, and he is hurting with you. But he is always holding you with sufficient compassion. The ever-present, all-encompassing compassion of Jesus that, when acknowledged and accepted, will help and heal every hurting heart. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you feel like you’re running on empty—striving, pushing, juggling it all—and still feeling stuck? In this heartfelt Christian devotional on Matthew 11:28-30, Hannah Benson invites us to pause, breathe, and fall into the arms of Jesus. Through a personal moment of burnout and breakthrough, she reminds us that true rest isn't found in finishing the to-do list, but in trusting God’s timing and leaning into His presence. If you're craving soul-deep peace, this is your gentle invitation to come as you are—and find the rest your soul longs for. What You’ll Learn (Highlights): What it means to truly rest in Jesus, not just physically—but spiritually and emotionally Why doing things “for God” can never replace simply being with God How trusting God’s plan brings freedom from burnout, anxiety, and overachievement Practical encouragement for letting go of control and leaning into His embrace A reminder that your value isn’t in your productivity—it’s in being His beloved child 💬 Join the Conversation: What does it look like for you to fall into the arms of Jesus right now?Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #RestInHisArms and share how God is inviting you to pause, trust, and rest today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Fall into the Arms of Jesus A devotional by Hannah Benson ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) Recently, the Lord challenged me to fall into His arms. At first glance, that statement may sound odd, but allow me to clarify. What exactly does falling into the arms of Jesus mean? It’s not like I can literally fall into His arms. On a particularly stressful afternoon, I found myself staring at a blank screen instead of working on the writing project I needed to tackle. Honestly, I was kind of frustrated with myself. “I need to get this done”, I thought. Yet no matter how hard I tried to concentrate and move past the writer’s block, I either ended up staring at a blank screen or mindlessly scrolling through social media hoping inspiration would strike—which, by the way, never happens. As I sat there, the Lord quietly whispered to my spirit: “I want you to spend time with Me.” Yes, God, that would be a good idea except I needed to finish what I was doing first. Which was what? Oh yes. Overcoming writer’s block and actually getting words on the page. Ugh. Eventually, the Holy Spirit’s prompting won out, and I closed my laptop and picked up my Bible instead. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was as if my spirit did a trust-fall. And instantly I realized what the Lord had been trying to tell me all along. Perhaps I’d gotten so busy doing things for God that I’d forgotten to spend time with Him. Quality time is my love language. Why then would I not ensure I spent time with the One Who loves me more infinitely than I could ever know? Yes, I have a lot of things on my plate. As the old adage says, perhaps “I’ve bitten off more than I can chew”. But what is more important than anything I could ever do? Cultivating relationships. With God, first and foremost, and then with others. Loving God and others. Serving God and others. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Simple but often difficult to live out. I realized I’d been trying to do everything in my own strength instead of relying on the Lord. I’d been yearning to rush the journey, but God was challenging me with an alternative. What if instead of trying to do things in my own strength, why not lean on the Lord? Instead of rushing through life, what if I found joy in the journey? What if I learned to trust His process and plan for my life instead of what I could perceive? Intersecting Faith & Life: I love Jesus’s invitation in Matthew 11. “Come to me.” This is an invitation for all of us who feel weary, burdened by the sins or stresses of the world, or those of us who simply can’t carry ourselves anymore. Dear friend, we are not meant to carry it alone. He has offered to carry our burdens for us. Even when the world around us is thrown into chaos or our mind is running in circles trying to remember the next thing on our to-do list, breathe. Take time to sit at His feet because true rest is found in Him. Allow yourself to fall into the arms of Jesus, to do the best with what you have and let the Lord take care of the rest. Maybe our house isn’t spotless by the time our guests arrive (I know. We’ve all been there *grin*.) Maybe our career paths don’t look exactly li

We all thirst for something—but are we drinking from the right well? In this heartfelt devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares how a simple moment at a lemonade stand revealed a deeper truth about our spiritual lives. Reflecting on John 4:10, she draws a powerful parallel between physical thirst and the soul’s longing for the Living Water that only Jesus can provide. Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, chasing worldly “quick fixes,” or just in need of renewal, this Christian devotional on John 4 offers refreshing encouragement: Only Jesus can truly satisfy. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Highlights): What the “Living Water” in John 4:10 really means for your daily walk with God How the Samaritan woman’s story shows Jesus meets us in our mess, not our perfection Why worldly pleasures can’t satisfy a spiritual need—and how to return to Christ How to recognize the “counterfeit comforts” we chase in place of God Encouragement to fill your soul with what it truly needs: a relationship with Jesus 💬 Join the Conversation: What “lemonade” have you been chasing to quench your soul?Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #ThirstQuenched and share how Jesus has met your deepest need—or how you’re learning to turn to Him first. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Living Water We All Need By: Alexis A. Goring “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” —John 4:10 NIV One hot and humid summer day, I attended a festival outdoors. After enjoying the various activities, my throat felt parched. To quench my thirst, I walked over to the lemonade stand and bought a big cup of lemonade. But that first cup didn’t quench my thirst, so I returned to the lemonade stand a few minutes later to buy another one, only to return again ten minutes later to buy one more. It was not until after trying to quench my thirst with three big cups of lemonade that I realized what I really needed was water to drink. Therefore, I returned to the lemonade stand one more time—this time to purchase a big cup of pure water. The ice-cold water started to quench my deep thirst from the moment it touched my tongue. As I gulped it down, my desperate thirst was quenched. It was like my body was saying, “Finally! She is giving me exactly what I need.” Looking back on this experience that taught me an important life lesson, I realized a spiritual parallel to this story: Just like my body needed pure water to keep it hydrated and protected in the intense heat of that day, my spirit and soul needs something only God can give. Scripture calls it Living Water (referring to our Savior, Jesus Christ). The Bible shows a story in John 4:1-42 about a Samaritan woman who was a social outcast not just because of her ethnicity and heritage (the Jews ostracized the Samaritans) but because of her sinful lifestyle that was gossiped about by the women in the town where she lived. Hoping to escape their scrutiny, this Samaritan woman would make the long trek to the town’s well to draw water during the time of the day when the heat was so intense that nobody else dared to go to there. She did this to avoid facing the women who treated her poorly.  We may go unnoticed in society and at times feel like an outcast but to Jesus Christ, we are always seen, heard, understood and supported—this Samaritan woman was no exception. The Bible says that Jesus took time out of his journey with his disciples to stay behind at this same well while they went to town. It wasn’t an accident or coincidence—He planned this one-on-one meeting with this woman who was in so much pain from her past. Long story short: Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah and offered her living water—the kind that satisfies your soul when you accept it. This woman came to know Jesus as not only the Messiah she had heard about but as her personal Savior who saw beyond cultural barriers, right into her heart. He gave her hope that she never knew she needed or could have and as she accepted Him as her Savior, she became like a missionary and evangelist, running back into town to tell everyone she knew and met along the way, that she met the Messiah who offers everyone living water and salvation.  Just like Jesus met the outcast Samaritan woman at the well, He wants to meet us where we are today and offer us water that will quench our souls for all eternity. But how often do we turn to—run to—counterfeits? We may think we can quench our need for Christ with worldly things and resources. Just like I kept returning to the lemonade booth to fill my physical need with that sweet drink, we as fl