The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In a world obsessed with planning and productivity, it’s easy to assume we’ve got tomorrow under control. But what happens when life reminds us how fragile and uncertain the future really is? In this episode, Whitney Hopler shares a sobering yet hope-filled reflection on how surrendering our plans to God’s will can lead to deeper peace, trust, and joy—no matter what tomorrow brings. What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why our lives are more fragile than we often admit—and how that reality invites us to trust God The difference between planning with pride and planning with purpose How to replace anxiety about the future with peace from God’s presence Practical mindset shifts to invite God into everyday decisions Why flexibility in faith is key to discovering God's greater plans for us 💬 Join the Conversation:How have you seen God's plans override your own—in good or unexpected ways? Share your story and tag us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork. We'd love to hear how you're trusting God for tomorrow. #TrustGodWithTomorrow 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Only God Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow By: Whitney Hopler “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” – James 4:13-15, NIV Recently, while driving on an interstate road, I saw a car accident up ahead. A driver hit a construction barrier and the car burst into flames. I passed the car as it was completely engulfed in flames, with what looked like the burnt remains of people’s bodies inside. I saw a police car arrive to start blocking traffic. It parked some distance away to stay safe, since the car was ready to explode at any moment. An ambulance was coming, but as I passed the burning car, I felt a deep sense of sadness for the people it was on the way to rescue. It was too late. There were no survivors. All I could do was pray for the people who had started that day expecting to live but ended up dying in that accident. Life is unpredictable. We make plans, set goals, and dream about the future. But in reality, we don’t have control over what will happen tomorrow. James 4:13-15 warns against making plans with the assumption that we can control our own destiny. These verses remind us that our lives are like a mist – here for a short time and then gone. Keeping that fact in mind can help us trust God, who does have control over the future.  Only God knows what will happen tomorrow.  Many of us like to feel in control. We plan our schedules, organize our work, and set goals for the future. However, life often brings unexpected changes our way. We may encounter good changes (like opportunities we never anticipated) or bad changes (like challenges with our health or jobs). We may even face the end of our earthly lives unexpectedly, like the people in the car accident I saw. No matter how carefully we plan, we still never know what tomorrow holds. But God does!  Does this mean we shouldn’t make plans? No, but it does mean we should hold our plans loosely. Instead of saying: “I will do this,” we should say: “If it’s the Lord’s will, I will do this.” This simple change in mindset shows God that we’re really trusting his good plans for us.  While it’s wise to make plans, we must remember that God has the final say. God’s wisdom is far greater than ours, and he sees the whole picture while we see only a small part of it.  We should seek God’s guidance before making important decisions. Then, we should live with gratitude for each day. Since we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we should cherish the present time. Each day is a gift from God, so we should use it wisely – to love God and others, and to enjoy life to the fullest. Finally, we need to be flexible and trust that God’s plans for us are better than our own. Sometimes, the doors we want to walk through remain closed, and we wonder why. But in time, we often see that God was protecting us from something that was not meant for us. At other times, God redirects us toward something even greater than we could have imagined on our own. If we truly believe that God is good, we can trust that every change God makes to our plans will be good for us.  So, we don’t have to worry about the uncertainty we face in this fallen world. We can choose to let uncertainty motivate us to trust God in deeper ways. When we live this way, we can experience t

Have you ever started something with fire in your soul—only to find that same fire dimming over time? Today’s devotional explores what it means to press on in our faith journey even when the road gets rough, the passion fades, and everything in us wants to give up. Whether you're in a spiritual slump or simply tired, this episode reminds you: your race isn't over. Jesus is worth every step. 🏃‍♀️ What You'll Learn: Why passion fades—and what to do when it does How to guard your heart from spiritual burnout Why remembering God's past faithfulness fuels future perseverance How Scripture calls us to run with endurance, not perfection 💬 Join the Conversation:What helps you press on when your passion wanes? We want to hear how God is sustaining you in this season. Tag us @LifeaudioNetwork and share your journey with the hashtag #PressingOnWithChrist. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pressing On By Megan J. Conner “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:12-14 (NIV) Have you ever set an ambitious goal for yourself? One you knew from the start would be a significant undertaking, maybe even life-changing? Perhaps you were inspired by a book you read, a film you watched, or maybe even the passionate pursuit of another as they chased after their dreams. Spurred on by this catalyst, you determined, no matter the cost, you were going to do the thing!  You create a plan and put it in motion, adjusting your lifestyle, attitude, and even interactions with others to prioritize your aspiration. Every day, you rise early or stay up late, you make the necessary sacrifices, and you chase hard after your new objective. But after a time, the struggle begins to get real.  The new wears off, and what began as an exciting pursuit now feels like drudgery.  You are doing what you’ve done from the start, so what has changed? Your perspective.  Many of us experience this as we grow and mature in our walks with the Lord. We come to faith with great fervor.  Zealous for the Lord and His Kingdom, we give it all in those early days of salvation.  Like a young couple during their engagement and the honeymoon period, our spiritual lives are brimming with anticipation and promise. We fully believe anything is possible! There is nothing but good ahead of us.  And we can’t even fathom a moment where we would feel any different than we do during this season – where passions run high and we would never doubt our purpose or our ability to press on towards our final destination, eternity with Him.  But the truth is, time and the realities of disappointment and hardship in this world wear all of us down. Relationships are hard. Spiritual discipline can feel more like a chore than a blessing. And before we know it, we can become disillusioned. Perspective changes everything. When we lose sight of the finish line, we can easily become weary in well-doing. The Word of God says: “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:8-9 (NIV). When we become tired or the daily struggle to maintain our goals feels burdensome, our minds and bodies will provide us every excuse to sit down, take the easy road, or even walk away. The tug of mediocrity invites us to “rest” and focus on the now – what is right in front of us and forsake what we once desired ahead. However, this is the exact moment when we must remind our minds and hearts, militantly if necessary, to look up and out towards our reward – Christ Jesus. Let us not be lulled to sleep but instead fix our eyes on Him. For He is our prize, and when we finish the race and enter into our eternity with Him, the discipline and sacrifice we made will have all been worth it! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:1-2 (NIV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you passionately pursuing the Lord

What if scrubbing toilets and vacuuming floors could become acts of worship? This episode invites us into a new mindset—one that transforms the mundane into the meaningful. With honesty, humor, and a reminder of God’s generous gifts, you’ll discover how everyday tasks can become sacred when done with the right heart. 🛠️ What You'll Learn: Why stewardship is about more than finances—it’s about faithfulness How shifting from “I have to” to “I get to” can change your daily life What it looks like to clean your home (or do any dreaded task) for God’s glory Practical tips for tackling chores with joy and intention 💬 Join the Conversation:What’s the one chore you usually dread—but are willing to tackle with a new mindset? Snap a pic of your progress or drop a comment about how you're shifting your perspective today. Tag us @LifeaudioNetwork and let’s cheer each other on as we do it all for God’s glory! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Doing it for God’s Glory “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 At the end of a long work week, the last thing I want to do is clean my house. However, after leaving it untouched for several weeks, it was clear it needed a good cleaning. The floors were dirty and full of crumbs and dog hair. The bathrooms needed a good wipe. All the dishes needed to be done, the appliances needed to be cleaned, and the counters needed to be cleared of crumbs or debris. I knew this needed to be done.  Frankly, I have been putting it off. While I understand that every person is responsible for stewarding the things God has given them. It made me feel like a slave whenever I cleaned up after my husband and children, especially when they came home, made a mess, and did not attempt to help clean or assist in these duties. One day, the Lord whispered the above verse to my heart. At first, the conviction that this first verse brought stung my soul. However, as I read and meditated on this verse, it became apparent to me: I didn't have to clean; I got to clean. God has blessed us with many wonderful possessions. This included two cars that, although used, were completely paid off, a medium-sized home in a lovely area of an up-and-coming town in Pennsylvania. I must be a good steward of what God has given me. But I hated the fact that I had to do it alone. No matter how much I proclaimed my dissatisfaction, no one stood up to help.  But God was trying to tell me in this verse that he had freely given all these things to me. It was my job to take good care of them. It was not my job to judge whether other people were doing their work. I needed to do what God was calling me to do. I put in my earbuds, played great 80s music, and got to work. I set the timer for 60 minutes. If I did a small chunk of time each day rather than waiting for it to pile up, I'd get through it more quickly and more thoroughly.  Before I knew it, the timer had gone off and I had only gotten to two rooms. It wasn't because I was lazy or procrastinating. Instead, it was because I was enjoying what I was doing. Soon, this chore that I dreaded became something that I stewarded. Because of this switch in my perspective, I could see that even cleaning toilets or wiping down counters full of toothpaste stains meant I was worshipping the Lord.  Because I enjoyed the music in my ears, it made the chores fun. Because I realized that this was all for God's glory and not mine, the time went by much more quickly, and I enjoyed the chore much more thoroughly. Think about the things you must do in life. Are there tasks that you must do that you put off simply because you hate doing them? How would this switch in perspective change your worldview on that task? When we choose to see that we do everything for God's glory, even the most menial task, we understand that it's not about us but about God. In these things, God is glorified, and we are blessed because we get to have them. A switch in perspective from what we have to do to what we get to do changes the way we see things in life. Many people would be more than happy to have my home. I needed to start being grateful and stop taking things for granted.  God owes us nothing. However, he gives us everything freely through the riches afforded us by Christ Jesus. When we understand and stop taking for granted the things that God has given us and steward them well by working hard on even the most menial tasks, we are blessed and we get to bless God in the process.  Father, let us be people who steward our possessions well. Let us see even the most mundane tasks from the perspective that they are all for your glory. Help us not to become discouraged and frustrated, but happy and full of joy, because we k

Today’s devotional takes us deep into the compassionate heart of Jesus. In a world loud with noise and performance, Christ shows us a love that is deeply personal, quietly powerful, and beautifully intentional. Jennifer Slattery unpacks the healing of a deaf man in Mark 7 to reveal how Jesus doesn’t just care for the crowd—He cherishes the individual. This story is a powerful reminder that God sees you, values you, and offers healing not as a show, but as an intimate act of love. What You'll Learn: Why Jesus may have taken the deaf man aside before healing him How Christ’s actions protect dignity and demonstrate personal compassion The difference between public miracles and private moments of grace What this tells us about how God views you—not as a project, but as a person 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced a quiet, personal moment with God that changed everything? Share how Jesus has shown you His tenderness and love—and tag someone who could use a reminder that they are seen, known, and deeply loved by the Savior.  Tell us about it with #LifeaudioNetwork. Your story might just 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 Full Transcript Below: Christ’s Tender Love for the Wounded by Jennifer Slattery 31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. - Mark 7:31-36 NIV The more I study Scripture, the more I’m touched by the tenderness Christ often displayed. In Matthew 19, He stopped, in the middle of teaching important truths to adults, to draw children close. In Mark 5, we read about how He healed a bleeding woman who’d spent twelve years living in shame, and called her daughter in front of the watching crowd. He touched lepers, defended the oppressed, and, it seems, protected a newly healed deaf man from becoming a spectacle before the curious masses.  Granted my assumption is, well, assumption, but do you find it intriguing that Jesus asked this man and his friends, or family, not to tell others about this healing? While this wasn’t the only time Jesus gave such instructions, He didn’t always do so. In fact, I’m only aware of a handful of times. During one, scholars suggest He wanted to keep the crowds from making Him king by force and the Pharisee’s hostility from turning homicidal before His final earthly Passover. In another, He silenced demons—that makes sense, right, and provides a great example for how we should deal with the devil and his minions—by refusing to listen to anything they have to say.  But those circumstances don’t appear to apply to today’s passage. Consider, after healing a royal official’s son from a terminal illness in John 4, we don’t read any indication that Jesus wanted the parents to keep the miracle to themselves. Nor did He give such instructions to any of the five thousand men and an unnamed number of women and children fed from one boy’s lunch in John 6. That was quite a public event the news of which would’ve spread throughout the region.  Notice also what we read in Matthew 8. According to verses 16,   When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.  Obviously, He didn’t do this in secret, nor, do we read Him telling any of them to keep their healing quiet.  So, again, why did He do so when it came to the deaf man in Mark 7? While Scripture doesn’t reveal this directly, the text seems to provide some clues.  First, we read that this event occurred in the predominantly Gentile area known as the Decapolis. It seems unlikely, then, that He worried about increasing Pharisee hostility. I also doubt He feared these people, who didn’t experience the same level of oppression as the Jews, would try and make Him their king.  Notice, also, verse 33 told us that He took the man aside, away from the crowd.  This demonstrates He didn’t use the man, or the miracle, to wow the

When was the last time you were truly awe-struck by God—not because of what He’s done for you, but simply because of who He is? In today’s episode, Megan J. Conner invites us to pause, look up, and soak in the wonder of our Creator. From nature’s beauty to God’s unshakable character, this is your reminder that praise isn’t just a reaction—it’s a decision. And our God? He’s more than worthy. 🛠️ What You'll Learn: How the natural world reflects the majesty and character of God Why everyday distractions can dull our sense of wonder—and how to reverse that Specific attributes of God that anchor our praise, straight from Psalm 145 Practical ways to intentionally refocus your heart on worship 💬 Join the Conversation: When was the last time you praised God just for who He is? What do you see in creation that points you back to His greatness? Share how you’re looking up and looking out today—and tag a friend who needs to be reminded that God’s glory is never far from view. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Worthy of Praise By Megan J. Conner “Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!No one can measure his greatness… Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;I will proclaim your greatness… For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.You rule throughout all generations.The LORD always keeps his promises;he is gracious in all he does… I will praise the LORD,and may everyone on earth bless his holy nameforever and ever.” Ps. 145:3, 6, 13, 21 (NLT) Have you ever seen the sunrise crest over the horizon and been truly stunned by its brilliance? Or perhaps stood on a coastal shoreline and wondered at the boundaries placed on the powerful waves? What about when you witness the first blossoms of early spring that tangibly remind us of the power of resurrection – life after death?  Scripture tells us, creation itself declares the majesty of our God. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” (Ps. 19:1, NIV). It is nearly impossible not to be stirred by the divine attributes of our Lord displayed in nature. Conversely, they can somehow be easy to overlook. Worries, disappointments, and the cares of this world dull our sight, and that which is resplendent becomes opaque and mundane.  The evidence of our Maker and His kingdom is all around us. We only have to look up and look out. As simple as that sounds, it takes intentional effort. We must quiet our racing thoughts long enough to appreciate the glory around us.  When we enter into this reflective state, we not only remember the powerful deity of our universe-creating God, we recall His character and attributes. We remember: “The LORD is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love… The LORD is good to everyone.He showers compassion on all his creation. The LORD always keeps his promises;he is gracious in all he does. The LORD helps the fallenand lifts those bent beneath their loads. The LORD is close to all who call on him… He grants the desires of those who fear him;he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The LORD protects all those who love him,but he destroys the wicked.” In light of such truths, how can we refrain from praising Him? He truly is worthy of our praise. No matter what burdens or distractions are weighing down your heart today, I encourage you, “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in,” (Ps. 24:7, NIV). Sometimes, what we need more than anything is to simply look up and remind our hearts that there is an eternal, divine Creator who truly does hold the whole world in His hands. Not only is He fully able to meet every one of your needs, but He is worthy of our praise and admiration.  Will you join me today, as we boldly declare together, “Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you praised the Lord simply for who He is rather than what He can do for you? Are there cares and concerns weighing down your heart or dulling your senses? If so, I encourage you to proactively search for God’s divine majesty and attributes today.  Instead of getting up and immediately turning on the radio or the TV, crack open a window and simply sit in the silence. A symphony of birdsong will immediately overtake the perceived hush. Listen closer, can you hear the wind rustling through the leaves, or perhaps squirrels bounding from branch to branch?  Now, look up, what do you see? Has the sun risen? If so, take a moment and marvel at the element itself. The sun, and its light, is the lifeblood of all c

Do you ever feel like fear is hiding in plain sight—disguised as perfectionism, control, or a constant buzz of worry? In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger gets real about her lifelong battle with anxiety and the freedom she’s discovered in trusting a sovereign, loving God. This isn’t just a pep talk—it’s a call to honest reflection and a practical reset for anxious hearts. Because when God is near, fear doesn’t stand a chance. What You'll Learn: Why fear often hides in everyday thought patterns (and how to spot it). How to recognize the connection between control, anxiety, and misplaced trust. Two core truths that disarm fear: God is in control and God loves you deeply. The difference between knowing you “shouldn’t worry” and actually living in peace. 💬 Join the Conversation:What sneaky forms does fear take in your life—control, overthinking, perfectionism? How do you shift your trust back to God when anxiety creeps in? Share your story or encouragement with us in the comments or on IG @LifeaudioNetwork We don’t have to live in fear, because we never live alone. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Have No Fear, God is Near. By Keri Eichberger When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.  (Psalm 56:3–4)  I have battled with worry, anxiety, and fear since before I can remember. In fact, I wrote a book about these hot topics. And I’ve often wondered if people knew how much I still struggle in this arena, if they would think I had no business weighing in on such weighty issues. If so, my comeback defense would be—if only they knew how much more I used to be consumed by anxiety and constant unease. Because the truth is, my considerable progress might suggest some serious gained wisdom. And, something else that perplexed me as I began to bring this message into the world, was the volume of people who actually believed worry wasn’t one of their personal primary problems.  Well, I have two things to say to my contemplations. One, God truly has helped me win more and more over my worry. And two, no matter how much someone thinks they don’t worry, they actually do much more than they realize. Which brings me to the conclusion: We all need God‘s constant reminders that we don’t have to fear—because our good and sovereign God can be trusted. How about you? Do you struggle with worry and fear? What about your thoughts? Do you find yourself consumed with an idea, a plan, or circumstance? And do you try to control outcomes, or tend to frequently strive for perfection? If we got really honest, I bet we could say yes to these questions more than we’d like to admit. I’ve become convinced that worry is wrapped up in all of those things. And ultimately fear as at the root. Unresolved fear that is soaked in misplaced faith and misguided trust. You might be very well aware that you have unresolved fear and worry. Or maybe the enemy has been sneaky with you and you can hardly see it. Either way, we all have it. So for the sake of helping us win this war over worry, I have some reminders for both of us. Truths that I know I need to continue to place deeper and deeper within. Again and again.  In the face of any thought that stirs up unease and swells with uncertainty, or in the midst of any situation that starts to overwhelm, there are a couple truths we need to reclaim. That God is in control, and that God loves us. And if these two statements are true—which they are—we have absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Easier said than done, I know. But God has every single detail of your life under his authority. And God loves and cares for you perfectly and unconditionally. You, me, all your people, and all of his people. So, that means we can all relax. We can slow down. We can let go a little more. We can enjoy life a whole lot more. And we can breathe a bit deeper and move much more freely.  Intersecting Faith and Life: As you consider whatever has you worked up, about whatever, will you reclaim and replace your faith and trust in God with me? Friend, we can trust him. And we can live with less fear because our good, sovereign God is always near Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when your world feels like it’s caving in? Jennifer Slattery brings us face-to-face with a powerful moment in David’s life where everything was falling apart—and yet, he found strength not in strategy, but in God. In today’s devotional, we explore what it means to “strengthen ourselves in the Lord,” and how to follow David’s example in our own moments of fear, anxiety, and deep distress. 🛠️ What You'll Learn: The biblical blueprint for handling emotional overwhelm. Why expressing raw emotions to God isn’t weakness—it’s spiritual wisdom. How praising God’s character shifts our perspective and calms our storm. That supernatural strength doesn’t always change the circumstance—but it always changes us. Everyone has default responses to crisis—some healthy, some not so much. This episode invites you to consider your own “patterns” and how they compare to David’s spiritual reflexes. Are you leaning on your own strength or anchoring yourself in the Lord? Reflect, journal, or pray through a time you experienced God’s sustaining power right when you needed it most. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Supernatural strength for times of crisis By Jennifer Slattery David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. –1 Samuel 30:6 NIV As someone with a long history of anxiety, in my ongoing pursuit of peace, I’m inspired by David’s response during a time of crisis. When he found his life threatened by angry and, likely, highly fearful soldiers, he didn’t panic, try to come up with some life-preserving strategy, or even try to talk his men down from their overwhelm and upset. Instead, he “strengthened himself in the Lord.” While Scripture doesn’t describe how he did so in this instance, it does record numerous prayers that show a predictable pattern. When afraid, David routinely turned to God, to whom he expressed the depths of his emotions, holding nothing back. He sought God’s help, protection, and provision, and he reminded himself of the Lord’s unchanging character, power, and promises.  We all have “predictable patterns,” some helpful, and others, not so much. Most of us have spent a lifetime of relying on ourselves and seeking temporary comfort in insufficient coping methods. But as we grow closer to Christ, He increases our trust in Him and teaches us to turn to Him in times of crisis, as David did in 1 Samuel 30. This occurred after God, through His prophet, anointed him as king but prior to him taking the throne. In that stretch of time between receiving and living out his calling, he spent at least a decade fleeing from Saul, a homicidal, mentally disturbed leader who forfeited his legacy when he chose to follow his will rather than the Lord’s. And spent the rest of his life obsessively pursuing David to kill him.  But God protected David again and again, and with each divine rescue, his faith grew. Although a mighty warrior who, as a teenager, defeated a massive, highly trained and experienced Philistine soldier, and numerous other battle victories, he didn’t rely on his wisdom or military might. Instead, he sought strength in the Lord. We catch a glimpse of how in his many songs and prayers recorded in the Psalms.  Like I said earlier, he often began crying out to God with unfiltered emotion. In Psalm 3:1-2, he wrote: Lord, how many are my foes!    How many rise up against me!2 Many are saying of me,    “God will not deliver him” (NIV). And in Psalm 13:1-4: How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?    How long will you hide your face from me?2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?    How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”    and my foes will rejoice when I fall. And in Psalm 22:1-2: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from saving me,    so far from my cries of anguish?2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,    by night, but I find no rest.   Notice, David didn’t deny or suppress his feelings, nor did he rush past them. Instead, he expressed his anguish to the One who could comfo

In a culture obsessed with independence, grit, and getting it all done, the idea that surrender leads to strength feels... wrong. And yet, Scripture says it's the secret weapon. When life unravels and your strength runs dry, it’s not the end of your story—it’s the beginning of God’s power showing up. Key Takeaways Surrender Isn’t Quitting—It’s Trading UpPaul didn’t just survive his suffering—he thrived because he stopped striving. He let God fill the gap. Real strength begins when our grip loosens. Weakness is a Holy InvitationIt’s not just okay to be weak—it’s spiritually strategic. That place of limitation? That’s the landing pad for divine power. Control is a Mirage, Trust is a FortressMegan’s story hits home: when nothing on the outside changed, everything on the inside did. Why? Because she shifted from self-reliance to God-dependence. You Don’t Need More Strength. You Need More Surrender.The peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7) doesn’t come from more willpower—it comes from more willingness to let Christ carry you. Join the Conversation Ever experienced the moment where you hit your limit—and God met you there with supernatural strength? Tell us about it with #LifeaudioNetwork. Your story might just 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 Full Transcript Below: Exchanging Weakness for Strength By Megan J. Conner “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Cor. 12:9 (NIV) I was totally and completely overwhelmed by my circumstances. It felt like everything in my life was spinning out of control. It was as if the storms of chaos were attacking from every side all at once, and I could not find my footing. Both my husband and my daughter were facing significant health issues, our business was facing unprecedented challenges, and my anxiety was at an all-time high.  I struggled to sleep.  I struggled to eat.  Even the most mundane, simple tasks felt immensely burdensome and unmanageable.  I was weak in body and spirit.  I prayed time and time again for the Lord to relieve me of my burdens. Despite my desperate pleas, nothing tangibly changed. It was all completely out of my control. There was nothing I could do to alter my unwelcome dilemmas, and it appeared God wasn’t all that interested in offering me a way out.  We see a similar example of this from the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian church.  “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:8-10, NIV). We aren’t sure what specific ailment Paul considered as the thorn in his flesh, but it is clear that whether it was mental or physical, the apostle wrestled with it and longed for his circumstances to be different.  However, God allowed the unwelcome assailant to remain for Paul’s good.  It never feels good when we suffer pain, disappointment, limitations, illnesses, or injuries. Yet, we live in a fallen world where the consequences of sin rest on all humanity, where mortality is reality, and troubles are guaranteed (John 16:33).  While undesirable to our flesh, it is actually through these challenges that we learn a dependence upon the Lord that would not be possible if we always had it all together. As Paul is weakened in his humanity as a result of his condition, he actually gains strength.  It is a lasting, supernatural strength that stretches far beyond his human ability to endure the unendurable. Why? Because it is not Paul’s inner strength that continues to propel him forward, it is Christ in him.  What a paradox!  To obtain power and strength, we must first become frail and weak. Yet it is exactly in this place of weakness that we discover not only a resilience we never thought possible, but we are also consumed with immense peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).  Like Paul, I have experienced the glory of exchanging weakness for strength.  Did any of the circumstances I described earlier change to promote this newfound peace? No. Instead, my heart and mind found rest as I trusted Him who was giving me the strength. It all truly is out of my control,

There are times when joy feels like a distant memory—when your soul is sluggish and your spirit flat. The truth? Praise isn’t just a feeling; it’s a decision. A powerful, soul-shifting act of spiritual discipline. And it might be exactly what your heart needs right now. Key Takeaways Praise Breaks the Fog – When life feels heavy or your spirit seems dim, praising God shifts your perspective. It realigns your soul with His joy. Joy Follows Focus – When you focus on God’s unchanging nature instead of your fluctuating circumstances, you create space for joy to return. (Psalm 21:6) Praise Clears the Clutter – When life feels crowded with confusion, praise acts like a clearing wind. It sweeps out the fog and ushers in clarity, hope, and peace. Start Where You Are – No need to fake it—just start with a simple truth: “God, You are good.” Let the Holy Spirit build from there. Join the Conversation What if we treated praise as our go-to move in every circumstance? This week, let’s flip the script. Don’t wait for your heart to catch up—lead it with praise. Share what you're praising God for with #LifeaudioNetwork, and let’s turn ordinary moments into altars of gratitude. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Blessing of Praise By Keri Eichberger Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. (Psalm 21:6)  It wasn't too long ago. I was approaching Easter weekend, and my attitude and the posture of my heart didn’t match the praise I knew should be filling my soul—considering I was preparing to honor the most honorable moment in history. The most honorable man in history. And truth be told, the more I became aware of the dimness of my spirit, the more it became shadowed by self-disappointment for not feeling more uplifted in light of such a praiseworthy celebration. Have you ever felt something similar? Can you remember a time you weren’t feeling as joyful as you felt you should’ve been? Or found yourself sad for no reason? Or maybe you did have a good reason to be down, but knew you really had even more reason to smile and be thankful. I get it. Some days I’m a bit blue and can’t quite put my finger on why. Sometimes it seems to stem from something silly. And then there are moments, like I felt leading up to Easter, when I was getting ready to have a big surgery and had been struggling through lots of disappointment, but still knew in my heart that God was immensely good and deserving of so much praise. Praise. That is the key. I’ve been down dark roads before, and it has been offering up praise to my good God that was always the way out. I just needed that reminder. I needed it then, I need it now, and I’m guessing you might need this reminder too—time and again. There really is so much blessing wrapped up in our praise of the one who deserves it all. Life is hard, no doubt. Some seasons don’t make sense. Certain situations find us sad and sorrowful. But there is something constant that we constantly forget. God is still good. And God’s goodness abounds everywhere and every moment. Even when things don’t feel good, God is good. And we will see it when we open our eyes and mouths of praise.  Intersecting Faith and Life: I made a decision that weekend, I’m making it now again, and I’d like to ask you to join me. Think of something to praise God for. There truly is so incredibly much. You can praise him for the details of his beautifully-creative creation, you can pour out praise for the promise of eternity, you can offer up praise for his word that reveals his ever-present love, comfort, and care. And you extend your unending praise for his perfectly sufficient provision over your life. We can all praise him for all of that today and every day. And I believe, as we return to a heart of praise, and continue to pour out words and reflections of thanks and gratitude, the shadows will lift from our souls, and we will find more and more songs to sing. We will continue to receive boundless blessings as we continue to offer our praise… to him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever had a spiritual faceplant you wish you could undo? You’re not alone. Abraham—yep, the father of our faith—blew it in a big way. But grace didn’t give up on him, and it won’t give up on you either. Key Takeaways Grace Offers Do-Overs – Even when we fail, God’s mercy meets us with a fresh start (Lamentations 3:22-23). Abraham Messed Up Too – He let fear rule and threw his wife under the proverbial camel. Still, God didn’t cancel him—He called him back. Return to the Altar – After failing in Egypt, Abraham went back to where he first encountered God (Genesis 13:4). Returning to God is always the right next step. Failure Isn’t Final – Your spiritual missteps don’t have to define your story. In Christ, shame doesn’t stick—redemption does. Join the Conversation What “altar” do you need to return to? What would it look like for you to start over today with God's grace in view? Share your thoughts with us using #LifeaudioNetwork and let others be encouraged by your journey. You’re not too far gone. God’s mercy says, “Let’s try again—together.” 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Starting Over After a Spiritual Fail By Jennifer Slattery So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. 2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. 3 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier 4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the Lord. - Genesis 13:1-4 NIV Sometimes, I struggle to live anchored in grace. I’ve done a lot of things I regret and, sadly, wounded those I love. While I’ve confessed and apologized for those things, sadly, I can’t unspeak words spoken or go back in time to handle situations differently. But, thanks to God’s grace, each day, I do receive a do over—a chance to stop in the middle of an argument, selfish act, or whatever dysfunctional behavior I’ve slipped back into to live more consistently aligned with Jesus.  When I’m battling fear of failure or shame related to my past, I’m encouraged by biblical accounts of godly men and women who messed up big time, but then, turned around, got back on track, and began again.  Abraham, called Abram in today’s passage, the patriarch of our faith, messed up big time. When we first meet him in Genesis 11 and 12, he obediently leaves his pagan homeland in Ur, taking his wife and nephew with him, to embark on a journey to an unknown land. As a woman who’s followed her husband from one state to another, and who, at times, was a reluctant (and, on occasion, anxious and tearful) participant, I can’t help but wonder what his wife felt or thought regarding this major life transition. She left her home, her biological family, her neighbors and friends, and whatever sense of security those support systems provided.  Did she even have a say in the matter? Based on the culture in which she lived, I suspect she might not have.  While Scripture doesn’t tell us how long she and her husband had been married at this point, the depth or strength of their relationship, or how safe she felt in it, it does record an instance that must’ve shattered any trust they’d built. To paraphrase, when he and Sarai, later called Sarah, arrived in Canaan, they hit two significant challenges. First, other people occupied the land, and, second, they soon found themselves in a famine, which would’ve been life threating. Then, instead of seeking God’s guidance regarding how to navigate this crisis, Abraham decided to head, with his clan, to Egypt.  In Genesis 12:11-13, we read: 11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (NIV). In other words, “This isn’t a safe place. We’re going to encounter men so consumed with lust, they’ll kill me to get to you.” His plan? To abandon his wife to protect himself.  When we allow our fear, rather than God, to lead us, we tend to behave in hurtful ways, as Abraham did. Because of his “brilliant” solution, Sarah soon found herself taken to the palace by the most powerful man in the nation.  Pause to consider h

Ever felt like you were called… but stuck in a season of “not yet”? You’re not alone. Whether it’s King David or King Jesus, even God’s greatest waited between their anointing and appointing. But take heart—your “in-between” is never wasted. Key Takeaways You’re Sealed and Claimed – God put His Spirit in you as a guarantee of what’s to come (2 Cor 1:21-22). Anointed ≠ Immediately Appointed – David waited decades; Jesus waited years. Waiting doesn’t mean forgotten. God Doesn’t Rush – He moves in perfect timing (Isaiah 60:22). You’re not behind schedule—you’re being prepared. Your Wait Has a Purpose – David gathered strength and support; Jesus discipled and taught. Your delay is part of your development. Join the Conversation How are you holding onto faith in your waiting season? What has God been refining in you while you wait? Share your reflections using #LifeaudioNetwork. And remember: if He’s anointed you, He will appoint you—right on time. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered  by Deidre Braley  2 Corinthians 1:21-22: Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.  Have you ever experienced the tension of knowing that God has set you apart for a certain role, calling, or assignment in your life—only to have to wait for an extended period of time for it to happen?  It can be confusing, frustrating, and even maddening to stand by while you wait for the moment when God will finally say, “Now!” But if you’re currently in an in-between season such as this, know that you’re in good company. In Scripture, we see multiple examples of people who were anointed by God for a specific purpose long before they were actually appointed to that role.  Two that immediately come to mind are King David and King Jesus.  David was first anointed to become king of Israel when he was just a teenager; the prophet Samuel set him apart for this work in private (1 Samuel 16:1-13) long before he would be publicly appointed king by the people of Israel in his thirties (2 Samuel 5:3).  And though Jesus was anointed by God when he was baptized by John (Matthew 3:17), it would be another 2-3 years before he was crucified and then resurrected from the dead—accomplishing the mission that he’d been set apart by God to complete.  The truth is that sometimes the anointing comes longs before the appointment. While we wait, it can be easy to become restless and even to despair. We might begin to wonder whether God has forgotten about his promise, worry that he’s changed his mind, or doubt that we ever even heard him in the first place. But when we look back at the way God has moved in Scripture and also  examine what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about God’s actions and character, we can find solid footing to reassure our restless hearts while we stand in the interlude.  Intersecting Faith & Life  The stories of David’s and Jesus’ own periods of interlude (along with so many other biblical giants) supports the 3 following truths about God’s character and providence:  God does not rush.  Isaiah 60:22 says, “I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.” David experienced incredible tumult in the years between his anointing and public appointing as the king of Israel. There were likely times when he thought, “When will God make me king, already?” But God orchestrates the timing of events outside of our human demands. And though he often does not move as quickly as we would like him to move, when he does decide it’s time, he puts it into action with perfect precision.  God has had a plan from the beginning.  God sees how everything will play out. While our purview is limited to what we can see, experience, and imagine of our own lives, God is able to see how all things work together—a complex system within a single organism. We see a hint of this when Jesus says to his pleading mother at the wedding in Cana, “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). Although it was well within his power to turn water to wine, Jesus’ words imply that once this miracle occurred, a new string of interconnected events would be set into motion.  In the time between anointing and appointing, God is still at work. The in-between time is never wasted; while David waited to become publicly acknowledged as king, Saul’s power and influence began to crumble and David gathered more supporters. This had to happen before he

Still labeling yourself by past mistakes or family baggage? In Christ, “the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). You are not “just that way” anymore—God rewrote your story the moment you trusted Him. Key Reflections New Creation, New Identity – Gal 2:20 says your old self was crucified; Christ now lives in you. Let God Define You – Scripture, not your past, assigns your worth. (See Eph 1.) Capture Toxic Thoughts – Take every thought captive (2 Cor 10:5) and replace lies with truth. Progress Requires Renewal – Daily renew your mind (Rom 12:2) to walk in who you already are. Join the Conversation What negative label do you need to lock up today? How are you choosing to see yourself through God’s Word instead of past mistakes? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram using #LifeaudioNetwork—let’s encourage one another to live as new creations! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stop Believing You Can’t Change  by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB) Are you letting your past mistakes define you? And are you believing that you will always be a certain way? I will admit it that I’ve found myself saying, at times, “That’s just the way I am.” But I realize now how pathetic that sounds. It’s another way I let this culture’s message to “Do you” and “Express your individuality” excuse my failure to grow spiritually.  Maybe, like me, you’ve found yourself saying things like: "I have control issues. That's just the way I am."  "I am an adult child of an alcoholic and I struggle with certain dysfunctional behavior. That’s just the way I am."  "Because of what I’ve been through in my past, I’ll always be insecure. I'm just that way."  "I will never trust another person. That’s just the way I am.” “Sorry I got so defensive. You should know I’m just that way.” A sure sign that we are stuck from pain in our past is when we excuse our behavior by saying “That’s just the way I am.” Or, when we continue to believe that we can never grow beyond a certain place, emotionally or spiritually.  A crucial step to healing and wholeness is to renew your mind to think differently. If you have a relationship with God, the old you that was “just that way” is gone. And the new you is now “just like Him.” In Galatians 2:20, the apostle Paul gave us a goal, perspective, and motto for our old selves. He wrote: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” And the song of our new identity is found in Second Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Intersecting Faith and Life  So why are we not living like new, regenerated creatures? In my experience, I've found that it's easy to go back to the old way of thinking if I'm not making a conscious effort to remember who I really am (because of my regeneration in Christ), and to redirect my thoughts.  You can renew your mind and receive your new identity—the one that is just like Him—when you do these two things: Let God define who you are. This happens when you read and begin to understand the Scriptures. Let God define who you are—not your parents, your past, a teacher from long ago, a friend who used to criticize you, a boyfriend or husband who walked out on you, a therapist’s diagnosis, or a boss who thought you weren’t capable of much. The more you read in the Bible of God's heart for you, the more you will begin to see yourself as a regenerated, transformed child of His and act like it. Discover in God’s Word not only how He sees you, but how to start living like His child.   Lock up the negative thoughts. In order to let God—and not the voices in your head—define you, you must learn to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). When you hear negative thoughts from your head defining you, capture them instead of letting them run loose. Be determined to only hear the thoughts that are obedient to God, the thoughts that are consistent with His Word’s description of you. Tune your ear to hear the thoughts of God's that say “I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3); “I have called you friends” (John 15:15); and "Do not conform any

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of “I know better, but I still mess up”? You’re not alone. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with doing the very things he didn’t want to do. This devotional reminds us that the Christian walk isn’t about flawless performance—it’s about daily surrender and steady growth. 📖 “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”– Romans 7:14-15 (NLT) Key Reflections: You’re not alone in your struggle—Paul felt the exact same way. Being in Christ frees us from sin’s penalty, but not its presence. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. God’s grace isn’t an excuse to stay stuck, it’s the fuel to keep going. Each new day is a fresh opportunity to start again—His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s one area where you feel stuck right now? Instead of focusing on failure, write down one small step you can take today to grow in that area. And remember: You’re not defined by one moment of weakness. You’re being refined by a lifetime of grace. Let us know what “progress over perfection” looks like in your life today. Use the hashtag #LifeaudioNetwork to share your story. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Progress Over Perfection By: Laura Bailey  “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:14-15 NLT Reluctantly, I stepped on the scale. I already knew the number would be higher than I’d hoped. Sighing, I shuffled towards the kitchen, poured my coffee, and scanned the pantry. Last week, I failed miserably at making good food choices. Does it matter what I choose now? Even if I make the right choice now, I will likely slip up later and have to start over again.  A few weeks prior, my doctor suggested that I try a low-inflammation diet since I was experiencing a great deal of joint pain. If you aren’t familiar with this diet, it means avoiding sugar. And while I don’t have an overly sweet tooth, I enjoy ice cream after a long day, a bowl of cereal as a midnight snack, or a freshly baked pastry with my morning cup of Joe. For the most part, after the first few days, I found that it wasn’t challenging for me to avoid sugar, especially since my cravings were almost non-existent.  It had been almost a month without anything sweet when I saw my daughter munching on my favorite candy. I thought, “It wouldn't hurt just to have one; you deserve it; you’ve done so well.” Reaching for the bag, I knew it wasn’t a good idea, yet I proceeded, and before I knew it, I’d polished off the remaining candy. I immediately felt physically and mentally sick. “ Why did I do that? Why didn’t I just stop after one? I am failing at so many things,” I chided myself. If only the battle with sugar was the only one I fight regularly.  I want to read my Bible more, so I set my alarm 30 minutes earlier every day. However, I more often than not hit the snooze button, choosing sleep over time with the Lord.  I want to spend more quality time with my girls, but I gravitate towards unanswered emails and text messages, prioritizing things that could wait over them.  I want to give more money to missions and be more generous, but I often buy things I don’t need because “it was on  sale.” Yes, I struggle to do the things I do not want to do daily, yet I still do them! Have you ever felt that way? The Apostel Paul most certainly did.  Paul shares in the letter to the Romans that he is frustrated that he continues doing the things he doesn’t want to do. Why does this keep happening? For those of Christ, we are freed from the penalty of sin but still live in the presence of sin. He openly shares his ongoing struggle with sin, the internal battle within him. The same battle that we all fight.  Many believe that once they accept Christ, all their problems and struggles will disappear. The reality is that the battle has just begun. Later in Ephesians, Paul describes how we prepare for the spiritual battle that wages war against our hearts and minds by putting on the whole armor of God ( Ephesians 6: 13-17). We must suit up as we fight sin, but there will be times when we lose that battle. That’s where God’s grace and merc

Let’s be honest—most of us have questions we’re holding close to the chest. Why am I struggling? Why didn’t God intervene? Why now? The beauty of faith isn’t in pretending we don’t have questions—it’s in knowing exactly where to take them. 📖 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt...”– James 1:5-6 (NIV) Key Reflections: God welcomes your questions—none are too big, too messy, or too complicated. Asking God for wisdom acknowledges that we need His help, not our own understanding. Doubt can toss us like waves in the sea—but faith anchors us. You may not get your answers today, but they will come—if not here, then in Heaven. Trusting God means giving Him your why’s just as much as your worship. 💬 Join the Conversation: What questions have you been holding back from God? Then let us know what helps you turn your questions into deeper trust?Drop a comment or tag us with #LifeaudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Turning to God with Questions By Vivian Bricker  “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6). Similar to many people, I have many questions for God. Questions such as “Why did this have to happen?” and “Why do I have to struggle so much?” are always scratching at my heart. Maybe you also have many questions for God. All of these questions are valid and will be answered one day. Although you might not have these questions answered right away, they will be answered in the future. When we are troubled with questions, we do not need to keep silent. Instead of remaining quiet, we need to speak up and bring these questions to God. Think about the questions you have in your heart today. Ask God these questions today. Don’t hesitate to ask God whatever is on your mind.  No question is too hard for God. Often, we feel as though asking questions of God is not right. This is not true, as God wants us to bring all of our questions to His feet. As you are thinking over your questions, remember the truth that no question is off-limits. God already knows what is on your mind, including the questions upon your heart. Acknowledge your dependence on God by asking these questions. You might be surprised as to how fast God will give you an answer. Even if your question is not answered right away, it will be answered in time. If it is never answered during your earthly life, know that all answers will be given in Heaven. We might not understand the pain right now, but one day, we will understand and see God’s work through our situation.  Finding Answers in God James 1:5-6 instructs us to turn to God. The half-brother of the Lord tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). If we are not having our questions answered, we can turn to God for wisdom. As James tells us, we need to ask God for wisdom. Once we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us generously.  James also tells us, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). The second half of this passage shows that it is vital for us to believe and not doubt when we go to God in prayer. Whether we are praying for deliverance, healing, or bringing our questions before God, we need to believe and not doubt.  The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, always being blown and tossed by the wind. If we doubt God and His ability to answer our prayers, our doubt will drown out our faith. This is why we need to have faith, truly believe, and not doubt God. Once we truly believe that God will answer our prayers and answer our questions, we will receive our answers, both for prayer and for our questions.  Bring all of your questions, concerns, and thoughts to God today. Give Him all of these worries and trust Him with the outcome. God will answer your questions and bring relief to your troubles. For the time being, have faith and believe. Don’t doubt—choose to believe in God. Just as you trust God with your salvation, trust Him with your questions and concerns. “Dear God, I have many questions for you. I was once afraid to ask questions, but now I know it is good to bring my questions to You. I give you all my questions today and I trust You with their answer

The Psalms have this unique way of speaking directly to the soul. Whether we’re celebrating or stumbling, they give us language for every spiritual season. Psalm 139, in particular, reminds us just how intimately God knows us—especially when anxiety threatens to take over our thoughts. 📖 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Key Reflections: God knows us better than we know ourselves—every thought, fear, and worry. Anxiety doesn't surprise God. He’s already aware of what’s weighing you down. Like David, we can invite God to search our hearts and bring peace to our anxious places. We’re not hiding from God—we’re hiding in plain sight. He sees and loves us anyway. Trusting God with our burdens is an act of faith—and freedom. Releasing our worries back “on the vine” (John 15) is a powerful daily habit of surrender. 💬 Join the Conversation: What anxious thoughts are you carrying today?Try writing them down, just like Megan does, and releasing them to God with the words:“Lord, I place this back on the vine.” Let us know what that process feels like for you. You’re not alone—and your heart is safe in His hands. 💙Use the hashtag #LifeaudioNetwork or share in the comments. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Know Me and My Anxious Heart By Megan J. Conner “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24 (NIV) There really is something so special about the Book of Psalms. They offer balm to a blistered heart or a chorus of celebration when joy overflows. No matter what you are encountering today, there is likely a psalm that speaks directly to your current state. Are you feeling burdened and afraid? You will find great comfort in the famous Psalm 23.  Feeling overwhelmed, possibly even attacked by voices of accusation? Take a look at Psalm 27. What about when you clearly see the fingerprints of God offering miraculous provision? Psalm 100 will help you offer thanks.  What about when you long for connection and intimacy with the Lord? Allow David, a man after God’s own heart, to remind you how there is nowhere you can go where God is not with you, through the words he penned in Psalm 139. In this beautiful passage, David recalls how the Lord knows our thoughts and our ways. There is no place where we can go from His Spirit or flee His presence.  Also included in this psalm is the often-referenced scripture, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Ps. 139:13-14, NIV).  That is how intimately the Lord is acquainted with us.  He literally knit each one of us together in our mothers’ wombs.  Like an artist creating a masterpiece, He thread each fiber of your being into existence. With this understanding, we can not only trust our anxious hearts to the Lord, we can be assured He is already aware of our struggle.  Jesus reminded the disciples in Matt. 6:8 that “…your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him,” (NKJV). The Word also says, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be,” (Ps. 139:16, NIV). God is aware of all of your yesterdays, He discerns what will happen today, and sees what the future holds. He knows you – truly KNOWS you in a manner far beyond our human comprehension. You are His treasure. His precious child. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to pay the penalty for your sin (John 3:16). You can trust Him with your deepest cares and your darkest secrets.  Though He knows every facet of our beings, our Lord does not barge in and force His way into our hearts. Instead, He awaits our invitation. David understood this when he invited the Lord to search his will and his ways.  “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24 (NIV) Could we, like David, vulnerably and transparently open ourselves up to the Lord?  Even if you feel like you are hiding those wounds, worries, or shame from the Heavenly Father, the truth is you are hiding in plain sight. If there is nowhere we can wander from His presence, and He knows what we need before we even bring our cares to Him, how can we not entrust our anxious hearts and thoughts to the Lord? He already knows our concerns, because he so intimately KNOWS us. Intersecting Faith & Life: What worries are bombarding your mind and

Sometimes we walk through seasons that feel like barren wilderness—dry, uncertain, and painful. When a close friend was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease, I found myself struggling with the very question faithful believers often hesitate to ask: “Why, Lord?” But in the middle of it all, God showed up—not just with provision, but with peace. The kind that doesn’t always make sense but anchors us in the chaos. The kind wrapped up in the powerful words of Numbers 6:24-26. Key Reflections: God’s peace isn’t the absence of pain—it’s His presence in the middle of it. The blessing in Numbers 6 is more than poetic—it’s a promise of God’s grace, protection, and peace. “Shalom” means wholeness, contentment, and joy—even in the wilderness. Faith doesn’t always mean clarity—but it does mean confidence in God’s character. Just like with the Israelites, God doesn’t abandon us in hard seasons—He walks with us through them. Even unanswered prayers can strengthen shaky faith. 📖 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 💬 Join the Conversation: Are you in a wilderness season? Have you seen God’s peace show up when life didn’t make sense?We’d love to hear how He’s meeting you in the middle of your story. Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us online with #LifeAudioNetwork. God’s blessing isn’t just a benediction—it’s a declaration of His unshakable presence. Even when we’re asking “Why?”, He’s already walking with us. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Peace in the Wilderness By: Laura Bailey  “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you,  and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 A dear friend recently discovered that she had an auto-immune disease and soon would need to have a liver transplant. As she shared the news with our group of friends over coffee and croissants, we struggled to hold back tears.  We were a group of firm believers, prayer warriors, and seasoned saints. We wholeheartedly trusted that God was faithful and in control of the situation, but we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, Lord?” Why choose this young mother active in her church and community to endure this painful experience? She is a woman of tremendous faith, a loyal friend, and a faithful servant. We knew that God had a plan and would ultimately use this situation for His glory, but we felt the weight of sadness and uncertainty.  As our friend’s health declined and it became abundantly clear she would not be able to live without a liver transplant, we began to pray that God would deliver a miracle. Walking alongside my friend in the past six months, I have seen God work in ways I have never experienced. To be honest, I struggle with my faith. I want to see God clearly at work. As I watched all the ways the Lord stepped in and provided, answered prayers–maybe not as expected, but still answered nonetheless– and gave my friend a sense of peace and calm amid chaos, it strengthened my often shaky faith.  The week before her surgery, we gathered together; I was asked to give a devotion before our prayer time. I prayed and asked God to guide me toward a piece of Scripture that expressed what I knew I would struggle to communicate. A few days passed, and I was still unsure of the verse I would speak on, but riding around in my car,  the song “The Blessing” played through the speakers. The song comes from  Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you,  and give you peace.” I knew immediately this was what I should share. God tells Moses to give this blessing to his brother, Aaron, Isreael’s high priest. Aaron, in return, was to share the blessing with the Israelites. The lines in this poem remind us that God’s provision extends to our physical and spiritual needs. The heart of this blessing is the reminder that God’s presence was with the Israelites and us today. The Lord pursues His people; He desires to bless them and pour out his grace and mercy.  The word peace comes from the Hebrew word, Shalom, which means an overall sense of joy and contentment. The last line reminds us that as God's Children, we represent Him in the world, and we can find comfort in knowing that we belong to Him; nothing can separate us from His love. This blessing serves as a c

Nature isn’t just pretty scenery—it’s a living sermon. In the rustle of leaves, the rhythm of seasons, and the chirping of birds, God reveals His love, creativity, and sovereignty. Luke 12:24 reminds us that if God feeds the ravens, how much more will He care for us? We often miss these lessons because our eyes are glued to screens. But if we just look up and around, creation starts to preach a powerful truth: God is near, involved, and intentional. Key Reflections: Nature reminds us God is Provider—He feeds the birds and cares for squirrels. You matter even more. His love is written into creation—each flower, sunset, and animal speaks of His intentional design. God’s creativity is unmatched—from platypuses to parrots, His imagination knows no bounds. Even in the wild, He’s sovereign—animals adapt, migrate, survive—none of it escapes His plan. Getting outside resets our faith—walk, pause, breathe. Creation points our hearts back to the Creator. Peace is possible—when we step away from noise and into God’s natural world, we find clarity. 📖 “Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?” – Luke 12:24 🌱 Join the Conversation: When’s the last time you saw God in nature? How has a walk outside, a sunset, or a quiet moment reminded you of His presence?We’d love to hear your story—leave a comment on today’s episode, or share with us on Instagram using #LifeAudioNetwork. Let’s open our eyes to God’s handiwork and be reminded: if He cares for creation, He surely cares for us. Drop a comment on today’s episode or tag your thoughts on Instagram with #LifeAudioNetwork.Let’s grow together in grace—lifting our heads as children of a holy and loving God. Full Transcript Below: What Nature Tells Us about God By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?” (Luke 12:24) If someone were to tell you nature says a lot about God, you probably wouldn’t disagree. At face value, the claim seems true. Though, if someone were to ask you what exactly nature says about the Creator, that answer would require greater reflection. We spend so much of our days with our eyes embedded in our phones or some other device. We often neglect the beauty of all that is around us. The verdant trees, soft dirt, gentle breeze, and pretty animals. If we were to take notice of those things we would start to see God in a different light. Not just as our Creator, but the Creator. Not just as our Provider, but the Provider. There are times in a believer’s life when God appears to be far away. Meanwhile, our troubles feel so near. In those moments, we need to remind ourselves of who God is. Studying God’s Word is one way, but observing His creations is another. We don’t always see Him at work in our own lives, but when we look at nature, not seeing Him is much harder.  How do the birds find sustenance day to day? How does the grass survive? Why does the Earth continue to live on? There are a few different lessons we can learn from nature. Nature reflects God’s love. Psalm 139 makes clear that God took intricate care to craft us in our mother’s womb. He knows the length of our days and the number of hairs on our heads. Every moment of our lives has been planned out before we live a single day. While we can find those truths in Scripture, they don’t always seem believable. God’s provision and care don’t always feel real, but if He can take care of the neighborhood squirrel, why would he not take care of us? Bad things certainly happen from time to time, and animals are not exempt from that. However, if we look closely, God’s love can be seen even in the worst of times. Nature reveals God’s creativity. No matter where you fall on the evolution vs creationism debate, we can all agree that nature exemplifies God’s creativity. There is a mammal that lays eggs, animals that shed their skin, and primates that can imitate the actions of humans. Wherever you look, there are many different biomes that feature many different types of creatures. High and low we can witness the creative genius of the Lord. Nature proves God’s sovereignty. Animals are born and die every day. There are beasts who work to survive by migrating, hunting, and living in groups. Their lives are much more eventful in terms of life or death than ours. Nonetheless, God has programmed each and every one of them for survival. He has equipped them for their environment, and made some adaptable to new environments. He oversees their populations and the weather. God is in charge of it all. Why would

Humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves—it’s thinking of ourselves rightly in light of who God is.As James 4:10 says:“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV) We’re not called to grovel or shrink—we’re called to come confidently, as children of the King, with hearts shaped by grace. Key Reflections: Humility isn’t self-deprecation—it’s seeing ourselves as God sees us. God is holy and personal—King on the throne, yet close like a Shepherd. Pride pushes God away, but humility invites His grace (James 4:6). We’re not just forgiven—we’re family: co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Humility draws us near—we approach God confidently, not fearfully (Hebrews 4:16). A balanced view of self honors God more than false modesty ever could. Join the Conversation: How do you practice humility without falling into false modesty?Has your view of God’s grace helped you stand tall in His presence? Drop a comment on today’s episode or tag your thoughts on Instagram with #LifeAudioNetwork.Let’s grow together in grace—lifting our heads as children of a holy and loving God. Full Transcript Below: Humility Is the Way to God By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10 (ESV) When I think about a humble person I sometimes imagine a great king on his throne. One of the king’s subjects comes into the room. He bows before the king and voices his request. Is this humility? According to the dictionary a person who is humble doesn’t think too highly of themselves. Humility is not weakness or self deprecation. Although some definitions have taken humility to mean that we lower ourselves, humility really means we have a honest view of ourselves and of God.  One of the things I love about God is He is both all-powerful and holy. We have a God who sits on the throne of Heaven, orchestrating the entire universe. Colossians says He keeps everything going by the power of His hands. Nothing escapes God’s notice, control, and wisdom. God is perfect in all His ways and only those who are also holy are allowed to enter into His presence.  Another aspect of God’s character that is evidence throughout the entire Bible is God’s closeness to us. Our God has also made himself known to us in a way we can understand and find Him. God is described as our Shepherd, Father, and Teacher. Having a relationship with us is a priority for our all-powerful God. God demonstrated through Jesus and He willingness to humble Himself for our sakes.  As we we approach God we tend to fall on one side or the other. Either we think we need to only see ourselves as disgraced, unlovable beings before a holy, perfect God. We call ourselves “worms” or “enemies” of God, even after we become Christians. Sometimes we don’t speak up, or speak out because we have a false sense of humility. Thinking low of ourselves is not humility.  We do this because we are afraid of the other side of the coin: pride. The Bible warns us over and over again about pride, which is thinking too highly of ourselves. It was pride that caused Satan to fall and sin to enter the world. In our attempts to avoid pride, as we should, we have a false sense of humility.  A correct, Biblical view of humility, actually falls in the middle of both of these views. Although we recognize that we came to God from a state of utter helplessness and God is beyond our ability to reach on our own, God humbled Himself so that we now stand with Jesus as co-heirs and children of God.  As Christians, we come to God through a humble heart. Proverbs 3:34 says, “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” (ESV) And Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (ESV) In the book of James we also see humility mentioned several times. James is said to be the proverbs of the New Testament.  James 4:6-10 says: But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV) Notice that God invites us to draw near to Him, but we do so with pure hearts and this is found through grace. If we are to receive grace from God in order to be able to draw near to God, we must have a balanced view of ourselves.  Yes, we are sinners in need of grace. But as Christians, we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and understand that

Instead of asking, “Am I past my prime?” we should be asking:“Am I living this stage of life with purpose and perspective?” Ecclesiastes invites us to live in light of eternity—not to despair over what we’ve lost, but to rejoice in how much time we still have to glorify God. Whether your “second act” looks like a new calling, a slower pace, or mentoring others—you’re still in the story God is writing. Think of Sarah, Paul, Noah—some of their most meaningful work happened later in life. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13 That’s your calling, whether you’re 18 or 80. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How are you embracing your current season of life? Have you discovered a new purpose in your “second act”? Leave a comment on today’s episode, or share your story on Instagram using #Lifeaudionetwork. Let’s encourage one another to live well—no matter what chapter we’re in. Full Transcript Below: Looking Forward to the Second Act By: Laura Bailey “Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV Turning my head from side to side, lifting my eyebrows, and pulling back the skin around my chin, I wondered if it was time for me to start an anti-aging routine. I turn 40 in six months, and truthfully, until a few weeks ago, the approaching descent into middle age didn’t bother me.  Most of my friends are in their forties and fifties, and their lives seem to be thriving; they didn’t take going over the hill as their life was over. Instead, it was almost as if they started living. Most were experiencing the perks of older children or an empty nest, reaping the benefits of a successful career, or embracing a slower pace where they could finally stop and smell the roses. And yet, I couldn’t shake the persistent accusing voice that dominated my thoughts, “the best years are behind you.”  We live in a society that elevates youth over maturity, but God’s word says the opposite. Proverbs 16:1 tells us that gray hair is a crown of glory, and Job 12:12 shows that more trips around the sun bring more profound knowledge and rich experiences to our lives. Scripture tells us to honor our elders, to respect them, and to glean wisdom from their lifetime of lessons.  The “second act” of our lives can be even better than the first half, especially if we live with the proper perspective. The book of Ecclesiastes invites readers to experience the benefits of a life in light of eternity. One of the book's central themes is the reality of our mortality, which shouldn’t drive us to despair but encourage us to ask, “Am I using my time on earth well?” What does it mean to live life well? Solomon, Ecclesiastes's author, tells us in verse 12:13, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” God created humanity with a purpose to glorify Him and make Him known. As the author of our lives, God divinely appoints the days, when we will be born and depart from this earth. Every stage, season, decade, or year serves a purpose, as Ecclesiastes 9:4 tells us that while we have breath in our lungs, we have hope! Not only that, but our lives have a purpose, no matter how many candles are on the cake. We don’t have to fight the signs of aging, cling to the memories of yesterday, or long for youth. Instead, we can embrace God’s plan and purpose for a new life stage.  Perhaps, like Sarah, in our second act, the Lord grants a request we’ve been praying about for decades ( Genesis 21:1-7). Maybe God will call us to a completely different career path, project, or passion, like Paul ( Acts 9). Or, potentially, God will make room for you to rest, shedding the weight of the responsibilities of your younger years and having time to invest in the next generation before you go to glory like Noah ( Genesis 6-9). I don’t know what the Lord has planned for me next. Truthfully, my life is not what my 18-year-old self would have envisioned for my forties. But it is beautiful, and I am assured that it will be infinitely better than I had planned because of God’s providence.  I am learning that God is more interested in my heart’s posture than my productivity. This allows me freedom and grace to age well, knowing that I am fulfilling my purpose as long as I bring God glory and honor. And well, that looks different in different seasons of life. I pray that as the years tick by, I grow in spiritual maturity and biblical wisdom and that my life always looks more like Christ today than it did yesterday.  The best is yet to come, if not in this life; those of us in Ch

Have you ever felt like you were walking around as one giant, exposed nerve? Like just being in the world is too much? In today’s devotional, we reflect on that aching, raw feeling—and how God meets us there. Vivian Bricker shares how a lyric from Taylor Swift’s “this is me trying” perfectly captured the feeling: “It’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound.” We’ve all had those seasons—where we’d rather hide than engage, where even kindness stings, where the pain is just too close to the surface.But God doesn’t leave us there. He meets us, gently and powerfully, in our most fragile state. Join the Conversation:When have you felt like an “open wound”? How did you find comfort—or where are you seeking it now? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. You’re not alone in this journey. 🎧 Discover more daily encouragements — subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer wherever you listen to podcasts. Full Transcript Below: Feeling Like an Open Wound  By Vivian Bricker “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares’” (Jeremiah 30:17).  I have loved Taylor Swift’s music since I was eight years old. While many people have different views about her, I think most of us can agree that her music contains beautiful storytelling. When her album Folklore came out, I instantly fell in love with every song. The song this is me trying particularly stood out to me upon first listen because of the following lyrics, “And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound.” How often have you felt like an open wound? I certainly have felt this way throughout my life, but I never was able to put it into words until I heard this song. Similar to other songs by Taylor Swift, this is me trying helped me articulate my feelings in a way that makes sense to myself as well as to others.  When we feel like an open wound, we feel easily hurt by others. Rather than wanting to go places and see other people, we want to stay at home and hide from the world. Anything and everything can feel like salt in the wound. When we find ourselves in this place, we don’t need to allow ourselves to fall into despair. Where God is, there is always hope (Romans 15:13).   During periods of feeling like an open wound, we need to turn to God. He can provide us with lasting healing. While He might not take all of the pain away, He can help us to recover and feel comfort. It is important to remember that God didn’t cause the pain we are going through. We live in a fallen world, and bad things can happen in this world. People can hurt us, we can fall on hard times, and we can experience illnesses.  Despite all of these terrible things happening around us and in our own lives, we can still have hope in God. The open wound in our hearts can be filled with hope if we allow God to comfort us. The comfort He provides for us is found in the Bible and in prayer. If we want to start the process of healing, we need to take up Bible reading and prayer. Prayer can help us connect with God on a deeper level. Telling Him our struggles, problems, and emotions will give us relief like nothing else can. You might be surprised at how much comfort comes over you once you tell God about your feelings. He is your loving Father, and He will equip your heart with love, encouragement, and hope.  Bible reading helps us learn more about God and His goodness. Reflecting on accounts of God in the Bible can help us feel more comforted by Him. Two great Books of the Bible to start reading today are Psalms and the Gospel of John. Both of these Books will help you learn more about God and His comfort and love.  Learning more about His love and leaning into it can help our hearts heal from any wound.  God Cares about Us From the Bible, we learn this beautiful truth, “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares’” (Jeremiah 30:17). The Lord tells us in this passage that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. This passage is referring to Israel; however, it also applies to us as believers. There is no reason to believe that God would withhold healing and restoration from our lives.  Give the wounds that are on your heart today over to God. There might still be times when you feel like an open wound, but God can help you. He is already restoring your health and healing your wounds as you read these words. God cares about you and loves you. Never doubt these truths.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever felt like an open wound? What did this feel like for you? Healing from God will come in His timing. How might you reach out to

When heartbreak hits and the tears just won’t stop, it can feel like God is far away. But in today’s devotional, we’re reminded of a profound truth: God draws closer in our sorrow, not further. After attending a funeral, the author expected her grieving friend to be falling apart—but instead, she found a woman sustained by prayer, clinging to God’s strength hour by hour. That’s the power of God’s presence in grief. That’s the promise of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Whether you're facing loss, loneliness, or just the ache of unspoken pain, this verse is your reminder—you are never alone. Join the Conversation:Have you experienced God’s closeness during a painful season? What helped you draw near to Him instead of drifting away? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. Your story may be just what someone else needs to hear. 🎙💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Explore more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Draw Close to God “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 Standing in line at a funeral home, waiting to give condolences to a family who had just lost a loved one to a tragic loss, I admired all the pictures of the deceased and well wishes from people ahead of me. Many family members had come to express their sentiments as well. About 20 minutes later, we were able to reach my friend.  Although she attended church for a long time, she sometimes had questions and doubts (as we all do) about God and his ways. When I got to the line and saw her there, I expected her to be a mess. I expected her to express her doubts and questions about God. However, she said the opposite. As we hugged, she told me she had been praying and asking God for supernatural help to sustain her through the long days and weeks. She told me that was the first day she had not cried and could stand firm as each hour passed. She and her family remembered their loved one on their special day. They chose to use it as a day of great remembrance and to take comfort in believing that he was in heaven and having all his questions answered.  A few days later, I sent her the above verse to comfort her as she continued to move on from their loss. Like my friend, the above verse is often used for people going through difficult trials or tragic losses. It reminds us of God's great love for his people.  God never allows us to walk alone. He is always with us, even during unspeakable loss and tragedy. When we feel he has forgotten us, and we can't understand why we are going through such times of trial, this verse can be of great comfort to all of us. It serves as a great reminder that God is with us every step of the way.  He is with us when we are in bed crying into our tear-stained pillows. He is with us when we shake hands and hug loved ones who have come to pay their respects. He is also with us when we celebrate family during the holidays when we miss our loved ones the most. It is as if Jesus is there, sitting in the empty chair, with us in our time of trial.  If you are going through a difficult time right now, ask yourself: do I feel God is close to or distant from me? Your answer reveals more about your view of God than you realize. When we are going through a difficult time, it is tempting to push God away, believing the enemy’s lie that God does not care about our true well-being, rather than accepting the truth of God's promises, as stated in his word. As the above verse reminds us, he is with us always.  He knows our spirits when they are strong and when they are weak. God promises to get vengeance on those who hurt his people. He is the one who gets the ultimate revenge. But we must be patient and wait for his timing. God is the one who knows the bigger picture of our situation.  We only see a finite piece of a much larger puzzle. We are only given one puzzle piece at a time. However, it's difficult to see the bigger picture. We must trust that God is the ultimate creator of the puzzle, the only one who can make all the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly.  Draw close to God. Do not allow a time of trial to be a time where you drift away from God. If you find yourself resisting the urge to read the word, hiding your big emotions from God, or distracting yourself from being alone with him, chances are you are trying to push him away rather than come close. But Jesus is waiting for us. He is close to us and walks with us every step of the way. We must take his hand and allow him to lead us as we walk through our time of trial.  Father, let us draw near to you in times of trial. Let us know that you are closest to us during our most profound grief. Remind us that you are there, extending your hand, waiting for

Ever wish you could be unbothered—the kind of person who doesn’t spiral when things go sideways? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey shares a heartfelt story about her friend’s tough day, a voicemail full of frustration, and a powerful moment of conviction from the Holy Spirit. What started as venting turned into a moment of humility—and a reminder that being “unbothered” doesn’t mean we ignore hurt. It means we choose grace over pride. As Romans 12:3 tells us: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (NIV) Let this be your reminder:Being unbothered doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care more about the person than the problem. Join the Conversation:Have you ever caught yourself in a moment of venting—only to feel convicted later? What helps you respond with grace instead of reacting with frustration? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story. 🎙💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Explore more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Becoming Unbothered By: Laura Bailey  “ For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 NIV “Petty Patty is coming at you live. " Tears of laughter rolled down my cheeks as I listened to my friend’s voicemail. She shared about a situation she was dealing with, airing her frustrations, pointing out the hypocrisy of the problem, and expressing her general annoyance with this particular group of people. My friend is one of the kindest people I know. She will give the shirt off her back and bring you a home-cooked meal at the hint of oncoming sickness. She is always the first to sign up and the last to leave, and she is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. She is not one to complain; typically, that’s my role in our friendship. So, I knew she was upset, not just from her three-minute-long voicemail. “Oh my word, I am so sorry. Did you just get my voicemail?” my friend quickly spouted as she answered my call. “I did. Whew, tell me about your day. It sounds like it was a doozy,” I teased. “Laura, I am sorry. Yes, I had a bad day and am incredibly frustrated, but I shouldn’t have said those things about my co-workers. Please forgive me.” She expanded upon why she was upset and then shared how the Holy Spirit immediately convicted her after she left the voicemail. “I want to be unbothered. You know, the person who just lets things go, realizing it's not a big deal in the grand scheme. And honestly, my irritation stems more from hurt pride than anything else,” she confided.  As she spoke, I recalled numerous times when I’d flown off the handle, vented to anyone who would listen, and critically shared about people who drove me crazy. How would my response to a perceived slight, purposeful hurt, or a potential oversight be if I took a more unbothered approach? I am not suggesting that we ignore when people cause us harm, but we don’t allow our feelings and emotions to run wild. We root our responses in humility and not pride.  Paul, in writing to the church of Romans, who was having a difficult time getting along, shares, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you ( Romans 12:3)  Look at Paul’s opening statement, he says that it by the grace given to him he shares this hard truth. Grace is getting something we don’t deserve, and in this case, Paul is talking about God’s grace on humanity by sending His son, Jesus.  When we realize that we need grace, and God gives it abundantly, we can grant grace to others. Paul shares the not-so-secret tip for fostering good relationships: think of others over yourself. It’s the golden rule: " Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Would you want someone to tarnish your name before you are allowed to explain? How often are our words and actions misunderstood, taken incorrectly, or simply miscommunicated? When dealing with others, we must acknowledge and accept that we can unintentionally cause harm and desire grace, mercy, and love when you do. Letting go isn’t easy or even a natural response, but as Paul points out, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness and display the fruits of the Spirit through our faith. Being unbothered doesn’t mean you don’t care; you sim

Anxiety has a way of whispering lies that feel louder than truth. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown shares how even after seeing God show up time and again—in his own life and in the lives of others—those anxious voices still try to take center stage. Whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, or just not being enough, anxiety loves to hijack our thoughts. But Scripture reminds us of a different reality: “Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” —Proverbs 12:25 (CSB) God’s Word is that good word. When anxiety lies, truth restores. It reminds us we are not unloved, not forgotten, not beyond hope. The truth is—we are known, chosen, and secure in Christ. Join the Conversation:What lie has anxiety tried to sell you recently, and how has God’s Word helped you push back? Share your thoughts @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. We’d love to hear how God’s truth is transforming your thinking. 🎙 🙏 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Discover more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Lies Anxiety Tells By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25, CSB) Working part-time as a writing consultant affords me many opportunities to converse with college students. Unsurprisingly, these youth, fresh out of high school, are still finding out who they are and discovering their way in the world. As they have reminded me, there’s plenty of uncertainty to experience, and with uncertainty, fear. Countless times, they express worry over failing a particular class or assignment. And countless times, they come back to me, recounting how well they actually performed. Even after they are able to contrast fear with reality, they often end up in the same place when uncertainty rolls back around again. They fear.  I could look at these students and wonder, “Why don’t they get it?” However, I was a student just like them. At times, as an adult, my anxiety still lies to me, and I still listen. As believers today, we often look back on the Israelites and wonder why they constantly strayed from God. We question how fear could lead them to worship false idols and lack faith when God pulled them through hard times again and again. We may have even wondered the same about ourselves. God shows His hand, but we still forget His works. That’s because of the lies anxiety tells, or more accurately, the lies we choose to believe. We hear them, we believe them, we internalize them. Our inner monologue looks something like, “You are unloved,” “You are unworthy,” “You don’t belong,” “You’re not good enough,” and much more. Whatever that voice is speaking to you in whatever area of your life, know that the only way to counteract a lie permanently is with the truth. Intersecting Faith & Life: Overcoming your worries means grounding yourself in truth. Only then will the lies that anxiety tells become less potent. Here are two steps to follow and make into a daily habit. Discover truth. One way to discover truth is through God’s Word. Anxiety and other forms of fear tell you things about your character and worth, things that aren’t true. God’s Word also speaks to who you are and who you can become. If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick? We might say God is the obvious answer, but when anxiety is pelting our brains, we often don’t think about God’s truth. We aren’t recounting verses about our worth or God designing us with purpose. However, we should. The more we know the Word of God, the more we will know what He thinks of us. Not only that, but we will also discover what He wants us to think of ourselves. Another way to find out what is true is through experience. If you find yourself constantly worried about money, but your finances always work out, take note of that. If you think everyone is out to get you, when in reality, no one bothers you at all, take note. Perhaps you’re holding on to some past offense and living in fear, rather than reality. The more self-aware you become, the better off you will be. Spotting lies will be easier, as will believing what’s actually true. Remember truth. While becoming aware of the truth is important, we humans and sinners naturally forget. Therefore, if we don’t want to forget, we need to create reminders for ourselves. These could come in the form of sticky notes, a journal, encouragement from peers, or some other daily or weekly habit. If God has provided for you in the past, don’t allow yourself to forget. Take note of your blessings. Literally, take notes. Write down why you’re grateful, your strengths, or why you have worth. The fears ar

Motherhood may be one of the most sacred roles God has given—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood in today’s culture. In today’s devotional, Lynette Kittle invites us to take a closer look at what the Bible really says about motherhood and how God designed it with both purpose and power. Despite society's mixed messages—telling women to prioritize success, beauty, or convenience—Scripture reminds us that life itself begins in the womb, shaped by the hands of God: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” —Psalm 139:13 While childbirth comes with pain—a result of the fall in Genesis 3—God still calls it a blessing, a sacred invitation to partner with Him in the miracle of life. Even Jesus came through a mother, because that’s how God designed humanity to flourish. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, thank You for the gift of life. Help me honor the role of motherhood—whether I’m a mom, have one, or am still healing from what motherhood has meant in my life. Remind me that You are the Giver of every life, and that no person is here by accident.” In a world that often minimizes motherhood, God elevates it. He sees, honors, and blesses the mothers, the births, and every life created in love. Let this be your reminder: Whether you were born through natural means, technology, or adoption—God formed you. He knows you. He chose you. Join the Conversation:How has your view of motherhood been shaped by culture or by Scripture? What gives you hope when thinking about life, legacy, and God’s design? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email—we’d love to hear your story and walk with you in faith. 🎙 💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Explore more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Taking a Closer Look at Motherhood (719 words) By Lynette Kittle “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”--John 16:21 Motherhood has taken a hit over the years with women’s careers and educational pursuits taking the forefront, along with abortion, convincing women that being a mother isn’t worth the time, effort, or cost it takes to carry, birth, and care for a child. But without mothers, of course, none of us would experience life, except Adam and Eve, who were the only people in the history of the earth to enter life without one. Genesis 1:27 explains how they came to life. “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Since then, even if babies are created in a Petri dish or test tube, they’ve needed a woman to make it possible. Even Jesus came to earth through a mother, because that’s how God designed humanity to multiply. Motherhood’s Curse Because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin brought with it a curse affecting childbirth. As Genesis 3:16 describes, “To the woman He said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Because of the pain and suffering attached to giving birth, some women opt out of carrying a child, afraid to experience the pain and discomfort associated with it, some fearful of the bodily changes that occur with new life growing within one’s body brings with it. More and more mothers today are finding surrogates to bear the brunt of childbirth risks for them, some for health and infertility reasons and concerns, others so carrying a child doesn’t interfere with their careers or affect their physical appearance. Motherhood’s Gift Even though motherhood comes with a curse, it also comes as a gift, too. 1 Timothy 2:15 explains, “But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” God, the Giver of all life, created motherhood, entrusting women with both the pain and joy of bearing children and placing His blessing upon the process. As Genesis 1:28 explains, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” Although humanity has found various ways around the natural process of baby making, still, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3). No matter how humans attempt to create new life, God is still the Giver of Life. It is He who knows and forms babies, giving them life, regardless of how humans discover how to orchestrate their beginnings. God

What’s keeping you in chains today—sin, fear, or something else? Vivian Bricker reminds us that Jesus has already won our freedom, but too often we live as if we’re still locked in a self-made prison. It’s time to step into the light, leave behind old patterns, and walk confidently in the freedom Christ provides. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways ✅ Jesus’ freedom is eternal and unshakeable.Christ died to free us from sin, fear, and bondage. ✅ We build our own prisons when we stay in sin or fear.Even when we think we’re in control, sin controls us. ✅ Freedom means walking in obedience and confidence.Let go of fear and sin, and embrace the abundant life God offers. 🛠️ Intersecting Faith & Life Are you walking in the freedom Jesus offers—or stuck in a prison of sin or fear? What steps can you take today to walk away from what’s holding you back? Pray and ask Jesus to help you live in the full freedom He’s already given you. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Christ Has Set Us Free By Vivian Bricker “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). When we think of freedom, we normally think of America gaining independence from Britain. In America, this is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July—our independence. It is common for us to celebrate our independence and freedom on this day, yet most of us are still living in a prison we have constructed for ourselves. Despite the Lord having already set us free by blessing us with salvation, we are still living in a manmade prison.  Whenever we are actively living in sin, we are building a prison around ourselves. Even if we might think we have everything “covered” or “controlled,” we really do not. We are never in control of sin—it is controlling us. This is why we must not become calloused to sin. Sin is sin, no matter what sin it might be. Many people think certain sins are more severe than others, but all sins are equal. If we commit one sin, it is just as bad as committing all of them. This is because God does not treat sin lightly. There are consequences for our sins that will prevail in our lives. We might think we have everything under control, yet when things start turning sour, we can only blame ourselves.  Sin is not good, and as Christians, we don't need to promote it. I have seen too many people turn away from God by engaging in a life of sin, and it only eats away at their hearts. Rather than continuing to live in a state of slavery to sin, we need to step out of the chains. The Lord has already set us free, and we need to continue to walk in this freedom. Jesus’ Freedom The Apostle Paul tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). As Paul says in this passage, Jesus has set us free. With this freedom, we need to stand firm and not allow ourselves to be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. The freedom the Lord has given us is eternal, constant, and steadfast.  Instead of locking ourselves away in our own prisons, we need to step out into the light. In this light, we see Jesus and the freedom He died for us to possess. Freedom is never given for nothing. Rather, Jesus had to die for our sins in order for this freedom to come to us. With this in mind, we need to take hold of this freedom, turn away from sin, and bring glory to the Lord. Praise Him, thank Him, and walk in obedience to His Word.  The more we do this, the more we will begin truly living in the freedom of Christ. Maybe we are not struggling with a specific sin right now, but we are dealing with fear. We don't need to let fear keeps us in prison, either. With the Lord’s freedom, we can step out of our prison of fear and walk in the confidence of the Lord. Jesus is always protecting us, and there is no reason to fear.  No matter what you are being held a slave to today, give it over to Jesus. He has already given you freedom, and it is time to take it. The Lord loves us and wants us to live in the freedom of the abundant life He has given us. There is no time to continue to be a slave to sin, fear, or anything else. Jesus has set us free,, and this freedom will never be taken away. Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you currently walking in the freedom of Jesus? Why or why not?  Does the prison of sin, fear, or something else cause you to feel safer? If so, explain.  What would it look like to remove yourself from your self-made prison? “Dear Jesus, I've been living in a prison for too long. You have set me free, and I'm taking hold of it today. Whenever I start drifting back to my prison, please

Ever felt like God is distant or silent in your struggles? Megan J. Conner reminds us of the powerful truth from Romans 8: absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. Whether you’ve drifted through busyness, pain, or doubt, God’s presence remains constant and faithful. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways ✅ God’s love is constant—even when we can’t feel it.His nearness doesn’t depend on our emotions or circumstances. ✅ Distractions and pain can cloud our awareness of God.We may drift away, but He never leaves. ✅ Nothing in all creation can sever God’s love.Not sin, failure, hardship, or even death can break His commitment to us. 🛠️ Intersecting Faith & Life Have you been distracted or discouraged, feeling far from God? How does Romans 8 reshape your view of God’s nearness and faithfulness? Take time today to reflect and invite God back into every corner of your heart. 📚 Further Reading Romans 8 Psalm 145 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Inseparable By Megan J. Conner “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword...? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:35-39 (NIV) Have you ever felt like God was nowhere to be found? Chaos and confusion seem to be your constant companions, yet it appears you are battling through it all alone. Despite your best efforts, you fail to recognize the presence of the Lord in it with you. The silence and His apparent absence leave you discouraged and disappointed. Where is the Lord? The Word of God assures us that “…the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you, (Deut. 31:6, NIV).” Even when we can’t see it, He is with us.  His Holy Spirit remains within us.  His Word also promises, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” If these promises are true, why then do we feel so distant from our Heavenly Father? The perceived chasm between us and the Lord is likely the result of our own choices and actions. Often, our disappointment, hurt, or confusion about circumstances in our lives cause us to retreat from our true source of comfort. We may be fully aware of this withdrawal if there is clear resentment or frustration present. Perhaps we are questioning God’s goodness and justice when faced with unwelcome and sometimes shocking dilemmas. In other seasons, we find ourselves far from the Lord and have no idea how we got there. We believe God has abandoned us but the truth is, we allowed distraction, the busyness of life, and the things of this world to consume our thoughts.  Before we know it, our hearts have waxed cold, and we struggle to feel a sense of intimacy with the One we love.  Regardless of how or why we may have wandered away from the source of Living Water, there is less distance than we imagine in between us of the Lord. Our scripture today from Romans chapter eight boldly declares there is NOTHING that can separate us from the love of God. Not hardship, not persecution; not famine or sword, not height or depth, not even death or life… There is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God. Isn’t that so incredibly powerful? There is nothing you can or cannot do that would cause the Lord to abandon you.  There are no circumstances that would compel Him to distance Himself from you. No failures, no sin… not even the finality of death itself can disconnect you from your Heavenly Father. This kind of constancy is unfathomable to us.  In a world where divorce rates are high, loved ones are lost to disease, and everything here on earth comes to an end, an eternal, unconditional commitment to love us and remain with us is almost beyond our comprehension. Yet, this is the height and the depth of God’s love for us. No matter where you find yourself today, He is near.  He has not left you, or abandoned you. Turn to Him today and remember… His love for you is inseparable.   Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you felt like God was distant in your life? If so, how does today’s devotional shift your perspective? Can you see how scripture clearly illustrates God’s faithfulness and nearness to you? Do you believe that the Lord would never abandon or forsake you? Why or why not?  Take some time today to ask the Lord the show you areas of your heart where you have wandered from Him. Have you been distracted, preferring and prioritizing the thin

Are you stuck in a cycle of working hard but feeling empty? Deidre Braley unpacks Haggai’s powerful message to the Israelites—and to us: when we neglect God’s presence, our efforts fall flat. This episode reveals why shifting your priorities to build the Lord’s house first can break cycles of frustration and lead to true fruitfulness. 3 Key Takeaways ✅ Misplaced priorities drain your life.Busyness without God leads to frustration and burnout. ✅ Making space for God invites His blessing.When we shift focus to God—through rest, prayer, and obedience—He promises to be with us. ✅ Fruitfulness flows from God, not just effort.Only God can make our work truly thrive and satisfy.  Intersecting Faith & Life Are you busy building your own “house” while neglecting God’s? How can you intentionally make space for God this week—through rest, prayer, or obedience? What’s one step today to reorder your priorities toward Him? Further Reading John 15:1-8 Ecclesiastes 4:6 Isaiah 55 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Build the Lord’s House First  by Deidre Braley  Haggai 1:7-9: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.  In 586 BCE, the nation of Israel officially fell to the Babylonian Empire. King Nebuchadnezzar and his cronies sacked the temple and carried many of Judah’s inhabitants back to Babylon, where they lived as exiles for nearly fifty years. But in 539 BCE something interesting happened: the power shifted to King Cyrus of the Persian Empire, and under this new ruler, the Israelite exiles were allowed—even encouraged—to return to Jerusalem and rebuild God’s temple.  At first, the returned exiles got right down to business with rebuilding. But before long, they began to experience threats from surrounding people groups. Under the weight of this opposition, work on the temple ceased, and for sixteen years, it continued to lay in ruins.  In 520 BCE, however, a prophet named Haggai began to rouse the spirits of the returned Israelites again. Through Haggai, the Lord gave the Jewish people a very clear message: it was time to start building his house again.  During their sixteen-year hiatus from reconstruction, it seems that the Jews had concerned themselves with seeking all the ordinary essentials for living: growing food, eating, drinking, dressing, working, and building homes for themselves. But as the Lord pointed out through Haggai, none of these pursuits had been as fruitful as they could have been. He said, “Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes” (1:5-7).  Have you felt like no matter how hard you work, it feels like your wages are going into a bag with holes? Or that no matter how earnestly you plant, you just seem to keep pulling up weeds? In my life, I’ve certainly experienced this type of fruitlessness—and it’s exhausting. Though it seems like we’re doing all the right things, at the end of the day we come up feeling empty and spent.  Now, this is where the world might hand us self-help books, or coach us on how to be more effective, or tell us to just work harder. But through Haggai, we learn that the answer to our fruitlessness is not to double down and do even more; rather, it is to shift our priorities. According to the Lord, his people’s frustrated efforts were a direct result of their misplaced priorities. Through Haggai, he said, “...my house…lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house” (1:9). While they had focused on providing for themselves, they had neglected to create a space for the Provider himself to dwell alongside them. They got so focused on the fruit that they forgot about the one who makes fruit grow in the first place. As a result, their efforts came to little.  Intersecting Faith & Life  Are you experiencing a sense of fruitlessness in your life? Do you feel that your efforts are constantly being frustrated, like you’re running in place while someone holds the back of your shirt? If so—is it possible that you, like the returned exiles, have gotten so focused on producing the fruits of a good life that you’ve forgotten to prioritize the One who

Ever tossed and turned at 4 a.m., stuck between two decisions or weighed down by life’s seemingly unchanging routine? You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck without purpose. In today’s devotional, Sarah Frazer beautifully reframes those “stuck” seasons we all experience. Drawing wisdom from Psalm 25, she reminds us that even when we feel like we’re not moving forward, God is at work. He’s teaching, loving, leading, befriending, and ultimately saving us in ways we often can’t see at the time. What if this pause in your life isn’t punishment—but preparation? ✨ Key Takeaways ⏸️ “Stuck” doesn’t mean God has stopped working in you📖 God uses still seasons to teach us new or deeper truths💛 His love and forgiveness are steady—even when we feel like we’re failing🧭 Waiting can be God’s way of guiding us to the next step👥 God draws near as a friend when we need Him most 🔁 Intersecting Faith and Life How can you reach out to God right now and make Him your refuge in this waiting season? What would change if you stopped measuring your worth by productivity and started resting in God’s faithfulness? How have you seen God’s guidance in past seasons when you felt “stuck”?   💬 Let’s Reflect God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on your performance, your progress, or your pace. Wherever you are right now—moving, waiting, or wondering—you are seen, loved, and led by a God who never gets stuck. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God’s Faithfulness When We Are Stuck By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 25:1 (ESV) Devotional My eyes were wide open but I couldn’t see in the dark. As I lay in bed, I glanced at the clock. 4am. With a sigh, I rolled over. Making a decision always keeps me awake at night. For hours my husband and I talked through the decision, looking at it from one angle and then another. We decided to pray about it and sleep on it. Praying was easy, sleeping was not.  I listened to my husband snore softly and envied his ability to just put off the thoughts for the morning. My heart struggled to find peace because I could see both sides and didn’t know which path to take.  Whether the decision is a big one or a small one, feeling stuck is not a good feeling. Sometimes we are forced to wait because life needs us to stay the course, even if we want to make a decision to move. When my children were very little my days felt like a constant repeat of the same day over and over. I felt like I wasn’t making “progress” at all.  My dream to write, create, and publish books was on hold. My spiritual life felt non-existent because time with God was put on the back burner. I didn’t have many friends and rarely left the house.  In all areas of my life I felt stuck. If you have found yourself in that position, it might be time to sit down, stop striving, and “be still,” as Psalm 46:10 says.  God often leads us to a place where we might feel “stuck” but actually, it is a place we need to be so that He can show us something about Himself. Over and over again, during seasons of my life where I didn’t feel like I was moving forward, God has remained faithful. It is actually God’s faithfulness that is brought into deeper clarity during times when we feel stuck.  Looking at Psalm 25 we see many areas where God is faithful and this faithfulness fuels us when we feel stuck. First of all, God is faithful to teach us His truth. In verses 4-5 the psalmist rejoices in the fact that even though he feels stuck, God is teaching him. Maybe our time of feeling “unproductive” or the fact that we aren’t really moving forward is actually a time where we learn new truths or are reminded of old truths pertaining to God. God is always faithful to teach us, no matter what season we find ourselves in.  God is also faithful to love and forgive us. The psalmist says that God’s faithful mercy and steadfast love are “from of old.” (Psalm 25:6-7) God’s love for us goes back to even before the foundation of the earth. (Ephesians 1:4) Although our lives feel like God might have left us, we can know that He has always and will always forgive us faithfully. 1 John 1:9 says that God is faithful to forgive.  Our God is also faithful to lead us. Sometimes that means to wait, but as you wait, be ready to move. God will tell you when and how to move. As we wait, we can know and rest in the fact that God is faithful to guide us through every season, even the waiting ones. (Psalm 25:8-10)  In Psalm 25:14 we read that God is faithful to be our fri

Have you ever faced something new—whether a trip, job, or big decision—and felt both excited and a little afraid? In today’s devotional, we’re reminded that no matter where we go or what we face, we’re never alone. God isn’t just sending us out—He’s going with us. Drawing from Psalm 139 and a personal story about traveling through the Middle East, Whitney Hopler unpacks how God’s presence is unshakable, even in unfamiliar places. Whether your next journey is physical, emotional, or spiritual, you can walk boldly into it knowing that the Creator of the universe is not just beside you—He’s already ahead of you. ✨ Key Takeaways 🗺️ God is already where you're going — and He’s not leaving your side🧳 New opportunities can feel uncertain, but His presence makes them possible🕊️ Whether you're in a foreign land or facing a new role, God travels with you👐 You are never out of reach from His hand—He holds you fast🚶 Courage grows when you trust that God walks every step with you 🔁 Intersecting Faith and Life What new thing is God nudging you toward? Are fear or uncertainty holding you back from stepping into it? How can you daily remind yourself that God is already present in the places you fear most? 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Goes with You By: Whitney Hopler  “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” – Psalm 139:7-10, NIV  Before our family took a trip I’d planned to the Middle East, a family member told me she was worried that we would be in danger there. She asked me to consider canceling the trip because of ongoing conflicts in that part of the world. But we went ahead with the trip. It was a pilgrimage I believed God was leading us to take. While we were there, we saw soldiers with guns in the streets, and we even saw smoke rising in the distance from an active conflict across a border. But we never worried that we weren't safe, because God had led us there – and even more importantly, God was with us there. Have you ever stood on the edge of a new opportunity, and felt a mix of excitement and fear? The unknown has a way of stirring up uncertainty. You may wonder if you’re truly ready to step into that opportunity. Maybe you sense God leading you to take a leap of faith, but you wonder if something will go wrong because you’re alone and unable to manage a situation on your own.  Psalm 139:7-10 encourages you with a powerful truth: You are never alone!  King David, who wrote Psalm 139, described noticing God’s presence in awe-inspiring ways. No matter where David thought of going, he knew God was already there. If he soared to the heavens, God was there. If he found himself in the deepest abyss, God was there. Even if he traveled to the farthest reaches of the sea, he knew God would still be there with him, as well.  God’s presence isn’t limited by space or time. There is no place too far, no environment too foreign, and no situation too overwhelming for God. Whether you find yourself in a busy city or in a remote wilderness, God will be there. If you visit a foreign country, someone who knows you well – your Heavenly Father – will be there. When you’re not traveling to a new physical place but are simply stepping into a new opportunity at work, church, or home, God will be there. God has already gone before you, preparing the way, and he will be with you in every step you take. You can count on the fact that God goes with you, anywhere and anytime! So, if you want to explore a new opportunity God is making possible – either far away on a trip, or locally through a new challenge at home, work, or church – don’t be afraid to go for it! When you travel, you won’t be alone. God’s Holy Spirit will be with you on the plane, in the car, on the train, and wherever you go. When you take on a new challenge nearby like a new project or role, God will be right beside you as you step into that opportunity. God doesn’t send you anywhere alone. He walks beside you, ahead of you, and even behind you, covering you in his love!  Even if you encounter unexpected challenges – like delays or obstacles – God will still be there. He is always available, ready to listen to your prayers and respond by giving you what you need in any situation. Just like Psalm 139 says, God’s hands will guide you and hold you fast. You’re in God’s hands, and there’s no better place to be

Sometimes what we think we see clearly is actually being filtered through a distorted lens — whether it’s our perspective on life, suffering, or even God. In this episode, we reflect on spiritual blindness, drawing from a powerful story about a child’s first experience seeing trees clearly — and how it mirrors our own journey from blurry spiritual sight to eternal clarity. With Jesus as our healer and restorer, we’re reminded that it’s not just our eyes that need correction — it’s our hearts. Through Scripture and real-life parallels, today’s devotional invites you to shift your gaze from what is temporary to what truly lasts: the unseen and eternal promises of God. ✨ Key Takeaways 👓 Spiritual blindness often goes unnoticed — until we truly “see”🌲 Our perception is shaped by what we focus on — and that can be distorted by the world💡 Jesus restores sight both physically and spiritually🕊️ Shifting our eyes from the temporal to the eternal brings peace, perspective, and hope⏳ Today is a gift — how would you live differently if you saw it through eternity’s lens? 🔁 Intersecting Faith and Life What in your life are you seeing through a blurry lens right now? Are you focusing more on what’s fading or on what’s everlasting? How would your choices shift if you saw today as a stepping stone toward eternity? 📚 Further Reading 2 Corinthians 4 John 9:35–41 Mark 8:22–25 Matthew 6:22–23 Hebrews 12:2   🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Do You See? By Megan J. Conner “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18 (NIV) One day, while riding in the car with my mother-in-law, she shared a story with me from her younger parenting years, when she unexpectedly discovered her only daughter needed glasses. Apparently, at the time, my sister-in-law was so accustomed to the vision she was born with that it took years for anyone to recognize her eyesight was rather poor. It was all she had known, so she compensated for her unrealized lack of clarity without much notice. Once her challenges were revealed, she was taken to an eye doctor and properly diagnosed. Glasses were ordered, and they waited anxiously for the frames to come in. After the fitting was complete, my mother-in-law buckled her young daughter back into the car, and they headed home.  As they were driving, she heard from the backseat, “Mommy… is that what trees look like?!” All this time, her vision had been so blurred, she had no idea trees were comprised of individual leaves.   Sometimes, it can be exactly the same for us. What we believe is seen with clarity is actually viewed through a distorted lens. The Bible is full of literal and metaphorical references to blindness. There are countless stories where individuals are plagued with this physical limitation. One example can be found in the gospel of Mark. “They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ He looked up and said, ‘I see people; they look like trees walking around.’ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”  Mark 8:22-25 (NIV) Through this miraculous work, Jesus grants the blind man the gift of literal sight, demonstrating His restorative power in this world. However, there are also several biblical examples referencing those who are spiritually sightless. John shares another version of this same healing account in his gospel, followed by an investigation conducted by the Pharisees. During His interaction with the religious leaders of the day, Jesus declared their souls were darkened and lacked sight. “Jesus said, ’For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’ Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” John 9:35-41 (NIV) Though invisible to the naked eye, spiritual blindness can be more detrimental than the complete loss of physical eyesight.  When faced with the severity of sin’s effects, Jesus challenged listeners to gouge out their own eyes if their vision was drawing them into spiritual darkness during his Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5:29. Sounds a bit overdramati

we dive into a direct and deeply reflective question Jesus asked a man who had been unwell for 38 years: “Do you want to get well?” This isn’t just about physical healing — it’s about soul healing too. Many of us know what needs to change in our spiritual lives, but instead of action, we offer excuses. Like the man at the pool, we may have valid challenges — but that doesn't mean we're powerless. ✨ Key Takeaways ✅ Excuses feel safe, but they keep us stuck✅ Jesus meets us in our stuck places — but He invites us to move✅ Spiritual growth isn’t passive — it takes intention, repetition, and surrender✅ Time with God is never wasted — it's what fuels real transformation✅ Intimacy with God requires space, silence, and a commitment to be present 🔁 Intersecting Faith and Life What excuses have you been making that are stunting your spiritual growth? Are there rhythms in your day you can repurpose for time with God (your commute, morning routine, evening wind-down)? Who can walk alongside you and help keep you spiritually accountable? 📚 Further Reading Proverbs 16:9 James 4:8 Matthew 6:33 Psalm 46:10 Romans 12:1–2 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Do You Want to Be Well? “When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6 “You should go to the doctor.” I urged a friend to go to the doctor since he hadn't had any blood work or a wellness checkup. He needed to maintain his physical health, including having an annual checkup and blood work. When the blood work returned that he had some areas he needed to improve, he made excuses. He didn't have time to make a healthy dinner. His job didn't allow him to have a break to go to the gym. He didn't need medication; he could fix his issues on his own. Excuse after excuse abounded. Although he did tweak his diet, it wasn't enough to significantly improve his numbers. After one try, he gave up.  Unfortunately, this is quite common among people. Jesus saw this in his day. A man who had hung out at the pool for a long time made every excuse for not getting well. Because he was blind, it was difficult for him to get to the pool alone.  But he could have easily asked someone else for help. He could have someone bring the water to him. Someone could have created a way to carry him to the pool. This is why Jesus asked him this poignant question. So many of us know what to do during spiritual growth, but few do the work required to grow in that area.  We often fuel our prayer time with excuses rather than the hard work and dedication it takes to grow in the Lord truly. Excuses can sound like: I have a stressful job, so I don't have time to read my Bible. I get home too late from work to cook a healthy dinner.  The Lord can heal me instantaneously; I don't have to care for my body.  I prayed while I was on my ride to work. That's all I have time for. It's these excuses that keep us from actual spiritual growth. Jesus went to the man. He didn't allow his excuses to prevent him from healing him completely. While it is true that Jesus comes to us in our time of need, we must work to grow spiritually. And we must read the Bible more than once a week. Weekly church attendance is not enough to supplement our spiritual walk. We not only need to pray, but we also need to stay silent and be ready to hear his still, small voice.  Do you make excuses when it comes to your spiritual walk? Do you justify why you don't read the Bible often? Do you tell yourself you don't have time to pray and hear God's voice? We are all motivated by certain desires. If we're not careful, these desires for money, power, fame, possessions, or anything else will quickly rule our lives. Soon, the necessary spiritual work to increase our growth will fall by the wayside as we aim to chase after all the worldly things of life.  Analyze your spiritual walk. Where can you cut precious time to spend with the Lord in your schedule? Can you turn off the television at the end of the night? Can you pray when you first get up in the morning? When you arise, dedicate your day to the Lord. Ask him to go before you in every area. Ask him not to allow you to get too distracted by life. Allow him to keep you focused on the work you are equipped to do.  The more you practice prayer with God, the more intimate you'll become. If you want to be intimate with God, you must make space for it. Stop making excuses and dedicate your time to the Lord. Let him guide and direct your steps.  You may be surprised that you are more productive during the day than you thought, but you are busy doing things you never would have anticipated because God is directing your steps. Father,

we’re reminded through Psalm 147:1-5 that God sees the brokenhearted, binds their wounds, and lovingly gathers the outcast. His love doesn't discard — it restores. Healing might take time, but you’re never walking through the process alone. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 God gathers the outcast — you are never beyond His reach or concern💡 He binds up wounds that others can't see and that you may carry silently💡 Jesus moves toward the rejected, never away from them (John 9:35)💡 Healing from deep relational hurt often takes time, but God walks with you each step💡 God's love and faithfulness are rooted in His character, not your past 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Have past wounds distorted how you view God’s love for you? What truths from Scripture can you speak over your emotions when feelings of rejection or shame rise up? Could journaling through key verses about God's love and pursuit help reshape how you see yourself in His eyes? What would it look like to let God into those places you’ve long kept closed? 📖 Further Reading Jeremiah 31:1–14 | Romans 8:1–4, 31–39 | Isaiah 61:1–3 | John 9:1–38 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 💬 Join the Conversation Have you experienced God’s healing in a season of emotional or relational pain? Your story can be a lifeline for someone else. Share with us @LifeAudioNetwork or on Crosswalk.com — and let’s keep encouraging each other to trust the God who gathers, heals, and restores. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Praise the Lord!For it is good to sing praises to our God;For it is pleasant and praise is beautiful.2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;He gathers the outcasts of Israel.3 He heals the brokenheartedAnd binds up their [e]wounds.4 He counts the number of the stars;He [f]gives names to all of them.5 Great is our Lord and abundant in strength;His understanding is [g]infinite (Psalm 147:1-5, NAS). When I first read this passage, particularly verse two, it hit deep and brought me to tears. After an intensely painful year that revealed some significant cracks in some of my closest relationships, exacerbated some of my unhealed wounds, and intensified remnants of dysfunction with me, I sought help from a therapist. With her help, I came to recognize ways in which I became the scapegoat in my family of origin. That role, and circumstances it created, caused me to feel perpetually rejected and abandoned. I felt like the unwanted, discarded child left to navigate life alone.  In times of pain and stress, those old wounds, and the lies attached to them, pushed to the surface. This used to cause me to react from a place of brokenness, rather than empowered by grace.  But I’m no longer the throw away kid because I belong to the God who gathers the outcast. While the Psalmist was likely referring to God’s people, once exiled to Babylon, his words reveal a powerful truth regarding our Savior’s heart. He sees when others treat us poorly and as if we lack worth. He sees the shame lurking in our souls and that holds us captive. He knows precisely how deep every cruel statement and every hurtful act cut. And He moves toward us in our pain. He seeks us out and draws us close.  I’m reminded of an event recorded in John 9. To paraphrase, one day, Jesus encountered and healed a man born blind. This miracle left everyone amazed. Astounded, they brought him to the religious leaders who questioned him as to how he’d received his sight. After a tense conversation that probably felt more like an inquisition, the Pharisees declared, “You were steeped in sin at birth …” (John 9:34a, NIV). They basically called him cursed by God, implying that he had deserved his blindness.  But notice verse 35: “Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (NIV). Jesus sought the rejected man out and invited him into an intimate, life-giving relationship with the perfectly loving, always present, eternally faithful Savior.  Because again, the Lord gathers the outcasts. Then, as we rest in His strong yet tender embrace, His Spirit within us heals and binds up our wounds. His love makes us whole. Granted, this rarely occurs instantly, or quickly for that matter. Often, His reparation work takes a lifetime. But today’s passage assures us that we don’t have to remain stuck in our brokenness. We don’t have to walk through life feeling like an outcast. We can receive the healing we need to become all God created us to be and to do all He’s called us to do.  Intersecting Life and Faith Those of us who grew up feeling unvalued, unseen, and unwanted can unkno

Aaron D’Anthony Brown challenges us to reflect honestly on how well we really know God. True intimacy with Him isn’t just about worship on Sundays — it’s about staying close when life feels upside down. Knowing God deeply means choosing Him in every season, especially the hard ones. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Saying we know God is different than truly trusting Him in trials💡 Our faith can grow cold if we stop praying, reading, and staying connected to God💡 Knowing God requires consistent relationship — not just when life feels good💡 Scripture helps us learn God’s heart and equips us for seasons of doubt💡 Reminders of truth (verses, prayers, routines) help us return to God when we wander 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life When was the last time you felt close to God? What was different about that season? How can you build rhythms into your life — like daily prayer or scripture reading — that keep your relationship with God strong? What truths do you need to write down or post somewhere to keep your mind focused on who God is? How might preparing spiritually during “good times” help you stand firm when hard times come? 📖 Further Reading Psalm 27:4 | Romans 5:8 | Jeremiah 29:11 | Hebrews 10:23 | John 15:4 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one way you’ve learned to stay connected to God when life feels heavy? Share your experience with us @LifeAudioNetwork or on Crosswalk.com — your story might encourage someone walking through their own valley. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Knowing God By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:30-31, CSB) How well do you know God? Your immediate answer might be something approving but give the question some thoughtful consideration. There’s a young woman I know, a college student, who grew up in church. Her father was a preacher, and her mother was the church’s librarian. She read plenty and sang plenty. If you asked her at the time, she would have told you that she knew God. Not only that, but her relationship with Him was also seemingly tight. Then time passed. She applied for college and did not get into the music school she wanted. Other things started to happen. Other bad things. Suddenly, she was on a path she never requested. Ever since, the woman who once knew God now often only mentions His name as an exclamation or joke. Time after time, I’ve witnessed believers much like her who see themselves as having a profoundly deep relationship with God, and then something terrible happens, and that faith vanishes. I’ve noticed this trend even within myself. We claim we know God, but when crap hits the fan, we forget who He is. We stop trusting, stop praying, stop hoping in the one who gives peace. From there, we turn to our vices, idols, and fellow sinners. While we may like to say we know God well, a more apt answer would be not well enough. If we knew God well, why wouldn’t we always trust Him? He’s always good, isn’t He? Thankfully, there are sure ways to amend this flawed mindset.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Finding intimacy with God means knowing Him both when life is great and when life feels terrible. Let’s devise some practical steps to put that idea into practice. Pray Without Ceasing Scripture tells us to pray always. If nothing can separate us from God’s love and He always wants a relationship with us, then there is no good reason to ever stop praying. Prayer is how we communicate, give thanks, make petitions, and in essence, draw closer to Him. Think about your relationships with other people. When you stop talking to friends regularly, there’s a chance that you will grow apart and, at the very least, you won’t think about them as often. We’re not on this Earth to think about God a little or only when convenient. Knowing God is a full-time activity, and prayer helps establish the routine.  Read Scripture Taking time to read your Bible will not only make you wiser but will teach you God’s character. From the beginning of the book to the end, we are given insight into what God loves and what He hates, what He expects us to do, and what He wants us to avoid. What we also discover are truths about what knowing God actually means. Truths that help us commit to the act and remind us of the benefits. Remind Yourself If you’re a believer, then the idea of knowing God will seem appealing at face value, and most of the time, that may be the case. However, one way to prepare for those seasons of adversity is to have a game plan in place. During those times, knowing God won’t seem as appealing. Neither will prayer nor reading the Bible.

Ever feel overwhelmed by what’s ahead and unsure how you’ll manage it all? In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger reflects on John 14:5–6 and reminds us that Jesus doesn’t just show us the way — He is the way. When we stay close to Him, we don’t have to figure it all out alone. He’ll guide us, strengthen us, and walk with us every step of the way. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Jesus isn’t simply giving you directions — He is the path through your challenges💡 God doesn’t open doors without also providing what you need to walk through them💡 Your inner doubts don’t cancel out your divine calling💡 Even when you feel underqualified, God’s presence qualifies you💡 Faith means trusting that where God leads, He also equips 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Are you facing a new opportunity or responsibility that feels like too much? What would it look like to rely on God’s strength rather than your own today? In what areas have you seen God make a way for you in the past — and how can that encourage your next steps? What small prayer or reminder could help ground you when doubts rise up? 📖 Further Reading Isaiah 30:21 | Proverbs 16:9 | Psalm 32:8 | Philippians 4:13 | Romans 8:14 💬 Join the Conversation Where has God shown up for you when you didn’t see a way forward? Share your story with us @LifeAudioNetwork or on Crosswalk.com. Let’s keep encouraging each other to trust Jesus — the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Will Make a Way Because He is the Way By Keri Eichberger Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:5-6)  I feel something brewing. Some fresh glimmers of hope and encouraging change on the horizon. And following a slow stretched out season of what has felt like the same ole, same ole, laced with increased chronic pain, dwindling energy, and swelling isolation, any potential change is welcome. And I give God all the glory for the prospective opportunities that have arisen, including promising pain relief. But even still, there’s this thick thorn that remains in my side. A raging roadblock in my spirit, weighing me down and instilling doubt. It’s the narrative in my inner being. Words of insufficiency and incompetence and flat out inability. I’ve been praying relentlessly for God to work in me and through me—to show me his way. And he has certainly opened some sun-shiny doors. But if I’m being honest, I just can’t see how I can carry out and work through all the things he seems to be calling me to.  Do you ever wonder how you will conquer the quests in front of you? How you’ll take on the commitments you’ve committed to. How you’ll take the steps toward the dream opportunities stirring up desire within you? Or just wonder how you'll do it all well? I do. I asked myself, Where will I find the time, the energy, and the mental and emotional capacity? I bet you’ve had similar thoughts. But, I think we are neglecting a truth amidst these circumstances and contemplations. If God truly is the one leading us to these things, won’t he also lead us through these things? I read a familiar verse the other morning in my devotion time, and it spoke truth directly to my wondering wearying heart. In verse five of Chapter 14, in the book of John, the disciple Thomas says to Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Which is a sentiment many of us feel when we’ve come to a confusing crossroads of potential choices, tasks, or opportunities, joined with what seems to be a lack of ability, margin, and resources. We might ask God, What is all this, and how am I supposed to handle it? But as I kept reading, it was my fresh perspective to the first statement of the following verse—that is so very familiar to us as Christians—that fueled my confidence in the answer to the “how will I manage” thoughts. Verse six reads, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’” Jesus is the way. When we don’t know, or can’t see, the way forward and through. Jesus is the way forward and through. To me, this means that as long as I remain in him and with him, and he is thus also in me and with me, I don’t have to fear my faithful steps and choices. Because the way through will be with me. He will make a way, because he is the way. And he is in me. Just like he is in you.  Intersecting Faith and Life: Friend, the Lord led you to where you are. He opened the perfect doors, and he carved the precise path. So keep following

Elijah’s story reminds us that God’s provision often shows up in the most unexpected places—and through the most unlikely people. Whether it’s ravens delivering meals or a desperate widow offering her last meal, the message is the same: God is faithful, even when the method doesn’t make sense. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Obedience opens the door to provision. Elijah didn’t question God’s instructions—he obeyed, even when the command defied logic.💡 God prepares us in private before stretching us in public. Time spent in quiet reliance (like Elijah at the brook) builds faith for bold obedience later.💡 God meets others’ needs through our obedience. Elijah’s faith not only sustained him but revived hope in a grieving, starving mother.💡 Provision isn’t always comfortable. God sent Elijah to a hostile region, into the home of a Gentile, yet there—His provision waited.💡 God specializes in showing up in our lack. When the widow had nothing left, that’s when God showed up and multiplied her resources. 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Have you ever felt like God was calling you to something that didn’t make sense on paper? Where in your life are you relying more on logic than obedience? How might your step of faith spark hope or provision in someone else’s life? 📖 Further Reading Philippians 4:19 | Psalm 23:1-6 | Luke 12:24 🎙️ Don’t miss an episode of The Crosswalk Devotional — your daily encouragement to trust, obey, and lean into God’s goodness, no matter the season. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 2 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”  7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 1 Kings 17:2-8 Imagine losing your job and all of your savings in a nonexistent job market and sensing God say, “Go to an empty warehouse in west Las Vegas, an area notorious for gangs and drug users, and ask a woman sleeping in a back corner on the floor for food.” Would you obey, or would you question your ability to hear the Lord’s voice? And what if reaching that place required a long, solitary walk, during which you had ample time to feed your doubts, questions, and anxiety, or to practice a sacred silence in which to draw closer to God and receive His assurance and much needed confirmation for your journey. I wonder how Elijah, the Old Testament prophet introduced in 1 Kings 17, used his 75-90 mile trek, which likely took several days, on foot, from the Kerith Ravine to Zarephath, in the pagan land of Sidon. Did he wrestle with doubt? He had ample reason to do so. First, this occurred during a drought severe enough to cause the brook where he’d been resting to dry up, and God had instructed him to embark on a physically demanding journey that would’ve burned at least 75,000 calories and made him quite thirsty. Third, God told him to go to Queen Jezebel’s hometown. She was a wicked woman married to the equally wicked Ahab, king of Israel. Fourth, the people of Sidon considered Baal, a false god believed to govern the sky and weather the most important deity. And lastly, a widow would’ve been the least likely person to support a hungry man, at any time, let alone during a drought-induced famine! Based on what we read in Scripture, however, Elijah appears to obey God without hesitation or question. No doubt, his time at the brook during which the Lord fed him, miraculously, through ravens, prepared him for the faith-filled journey that followed. I find it equally intriguing that God used a bird He’d previously declared unclean. Did He do so to prepare Elijah to enter a pagan land, accept food from a, presumably, pagan woman, and, later, reside within a pagan home? I don’t know the related cultural practices during Elijah’s day, but by the time of Jesus, no respected Jew would enter a Gentile’s residence, nor would they eat their food or from their dishes for fear both had been connected to idol worship. Regardless, Elijah must’ve felt some level of discomfort. But he’d learned, and was learning, to trust and obey God, even when it didn’t seem to make sense or evoked some level of distress.  Here's what I find beautiful. Because Elijah did as God asked, not only did he receive the nourishment he needed to survive the two-and-a-half-year

In today’s world of endless to-do lists, notifications, and responsibilities, it’s easy to miss the awe-inspiring work God is doing all around us. This devotional invites you to slow down, open your heart, and notice the countless ways God reveals His wonder in your everyday life. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Wonder isn’t lost — it’s often overlooked. Make room in your heart and schedule to notice God’s handiwork.💡 Luke 5:26 reminds us: God’s extraordinary power is active and present today, just as it was when Jesus healed the paralyzed man.💡 God’s awe-inspiring work can be seen in nature, relationships, answered prayers, and quiet moments.💡 Simple, intentional practices like “wonder walks,” mindful prayer, and rediscovering childlike joy can reawaken a sense of amazement.💡 Gratitude shifts your perspective from scarcity to abundance, helping you recognize God’s continuous blessings. 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life When was the last time you truly felt awe in God’s presence? What sparked it? What would it look like to schedule time each day to slow down and seek out God’s wonder? How can you intentionally encourage those around you to pause and notice the incredible things God is doing? 📖 Further Reading Job 37:14 | Psalm 65:8 | Psalm 104:24 | Psalm 111:2 | Romans 1:20 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let God Amaze You By: Whitney Hopler  “And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things today.’” – Luke 5:26, ESV  How often do you take breaks from your busy activities to think about how incredible God’s work is? It’s easy to shrink each day God gives you down to the level of your to-do list, allowing your time to be consumed by your responsibilities and causing you to miss out on experiencing wonder. In this fallen, stressful world, you can also become desensitized to wonder. The constant flow of messages competing for your attention can constantly distract you, dulling your awareness of what God is doing. In order to discover glimpses of God’s wonderful work around you, though, you need to intentionally make room in your life to look for it. The experience of noticing God at work is awe-inspiring! In Luke 5:26, the people who witnessed Jesus heal a paralyzed man responded with amazement and awe. They glorified God because they recognized his wonderful power on display before their eyes. That same power is still active today, working in your life and shaping the world around you. The question is: are you paying attention? Maybe you catch a glimpse of God’s work in the beauty of the sky, such as while you’re watching a colorful sunrise or sunset, or on a clear night when you can see the stars. You may see God at work through the love in your relationships with family and friends. Maybe you recognize God providing for you through an answered prayer. There are countless ways God works in your life – some of which you can see, and much more that God is doing behind the scenes.  You can find wonderful evidence of God at work everywhere, but you must be willing to see it. When you intentionally open your heart to let God amaze you, you can experience awe anywhere and anytime, since God is constantly doing something wonderful! Here are some practices to help you experience God’s wonder around you every day:  Enjoy “wonder walks” in nature: Taking regular walks outdoors in nature helps you discover God’s wonder because every part of God’s creation shows you something about the Creator. Wonder walks are walks you take to intentionally look for something inspiring on your way. As you walk, engage your senses fully. You can see the intricate patterns of leaves on the trees, listen to the music of birds singing, inhale the fresh scent of the grass, and feel the wind blowing. Pay attention to how what you’re experiencing inspires you, and what it can show you about God, who designed it all. Include prayerful mindfulness in your daily activities: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment so you can appreciate the here and now. Since God is always present with you, you can become more aware of God by focusing your full attention on whatever you’re doing – even ordinary activities like eating, sipping tea, or doing chores at home – with a prayerful attitude, asking the Holy Spirit to help you uncover layers of meaning that you might otherwise overlook.  Rediscover childlike wonder: Children view the world with pure wonder. That helps them find joy in the simplest discoveries. You can reignite this sense of awe in yourself as an adult by enjoying activities you loved as a child, such as play

When life hits hard — through mental health battles, illness, or deep loneliness — it’s easy to wonder if God’s against us. Today’s devotional is a powerful reminder that God is never our enemy. He is always for us, and His love is constant, even in our darkest moments. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Mental health struggles are not rooted in sin — they are real health issues that deserve compassion, care, and proper treatment💡 God’s Word promises: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)💡 Our emotions are valid, but God’s truth is steady — He has never and will never abandon us💡 God showed His immense love by giving up His Son for us; how could He not also graciously give us what we need for this life and eternity?💡 Problems arise because we live in a broken world, not because God is punishing us 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Have you ever struggled with the feeling that God was against you? What helped shift your perspective? Are you navigating a difficult season — mental health, illness, loss — and need a reminder that God is on your side? How might reflecting on Romans 8:31-32 reshape the way you face today’s challenges? 📖 Further Reading Romans 8:37-39 | Hebrews 13:5-6 | Psalm 46:1 | Isaiah 41:10 💬 Join the Conversation We’d love to hear how you’ve experienced God’s presence in difficult seasons. Share your story @LifeAudioNetwork or at Crosswalk.com — your journey could 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: God Is for Us By Vivian Bricker “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).  A few years ago, I hit rock bottom. I felt alone in life and I was struggling immensely with my mental health. I had just started recovery for my eating disorder and it was a difficult road ahead. What I didn’t know was that when you enter recovery, you have to cope with your feelings in different ways, rather than restricting your food intake, not eating, or excessively exercising. Due to the self-hate I had, it was hard for me to make this change at first. If you have also gone through recovery for an eating disorder, you know how difficult it can be. It can make you feel alone, isolated, and scared. Eating disorders are often based out of a source of control and once that control is gone, it can be very frightening. Through God’s help, I have been able to continue to do recovery and I don’t struggle as much as I used to. However, this trust didn’t happen overnight. At first, I was extremely mad at God. I came to the conclusion that He hated me and didn’t want what was best for me. I also thought that He might be turning a deaf ear to my prayers because I was a bad person for struggling with an eating disorder for so long. Due to unhelpful comments from other Christians, I was convinced that I was struggling with a sin problem rather than a real mental health disorder.  Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and all other mental health disorders are not rooted in sin. They are all mental health disorders that deserve proper treatment and care. If everyone started seeing mental health disorders for what they are—mental health disorders—then we could start moving forward in helping others who are struggling. It only brings harm upon others when they are told their struggles are the result of sin in their life. If anyone has ever said that to you, know they are wrong. Statements such as these show their lack of biblical knowledge and their lack of relationship with the Lord. Don’t take these things to heart as these individuals are not knowledgeable about mental health disorders. Choose to reflect on the truth: yes, we can struggle with mental health disorders, but they are not because of sin. It wasn’t your fault for getting a mental health disorder.  Similar to how it’s nobody’s fault that they develop heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, it is not your fault for developing a mental health disorder. We all have our own struggles and each of them are valid. During your struggles, you might have felt as though God is not with you or He is causing your suffering. I have been in the same place before. Your feelings are valid, but don’t believe for a second that God is not with you or He is the one causing your suffering.  Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but

Ever felt stuck waiting on God’s direction, wrestling with decisions, or worrying you might be missing His voice? You’re not alone. Today’s devotional reminds us that discovering God’s will isn’t about striving harder — it’s about surrendering deeper. Did you know that today's host, Jennifer Slattery, has a podcast of her own? Check out Faith Over Fear, where Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 A pure, surrendered heart hears God more clearly than one tangled in pride, fear, or self-reliance💡 Whole-self worship means offering our time, emotions, resources, and decisions to God in view of His mercy💡 Trust grows when we reflect on God’s radical love revealed through the cross — the more we remember, the more freely we surrender💡 There’s a cause-and-effect relationship: when we offer ourselves fully to God, we position ourselves to discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will💡 It’s not about perfect trust, but about moving closer to Jesus daily, letting His love quiet our fears and guide our hearts 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Is there an area of your life you’re holding back from God’s direction out of fear or uncertainty? How might remembering Christ’s sacrifice help you surrender that area with greater trust? What practices can help you keep your heart pure and receptive to God’s voice this week? 📖 Further Reading Matthew 5:6-8 | Psalm 51:10 | Psalm 19:12-14 | Psalm 29 💬 Join the Conversation How has God’s mercy transformed your ability to trust and surrender to His will? Share your story with us @LifeAudioNetwork or at Crosswalk.com — we’d love to hear how you’re walking this out. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 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 12:1-2, NIV). We’ve probably all had times when we felt stuck in indecision, waiting for God’s leading. We’ve probably also felt the angst that comes from fretting that we’ve missed His guidance, that we’re maybe unable to hear His voice, or that we’ve heard Him incorrectly. I’m currently seeking His direction for a decision that could drastically affect my life for the foreseeable future. I know the stress, anxiety, and futility of living misaligned with Christ and the joy and fruitfulness that comes from anchoring ourselves in Him and yielding however He leads. Frankly, that is the only way to experience the thriving life He promised in John 10:10—a life characterized by love, joy, peace, kindness, and eternal impact.  A life of ever-increasing intimacy with our Lord.  Therefore, if we want to fully receive all the blessings He died to give us, it’s imperative we live the life He assigned.  But what if we don’t what that is? What if we’re not certain whether He wants us to pursue additional training to prepare for a promotion that might allow more career autonomy, or to step away from a demanding position to free up more time to spend with teenaged children? Or maybe we’re working through a really difficult, painful and confusing relationship not knowing whether to speak hard truths or offer grace, to step back and initiate some firm boundaries, or to simply wait.  When I find myself in those types of situations, I’m challenged and encouraged by today’s passage. First, it reminds me that a pure heart “hears” God more clearly than one consumed with pride, selfishness, and fear.  Romans 12:1 invites me to offer my entire self—my time, resources, agenda, emotions—all that I am, to the Lord. That is perhaps the hardest act of obedience we will ever choose, especially if our trust feels a big wonky. Put simply, our ability to yield to Christ is directly tied to our trust in Him.  I don’t say this from a place of condemnation. We can’t “will” ourselves to trust Him, nor is our wobbly trust an act of rebellion. Rather, it’s an indication that we need to get to know Christ, His ways and His heart, better. And we never see Him more clearly than when He hung upon the cross. This is why I find the first part of Romans 12:1 so helpful.  “In view of God’s mercy …” In view of all He’s done f

Ever felt totally lost — physically or spiritually? In today’s devotional, Alexis Goring shares a memorable story of getting lost in another state before smartphones and GPS, and how that real-life navigation mishap mirrors our spiritual journey. Just like she needed a trustworthy guide to get home safely, we need to follow Jesus closely through the twists and turns of life. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Life is a journey — and we’re pilgrims passing through, with Heaven as our final destination💡 Jesus is our trustworthy guide, leading us safely if we stay close and refuse to let distractions get in the way💡 Prioritize your relationship with Christ through daily quiet time, Bible study, and prayer💡 Use worship, gratitude, and reflection as tools to stay spiritually grounded💡 God promises protection, peace, and guidance for those who actively seek Him 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life How does it change your outlook to know you have a Heavenly Guide leading you through life’s unfamiliar territory? What practices can you put in place to stay spiritually close to Jesus, even when life gets hectic? Is there anything you’ve allowed to come between you and your relationship with Jesus? How can you realign 📖 Further Reading Proverbs 3:5-6 | Psalm 32:8 | Isaiah 58:11 | Psalm 25:9-10 | Psalm 119:105 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever had a “lost without a guide” moment in life — and how did God lead you through it? Share your story with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or at Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another to keep following Jesus closely. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Following Jesus By Alexis A. Goring “I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell.” — Psalm 119:19-20 TLB It was a dark Saturday night when I left my house, settled into the driver’s seat of my car, gathered my printed map with directions to my destination and pulled out of my driveway onto the road. I was driving to a friend’s birthday party. According to my map, it was about an hour and a half drive from my house to their apartment in another state. I hadn’t visited their home state before nor had I spent time in their abode. But I wasn’t worried…until I got lost in their state. Nothing looked familiar to me. I tried talking to a taxi driver at a stoplight but he couldn’t help me. At one point I ended up on the wrong side of the road but by a miracle of God, I returned to the right side of the road without being in an accident. Somehow, I ended up in the parking lot of a coffee shop. It was then that I called my friend and said I was lost.  She sent her brother to meet me in the parking lot of the coffee shop. I then followed his car to their apartment. I wished her a happy birthday and spent time with the other guests but when our mutual friend (we’ll call her Tiana), prepared to leave, I asked her if I could follow her home since we lived near each other in the same state. She agreed and we left the party together.  From the moment I settled into my car, I aligned my vehicle directly behind Tiana’s car, I zeroed in on her car’s features and memorized the license plate so I 2would know who I was following then I drove close behind her car, never taking my eyes off it. I didn’t let any other car get in between me and the car I was following closely. I matched Tiana’s driving pace and drove like my life depended on it because it did. I was in such unfamiliar territory that far from home, but I knew if I stayed close to the driver who knew the way home then I would get to my destination. This experience happened when I did not have GPS and the printed map I had failed me. But gratefully, God led me to follow this friend back into familiar territory in my home state and I arrived safely to my house that night. I don’t want to think about what could have happened if I didn’t leave the party early so I could follow a trusted guide (Tiana in this case) home. But I am grateful God saw me through that ordeal and kept me safe on the road. All of this makes me think about a spiritual lesson. The Bible says that we as believers in God are pilgrims passing through this world (1 Chronicles 29:15). Our final destination is Heaven and our trusted guide is Jesus Christ. He wants us to follow Him through the twists and turns as we journey through this world, and He promises to help us arrive safely at our ultimate destination. The Bible says that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, nor can we ever imagine what God has planned for us in Heaven (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). It’s going to be glorious and worth the wait. God loves us so much. Tha

Ever feel like you’ve only scratched the surface of what God’s doing in your life? In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on John 21:25 and reminds us that Jesus is constantly at work — in ways we can see and in countless ways we can’t. The beauty of following Christ is that the story isn’t finished, and there’s always more to discover, learn, and experience with Him. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Jesus’ work didn’t stop when His earthly ministry ended — it continues every day in your life💡 The Bible is an endless well of wisdom, but Jesus is also writing His story through your life experiences💡 Pay attention to the “small miracles” — the peace, the encouragement, and those perfectly timed answers to prayer💡 Journaling God’s faithfulness can help you track His hand in your daily life💡 Faith is an ongoing, lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and awe 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Recall a moment when God answered a prayer in an unexpected way — how did that shift your faith perspective? What simple habits could help you notice Jesus’ work in your life more consistently? Could you carve out a weekly check-in with yourself and God to reflect on what He’s doing in your heart and circumstances? How might you intentionally keep learning and growing in your faith, year after year? 📖 Further Reading Psalm 40:5 | Job 5:9 | Romans 11:33 | Ecclesiastes 3:11 | Ephesians 3:20 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: There is Always More to Discover with Jesus By: Whitney Hopler  “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” – John 21:25, NIV  This is one of my favorite Bible verses, because it sparks my curiosity so much! I love how it points out that there’s much more for us to discover about Jesus. Not only did Jesus do so much during his earthly life that the world wouldn’t have room for all the books to tell us about it, but Jesus is constantly working now. Our wonderful Savior is doing so much, all the time, that we always have something more we can learn about it. That means we can be lifelong learners who are constantly going on exciting learning journeys with Jesus!  Day by day, we see Jesus’ work in various ways, such as through his guidance, inspiration, and love. But how much more is happening behind the scenes? How many prayers is Jesus answering in ways we won’t fully understand until we get to heaven? How many times is Jesus protecting us from danger we don’t even know is near? Jesus is always working to accomplish good purposes in our lives – and often, he does so in mysterious ways. When you realize that you only see a fraction of the work Jesus is doing, an important question to consider is: Are you paying attention?  Since Jesus’ work is so vast, you should never stop seeking to know him more. No matter how much you grow in your faith, there will always be more to discover about Jesus – and with Jesus, as you walk with him through each day of your life. Think about it this way: If there were books upon books filled with Jesus’ works, wouldn’t you want to keep reading them? Wouldn’t you want to keep exploring to learn more about Jesus’ wonderful wisdom? The Bible itself is filled with stories and teachings that you can study for a lifetime and still discover fresh insights. But beyond the Bible, Jesus is writing a record of inspiring work in your life, and it’s important for you to read it. The key to experiencing the daily wonders of God’s work in your life is to pay attention to the ways Jesus moves on a regular basis. Jesus’ miracles weren’t just occasional dramatic healings or supernatural events. They were also small yet significant experiences of positive change that happened regularly – enlightening conversations with people, acts of love, and more. Jesus still moves in these ways today!  So, to start discovering more with Jesus, start paying attention to the little glimpses you notice of his work in your life – like the peace you feel during prayer, the encouragement that comes just when you need it, and the way a Bible verse speaks directly to your situation. Consider keeping a journal of Jesus’ faithfulness. Write down the ways he answers your prayers, the lessons he teaches you, and the experiences when you notice his presence with you. Over time, you’ll begin to see just how much Jesus is at work in your life. John 21:25 should inspire you to live with a sense of awe. If Jesus has done so much that the world itself couldn’t contain it all, then imagine how much wonderful

Family — it’s a gift, a challenge, and sometimes a complicated mix of both. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown reflects on the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37:3-4, unpacking how even the most dysfunctional family situations can be met with grace, wisdom, and faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with family tension, painful words, or unresolved conflict, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to help you navigate those tough relationships. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 God values the family unit — even when it’s messy💡 Joseph’s story reminds us that betrayal and brokenness don’t have to be the end of the story💡 Prayer keeps us anchored when family drama threatens to overwhelm us💡 Open, honest communication is a brave and essential step toward healing💡 True reconciliation begins with listening well and extending forgiveness💡 No matter how unreliable people may be, God remains steadfast, loving, and good 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Who in your family might you need to have an honest conversation with? Are there hurts you’ve held onto that it’s time to forgive? How does Joseph’s story encourage you to keep trusting God, even in tough family dynamics? Is there someone you’ve overlooked that God might be prompting you to reconcile with today? 📖 Further Reading Exodus 20:12 | Psalm 27:10 | Ephesians 6:4 | 1 Timothy 5:8 | Matthew 5:38-39 | Matthew 10:35-37 | Matthew 18:15-17 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Family Weighs You Down By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a long-sleeved robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him.” (Genesis 37:3-4, CSB) “We’re supposed to get along,” Dad used to say a lot to my sisters and me growing up. That was his reminder to prioritize our family bond over any reason for strife. Whenever I asked “Why?” with childish curiosity, my father’s answer was simple: “We’re family.” Since those youthful days, at times I’ve still wondered why we should remain committed to family despite all odds. I’ve wondered while observing the ways family members turn on each other, gossip, and all sorts of drama they cause. Today, however, the answer to my question is much clearer. We should value our households because God esteems the family unit. One great example that makes the case is the story of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 37, Scripture introduces us to Joseph as a boy who receives prophetic dreams. After sharing these visions with his brothers, his own flesh and blood turns on him. First, they consider killing him before settling on just selling him into slavery. Not only did Joseph’s siblings commit the initial atrocity, but as later passages reveal, they also kept up the ruse for years to avoid any consequences. They only came clean when a famine hit the land, and circumstances forced them to come to terms with their sin. By then, Joseph was a young man whom Pharoah placed in charge of all of Egypt. The story concludes with reconciliation, forgiveness, and a bond between brothers that is surprisingly rekindled. Like Joseph, we don’t get to pick our families, and thus, we often don’t get to choose what kind of problems they drag us into. While prophecies may not be the reason family weighs you down, other circumstances are to blame. Some trivial, some quite significant. If we are to learn from Joseph, how exactly do we stay afloat when family weighs us down? Intersecting Faith & Life: There are several takeaways from the story of Joseph that we can implement into our own familial relations. Talk to God Hearing prayer as a response to your circumstances probably sounds like a cliché, but the cliché rings true. Joseph never lost his relationship with God throughout the hardships. His faith kept him in line with God’s will and proved that what the Lord showed him through dreams came to fruition. That’s a reminder to us to trust God. Whatever the situation, God promises His presence and peace if we seek Him. God knows that family can be difficult, but His power is greater than any difficulty. Communicate As you seek God for direction, consider also talking to your family. Sometimes people don’t realize their behavior or words are negatively impacting you. Avoiding confrontation may feel comfortable in the moment, but this does nothing but exacerbate the issue. Instead, talk to your parents, child, sibling, whoever, and find a solution. The beauty of communication is that even if yo

Ever find yourself sensing a nudge from God to do something that feels… well, a little off-the-wall? Maybe you’ve prayed, waited, and still felt unsure. In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger shares a personal story of unexpected promptings, hesitant obedience, and the comforting truth found in Psalm 33:10-11 — that God’s good plan for us is firm, unshaken by our uncertainty or decisions. If you’re facing a big decision, wrestling with mixed emotions, or waiting for a clear answer, this message will meet you right where you are. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 God’s plans stand firm — no matter our uncertainty💡 When we genuinely seek God’s will, we can move forward in faith knowing He’ll direct or redirect our steps💡 Psalm 33:10-11 reminds us that God can foil or thwart any plan not aligned with His purposes — and that’s a good thing💡 We can live with peace, taking faithful steps, because God’s ultimate plan for our good will always prevail 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever wrestled with a decision and sensed God nudging you forward in faith? Or maybe you’ve watched Him thwart a plan that wasn’t His best for you. We’d love to hear your story! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with how God’s faithful hand has guided us through life’s twists and turns. 🎙️ Be sure to follow The Crosswalk Devotional podcast on your favorite app — new episodes every Monday through Friday. Don’t miss a single word of encouragement and truth rooted in God’s Word. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below:  Your Choice Won’t Change God’s Good Plan By Keri Eichberger The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:10-11)  I wasn't necessarily even looking for a job. But for some odd reason the opportunity kept randomly bursting into my thoughts. It seemed so bizarre that I never spoke a word of it to anyone. My husband would have been my first friend to share the strange promptings, but I was certain he would simply look at me sideways, laugh it off, and say how super off the wall the notion was. But nonetheless, about an hour after my regular morning prayer time of seeking God's will for my day and life, it popped up again. And I had to let it spill. I told Mike I almost didn't say a word about this absurd idea, except that in some strange way this crazy thought reminded me of my initial series of promptings before God called me to have my last baby-turned-twins. And considering the divine way that worked out, it was the resemblance of stirrings and signals that got my attention. The crazier part was what followed my confession. Mike didn't think I’d lost my mind—like he may have when I first announced God's call to a baby—but he was intrigued instead. And before I knew it, he was encouraging me to inquire.  I knew the drill from here—lots of prayer would have to follow. But in the end, though the promptings were still strong, I just wasn't sure. Determining whether or not to have a baby I had as much time as I wanted to discern and decide. But in this case, the job opening would close in a couple of days, so I had to apply ASAP. I begged God to be clear with what to do. On one hand, this undertaking didn't seem to fit in my plans and current conditions. But on the other hand, the desire to do it anyway remained. Have you ever noticed a nudge or strong desire to do something that in many ways made no sense? Or have you asked God to be clear if you should or shouldn't, and the desire neither deepened nor dimmed? And maybe like me, you felt you didn't have time to sit and wait for more cues and clues. I have to say, it's in these difficult decisions that I am so thankful for God's word. My husband told me the other day he’d recently heard a speaker say, “If you want to hear the audible voice of God, open your Bible and read it out loud.” And I absolutely loved this, because I was certainly in need of God’s prompt audible instruction. In light of that suggestion, if you need confirmation from God on a decision, here is a verse you may need to read out loud with me that came straight from my devotion the following morning. Psalm 33:10 says, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.” Now, truth be told, before I actually applied this specifically to my situation, I had to look up the exact definition of foil and thwart. Google tells me that “foil” means to prevent something (considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding, and simila

Did you know that today's host, Jennifer Slattery, has a podcast of her own? Check out Faith Over Fear, where Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. In John 2:18-25, we witness a revealing moment early in Jesus’ ministry — a moment filled with admiration, opposition, belief, and rejection. While the crowds clamored for signs and the religious leaders challenged His authority, Jesus remained steady, anchored not in human praise or criticism, but in His unshakable union with the Father. Today’s devotional invites us to reflect on how often we attach our identity and worth to the opinions of others — and how Jesus models a better way. He loved deeply, yet He didn’t entrust Himself to the crowds because He knew the fickleness of human hearts. Instead, He remained secure in the Father’s constant love and presence. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Learn how Jesus responded to both praise and rejection without letting either define Him💡 Discover how our own attachment to human approval can keep us in bondage💡 Be encouraged to entrust yourself fully to God, finding your identity and security in Him alone💡 Reflect on the freedom that comes from resting in God’s unchanging love 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙️ Don’t miss a single episode of The Crosswalk Devotional!Follow our audio podcast on your favorite podcast app and join us every weekday for fresh, faith-building encouragement rooted in Scripture. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:18-25 (NIV) The more someone else’s praise can lift you up, the more their criticism can tear you down. If you grew up in a critical home, you probably know the truth of that statement from experience. Perhaps you’ve felt the emotional high of feeling like you made an often emotionally unavailable parent proud, and the grief that flooded your soul when they suddenly, without clear provocation, rejected you through harsh words or relational withdrawal. Or you’re enduring a lonely and unstable marriage where you find your longing for love and connection has caused you to grasp at the slightest display of affection. Or you frequently feel excluded in your social circle, judged in your faith community, or belittled in a toxic work environment.  Those circumstances can exacerbate our unhealed wounds and the lies our enemy the devil often attaches to them. In my long-standing battle against shame and the fear of rejection it triggered, I found today’s passage intriguing.  This occurred at the beginning of Jesus ministry and directly following His first recorded miracle at a wedding in Cana. Directly following, Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. At the Temple, He saw merchant and money changers clogging the one area permitted to Gentiles. In other words, they were limiting non-Jews’ access to God. In response, Jesus cleared the courts and overturned the tables.  And the Jews responded to Him by demanding a sign, in essence, saying, “Who do You think You are?”  And thus, opposition between Him and the religious power-players of His day began. But He also drew the admiration of the crowd.  Here, we see adoration and animosity, respect and disdain, belief and rejection. And it is following this important contrast that we read, in verses 24-25, “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, fo

In our hectic, pressure-filled lives, it’s easy to get tangled up in worry — about finances, relationships, health, and the future. But Jesus offers a gentle, beautiful reminder: look at the wildflowers. In Luke 12:27-28, He invites us to notice how God cares for even the most fleeting parts of creation and promises that His care for us is even greater. In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on the peaceful, unhurried life of flowers — and how their effortless trust in God’s provision challenges us to release our worries and rest in His faithful care. If God so carefully clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe and care for you? Key Takeaways:🌸 Learn how observing flowers can offer practical lessons in trusting God’s provision🌸 Discover why Jesus calls us to live free from worry by His faithful care.🌸 Be encouraged to recognize the details God tends to in your life, big and small🌸 Reflect on ways to cultivate peace and gratitude through simple moments in nature 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Consider How the Flowers Grow By: Whitney Hopler “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!” – Luke 12:27-28, NIV  During May, I love to visit gardens to see flowers. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax. Flowers become so beautiful just by doing what they were made to do, without any stress. When I look at them, I’m reminded that I can trust God to take care of me, too.  In our busy lives, we can get overwhelmed with everything we have to do. We might even start worrying about the future. But Jesus tells us not to worry and look at the simple beauty of nature to inspire us to make a different choice. He tells us to think about how wildflowers grow, as a reminder of how God cares for everything he made – including us. These verses remind us that God loves and cares for even the smallest parts of his creation. The flowers grow naturally, depending on God for everything they need. They don’t worry about whether they’ll have enough. They just trust what God provides for them – and in the process, they become beautiful. We may catch ourselves worrying about what we need for our health, our money, our relationships, and much more. But Jesus says to just look at the flowers and learn from them. They grow well under God’s care without worrying – just by being what God made them to be.  If God cares so much for these short-lived flowers, how much more will God care for us, his children? Our worries can make us forget to trust God’s provision. Jesus asks us to have more faith. He challenges us to trust that God knows what we need and will provide it at the right time. Just like the flowers rely on God for everything, Jesus invites us to rely on God for everything we need. This means really believing that God knows our needs and is working to meet them in the best way for us.  Beautiful flowers also show us how amazing God’s work is in our lives. God’s care for us includes paying attention to every little detail. If God puts so much care into making flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow look beautiful, how much more does God care about the details of our lives? This should make us feel grateful and give us peace, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving God.  Just as flowers grow without effort, trusting God to provide, we can rest assured that God will meet our needs. We should still work hard on what God has given us to do. But we never need to worry about our needs being met, because we can always trust our loving Heavenly Father to provide what we need. So, let’s enjoy the simple beauty of flowers and let their beauty remind us of God’s beautiful care for us. May we grow in faith, knowing that the God who clothes the flowers so well will definitely take care of us! Intersecting Faith and Life  As you consider how flowers can inspire you to trust God more, reflect on these questions: When you feel overwhelmed by worries, how can enjoying flowers help you relieve stress and find a fresh perspective? What specific needs do you find most challenging

Today’s devotional reminds us of a liberating truth: shame was never meant to be part of a believer’s identity. While guilt can lead us to repentance, shame clings like a heavy weight, making us believe we’re unworthy of God’s love. But the Word of God is clear — what Jesus has forgiven, He has forgiven forever. Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are not the voice of the enemy whispering old regrets into your mind. You are a new creation, loved and accepted by your Savior. As followers of Christ, we can boldly trade shame for grace, heaviness for hope, and regret for peace. Jesus has given us the freedom to move forward unburdened — we just have to hand over the weight. Join the Conversation:What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Shame Has No Place in a Christian’s Life By Vivian Bricker “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7).  I have often struggled with feelings of shame because of past actions and decisions. The hurtful words I have said in the past have caused me to develop deep shame about myself. Shame causes me to feel unworthy and extremely guilty. In other words, I feel like a terrible person, and I begin hating myself. “I shouldn’t have said that. I shouldn’t have done that.” These thoughts swim around in my head and eventually drown me.  Shame knocks at our door each day. However, instead of letting it in, we have the choice to turn it away. Although shame creeps into our hearts, we don’t have to feed into it. The devil has a way of bringing past sins back into our minds, which will cause us to feel shame, but we don't need to listen to him. Satan wants us to fall in any way possible, and this includes making us feel ashamed. We don’t need to feel shame for past sins, as they have already been forgiven by the Lord. What Jesus has forgiven is forgiven forever. This means that all of our sins have been forgiven on account of the Lord’s blood. We never have to fear these past sins because they are completely forgiven. Since they are forgiven, we do not need to dwell on them. The past is in the past, and we need to strive forward. Shame does not need to take up occupancy in our hearts or minds. Whether we are feeling shame over a past sin or a present sin, we can bring it before Jesus. Jesus wants us to release these feelings to Him and allow Him to carry them for us. In no way does the Lord expect us to carry this weight alone.  Give all of your feelings of shame over to the Lord today. Trust Him with these feelings and allow Him to lift this shame from your shoulders. In truth, the shame can only be placed there by us. Since Jesus has forgiven us of our past sins, there is no reason to continue to feel guilty. We have been given forgiveness and freedom from our past.  No longer are we defined by our past. We are defined by Jesus.  Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” As this passage of Scripture tells us, we do not need to be disgraced or put to shame. Since the Lord is our help, He has caused our feet to stand on level ground. Our faces have been set like flint, and we will never be put to shame.  The Bible tells us clearly in this passage that we don’t need to be disgraced or ashamed anymore. We can give all of these feelings over to Jesus. He is our sovereign help and our firm foundation of hope. As we reflect on this truth, we need to remember Jesus’ goodness and mercy. By reflecting on these things, we will slowly see the truth that since Jesus doesn’t define us by our past actions, neither should we.  Since shame has been eradicated in our lives, we can move forward with our future. Jesus has given us an abundant life, and we don’t need to trade this away for a life of shame. All of us would be wise to give these feelings over to Jesus and trust them with Him. Whenever feelings of shame rise again, we can continually turn them over to the Lord. With time, Jesus will help us to fully let go of shame once and for all. “Dear Jesus

Today’s devotional reminds us of one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: Jesus understands what it means to be human. He experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and yes — even anguish so deep that He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:44) No matter what you're facing — heartbreak, fear, anxiety, or loss — Jesus isn’t distant from your pain. He’s felt it, carried it, and overcome it. This Easter and every day, we can be assured that the One who conquered death understands every burden we bear. And just as God sent strength to Jesus in His moment of need, He promises to send help to us too — whether through His Word, His people, or His angels. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, thank You for knowing what it’s like to hurt, to grieve, and to feel overwhelmed. Help me to follow Your example of surrender and trust, and to lean on You for strength in my hardest moments.” Join the Conversation:When was a time you felt God’s strength in a season of deep distress? How do you find peace in knowing Jesus understands what you’re walking through? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a comment on Crosswalk.com. Your testimony might be the encouragement someone else is praying for today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: At Easter and Every Day, Jesus Understands By Lynette Kittle And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground--Luke 22:44 Sweat: most of us experience it repeatedly in life, whether from high temperatures in weather or during illness, recreational activities or exercise, or because of stress and anxiety; it’s a gritty, real aspect of life. Still, some of us don’t think of Jesus ever sweating like we do at times, but being fully human as well as fully God, we can be assured He sweated. As a physician, Luke added details in his writing that help us know Jesus experienced human conditions like us.  Jesus Knows What It’s Like to Be Human From various biblical passages, we also know that Jesus hungered for food, like we do. How He thirsted for drink, like us. Likewise, how He grew tired and needed rest and solitude at times, away from the crowds of people who followed Him, just like many of us do, too. Most likely, though, no matter what immense pressure we’ve been under at times, most of us have not had such an intense prayer time as Jesus did, where we sweat drops of blood.  Mark 14:32 describes the setting where it occurred. “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” Yet, still in this peaceful, quite beautiful place, “He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ He said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch’” (Mark 14:33-34). Jesus Felt the Pressure Sometimes we might feel embarrassed in our reactions to distress and trouble, but we can take comfort in knowing even Jesus has felt it, understanding and knowing how being under pressure can feel. “Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him.  “’Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.’”(Mark 14:35-36). Jesus understands what it’s like to feel like something is too hard and too much for us to bear. He leads the way by showing us how to surrender and submit to our Heavenly Father’s will over our own will, even when we believe it’s too much for us to handle. Jesus Received Strength Still, a garden setting sounds lovely and peaceful, yet Jesus sweat drops of blood while praying as He faced the future and the reality of the cross to come. Luke 22:43 describes how during Jesus’ prayer, “An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.” Some of us are experiencing Easter this year while walking through distressful, sad, and life-changing events, a time where our whole world seems to be turned upside down, possibly dealing with life and death issues, facing devastating losses we didn’t anticipate in our lives.  Maybe we’re not to the point of sweating drops of blood, but feeling the intensity of experiencing things we don’t feel the strength to endure going through. If so, we can follow Jesus’ example of spending time in prayer, of taking our concerns to God, and relying on Him to send help to get us through whatever we’re facing. But we may think it’s farfetched to think God will send us help,

In today’s devotional, Alexis A. Goring reminds us of a powerful, comforting truth: God is not a distant observer, watching humanity from afar. Instead, Scripture promises He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV). Using the classic song “From a Distance” as a launching point, Alexis explores the misconception that God simply set the world in motion and then stepped away. This worldview, known as Deism, paints God as a cosmic clockmaker who lets creation run on its own. But the Bible tells a different story — one of a God who is deeply involved in the details of our lives. From the mountaintop moments to the darkest valleys, God walks with us, comforts us, and intervenes in ways both miraculous and tender. He hasn’t abandoned His creation, and He certainly hasn’t abandoned you. His presence is a steady promise we can cling to in every season. Today’s Key Scripture:“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NIV Join the Conversation:When was a time you felt God’s presence in a powerful, undeniable way? How do you remind yourself that He is near in difficult seasons? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or send us a message. Let’s uplift one another with stories of God’s faithful presence! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below God is Here  By Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 NIV A famous song titled “From a Distance” performed by Bette Midler is the focal point for this devotional message today.  The song romanticizes life on Earth in poetic words, saying how beautiful our experiences here on this planet are, from a distance. The lyrics paint a hopeful and optimistic view of the good in our world and inspires the listener to dream of a better state of affairs, and human relations that are harmonious. No war, no sickness, no disease and no people who are starving to eat food. Just beautiful views of nature from the oceans to the mountains and the trees. It is the kind of harmony that most humans desire. Then the lyrics say that from a distance God is watching us. And that is the concept I want to address in this devotional today. The song has a beautiful melody but the lyrics are not theologically true because the Bible says God is with us even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). God didn’t create our world then return to Heaven to safely watch us wreck it. No! He is very involved in human affairs and pays attention to every detail of our life. This school of thought has a name: Deism.  According Alyssa Roat in an article titled, “What is Deism and Is It Influencing Your Faith?” published on the website for Bible Study Tools, “Deism teaches that there is a God, and that He created the world, but created things do not need His presence and the exercise of His power in order to continue in existence and fulfill their functions. The material world is placed under immutable law; while man, the rational and moral free agent, is left to do as he wills. God sustains, according to deism, very much the same relation to the universe that the clock-maker does to his timepiece. Having made his clock, and wound it up, he does not interfere with it, and the longer it can run without the maker's intervention the greater the evidence of wisdom and skill on the part of the maker. God according to deism has never wrought a miracle nor made a supernatural revelation to man.” I’d like to challenge that belief with a note of hope: God did create this beautiful world, but He didn’t leave it to run by itself nor has He left us without any help from Heaven. God is ever-present in our world today. Just because we cannot see Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world where headlines feel heavy and darkness seems to close in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth:“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Even when chaos rages, God’s light is never extinguished. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes not on the circumstances around us—but on the One who reigns above them. It’s time to return to the heart of Scripture, to reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth in our actions, and to trust in His ultimate victory. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me walk in Your light when the world feels dark. Give me hope in You when my heart feels heavy.” No matter what you’re facing today—personal anxiety, political unrest, or spiritual fatigue—remember this: darkness does not win. It never has, and it never will. God is greater, and His light will reign. Join the Conversation:What’s been weighing heavy on your heart lately? How have you seen God’s light break through darkness in your life? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or email us. Let’s encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Light that never fades. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Light Will Reign Over Darkness By Vivian Bricker “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).  A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by the news. Day after day, things have been getting worse, and all we can do is watch as the world seemingly burns. Fear and anger have been present in my heart to a degree I haven’t experienced before. Knowing that we cannot control the present situations in the world today can cause us to feel hopeless. The political climate has changed, and as believers, we need to be discerning, understand the Bible, and be cautious of the present. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember that your allegiance lies with God. If you would rather follow a president or a political leader over God, then you might need to reassess your faith.  Believers need to return to the Bible and truly walk as the Lord did. Rather than building our beliefs on American ideals, we must ground ourselves in the timeless truths of the Bible. As believers, we should recall that the biblical Jesus helps the sick, injured, and impoverished.  He loves all people and mercifully extends His grace to all of us (Psalm 107:1, 145:9). If Christians truly desire to follow Christ, then we need to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. We need to repent, submit to God, and make the necessary changes in our lives to reflect His love and grace. As Christians, it’s our role to endorse and promote the Bible, Jesus, and a proper understanding of theology so that others may see the light that we see. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). When everything is in shambles around us, we need to remember God is still good and He is still at work. Even when it seems like evil prevails, God still reigns on the throne.  Darkness will never overcome the light.  Though everything feels dark right now, it will not endure forever. We should do our best to educate others, pray, and wait on the Lord. The Lord will bring deliverance for His people and restore our weary hearts. Darkness can feel bleak and daunting, yet it will never be more powerful than God. God is greater than all things, including disasters, problems, and evil.  Evil will always be at work in the world until the very end, but we must stay strong. Everyone has free will, and we cannot discount the evil nature of humans (Romans 3:23). As believers, we need to be aware of this and bring our hearts back to the only one who is truly perfect and good: God. God is the antithesis of evil, as He is full of love, grace, and compassion (Psalm 116:5).  His light will shine out of darkness, and we will be given relief. It might not happen overnight, but it will come. We need to continue to be patient, trust in Him, and know that He will prevail.  What is causing darkness to reign over you today? How can you find hope in God despite the despair in the world today? What are some things you can do today to bring your heart peace? Further Reading: Romans 16:17-20 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 1 John 5:19-20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions—colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting.Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life. In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live—and calls us to do the same. This Easter, we encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith—even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.” Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who’ve gone before us in faith, God uses these “planted seeds” to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth. Join the Conversation:Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s encourage one another to plant with purpose. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Easter: A Time for Planting By Lynette Kittle “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’”--John 12:23-24 When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings. Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him. But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God. Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Still, it’s hard for countless individuals who don’t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It’s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way. Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said,  “’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him” (John 12:27-28). Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father’s will, laying down His life so that others may live. Seeds Lead to Life Eternal Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die. As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they’re living, and where they will go for eternity. Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth group lost her life. It struck the hearts of our youth group deeply, and I still vividly remember sitting in the crowded, overflowing church balcony during her funeral.  As heart-wrenching as it was, we knew she was with Jesus now, alive and living everlasting with Him. Her death and testimony of faith in Jesus touched many hearts that day, softening them and leading them to Salvation in Christ. Like Jesus taught, her single seed dying, as sad and tragic as it was, produced and planted many seeds in the lives of those who knew, loved, and heard of her faith in Christ. Seeds Need Watering As Jesus emphasized, seeds dying and being planted in the lives of others is vital for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we all play a part in helping those seeds to grow and flourish in the lives of those where they are planted.  Like the Apostle Paul descr

When anxious thoughts flood your mind and you feel like you're living in a fog—disconnected from the moment and overwhelmed by “what ifs”—you’re not alone. In today’s devotional, Kelly Balarie vulnerably shares how anxiety hijacked her thoughts even in the middle of everyday moments with her kids. But instead of staying stuck in the spiral of fear, she turned to Psalm 27:1 and found refuge in God's Word:“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me to release what I’m holding onto so tightly. Let me trust that You are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation—even when I feel like I’m falling apart.” When our grip on life feels weak, God reminds us: He’s the one holding on tight.Let this be your permission to stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and instead rest in the truth that God is your Light, your Refuge, and your Stronghold. When we move out of the way, we make way for the Way Maker. Join the Conversation:Have you ever been so anxious that you struggled to be present? What verse has helped anchor you in those moments? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story and stand with you in faith. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Your Mind is Somewhere Else By Kelly Balarie “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” – Psalm 27:1 NLT For days, I was internally screaming inside, while pretending to be there for my kids. I was internally agonizing, while trying to calmly answer questions about stop lights, and what’s for lunch and playdates with friends. Half the words they spoke would fly over my head, lest I pay attention and ignore the tight clenching pain of anxiety thumping in my chest. I tried to call myself to attention. “Mommy, what do you think we will do for Valentine’s Day?” My kids asked me. Who in the world knows?! My world is combusting! How will I handle what I am facing?! How can I disaster plan? If the worst-case scenario happens, how do I rise up? Going somewhere else, in the car, while my kids chatted away, I could see all the dominoes falling. I could see all the marbles rolling everywhere, unable to be contained. I could envision my agony as I couldn’t handle the future.  Ever been there? Ever been in the place you never wanted to arrive to? Ever seen the darkness you didn’t want to see? Ever confronted a monster that you only hoped and prayed would pass you by? And what do you do when you can’t stop thinking of worst-case scenarios?! When you keep considering all the ways you’ll be hurt? When you’re already experiencing the shame that hasn’t even yet come?  These are viable questions. Ones I was contending with for days. . .  God knows, I didn’t want to be anxious or worried, yet I kept on confessing to God – that I was.  So here I am. Distracted. And I’d be a liar to tell you I have everything all worked out at this point. I don’t. There seem to be a handful of problems I can’t fix on my own, but I can tell you, I found a couple verses that have really encouraged me. Here they are: “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid. When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise against me, (even then) in this I will be confident.” (Ps. 27:1-4) In these verses, I have safety.  The Lord is my Light. Light brings clarity, it brings direction on the best paths to walk and it, like a spotlight, can even be a weapon to blind opposition.  The Lord is my salvation. Salvation brings salvation. I will be saved. The Savior is faithful to save. I can rest in Him to do the saving work.  I can turn to Him for salvation and trust Him. He may not only save me; He may save those who come in contact with me during this hard time. No one can come against the saving power of God. In this, there is no fear. The Lord is my refuge. In Christ, I am in the biggest, most secure, steel-reinforced refuge. No one is as safe as Jesus. I am hidden in Christ and Christ is invincible in battle. I am protected, not a sitting duck. Enemy forces have a hard time penetrating that safety. I can trust Him to protect me. The Lord is The Stronghold of My Life. When I feel like I have no hold on life, I can trust that God has a strong hold of my life. He knows everything going on. He sees every issue. He knows the way. H