Crosswalk.com Devotional

It’s easy to lose track of time without realizing where it went. A few minutes on social media becomes an hour, notifications interrupt meaningful conversations, and endless content competes for our attention. Technology can be a helpful tool, but when our phones, screens, and constant stream of information begin controlling our attention, they can quietly pull us away from God, our families, and the people and purposes He has placed in front of us. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time. Redeeming our time doesn't necessarily mean eliminating technology—it means becoming intentional about what receives our attention. When we create space to pray, read Scripture, invest in relationships, and serve others, we begin using our time for something greater than simply staying busy or entertained. God has given us the gift of time, and we can ask Him for the wisdom and self-control to spend it in ways that honor Him and help us live faithfully. Highlights Why smartphones, social media, and constant information can quietly steal our time and attention What Ephesians 5:15-16 means when it calls us to make the best use of our time How technology can become a distraction from God, family, and meaningful relationships Practical ways to develop healthier screen-time habits and greater self-control Why intentional time with God should be protected from digital distractions How fasting from technology can help reset our attention and priorities Encouragement to redeem the time God has given us for His glory and the work He has called us to Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). As a millennial, I find myself reflecting upon a time before the technological boom we seem to be facing, specifically before AI, smartphones, and social media. I remember taking a walk or riding my bike after school without the anxiety of accidentally leaving my phone at home. I remember the excitement of turning in my disposable camera from the school dance and then looking through my friends’ photo albums when I was hanging out at their house. I remember soaking up the most mundane moments without feeling the need to document them. Some of that could very well be what it was like to be younger, but I cannot ignore how much the simplicity of life has become more complicated and distracted with these portable devices that seem to control us and steal our time. About six months ago, I started to feel convicted about the lack of self-control regarding my screen time with my phone, so I purchased a little device that literally turns your phone into a brick when your phone hovers over it, depending on how much you want to limit its functionality. You can customize specific functions and apps that you want to limit, and for me, it was quite simply shutting down my social media usage. After six months of using this limiting device, I can see how it has helped me create healthier habits that have helped me prioritize my time more wisely. Instead of my phone controlling me, I have been able to start controlling it and using it as the tool that it is. My prayer to the Lord is “I want to be found faithful.” I have asked Him very frequently how I can use my time to glorify Him and be a fruitful disciple of Jesus. The Apostle Paul lovingly warns the church at Ephesus: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). Intersecting Life & Faith: If the days were evil during Paul’s day, they most assuredly are evil today! Although our cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc are not evil, I do believe we need to be cautious as to how much time we are devoting to them. We need to be aware of where we are directing our focus. We need to be attentive to what is capturing our attention that may be causing us to make unwise choices. For me, the distraction from my phone was keeping me from intentional time with my sons and causing me to become captured by covetousness and discontentment with the swath of influencers pushing product after product. As we live in the great information age, we are bombarded with opportunities to fill our time and our minds with so many things that can so easily replace our time of fellowship with the Lord, as well as distract us from the very thing He has called us to do: make disciples! Perhaps you may not have an issue with technology distracting you from the Lord- praise God! Stay strong and be an accountability partner for those around you who are easily pulled away from the things of God because of the ever-increasing information age and the age of social media influencers promoting materialism and vanity. But if you are like me (a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom) and you are finding yourself with limited time to spend with Jesus in prayer and the Word, I challenge you to ask the Lord if there is something you can arrange in your schedule to allow better time management. Also, ask Him if He would like for you to fast (technology, that is), something that could be causing division between you and Him. Devote specific time every day to spend some quiet time in fellowship with God and reading your Bible, without your cellphone or iPad within reach- turn them off during that time and perhaps put a timer on the most-used apps that you access throughout your day. You might just need extra help with self-control, like me! Be thankful for the benefits of the tools and global connections that technology brings us, but don’t allow technology to rob you of your connection to Jesus or distract you from all the blessings He has put right in front of you. We have been given the precious gift of time here on this earth; let’s not waste our time but redeem it all for God’s glory! Further Reading: Matthew 6:33 Hebrews 12:1-2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Change can be exciting, but it can also leave you feeling like the ground is constantly shifting beneath your feet. A new job, changing relationships, family challenges, uncertainty in the world, or simply trying to keep up with a rapidly changing culture can create stress and anxiety. When everything around you feels unpredictable, Isaiah 33:6 offers a powerful reminder: God Himself is your stability. You don't have to predict every change or have every answer before you can move forward. God's character doesn't change even when your circumstances do. While the world may offer conflicting advice and plenty of reasons to panic, God promises to provide the wisdom, knowledge, and strength you need for whatever is in front of you. When you make God your ultimate treasure, you can face changing times with confidence because your foundation isn't changing with your circumstances. Highlights How to find stability when your work, relationships, or circumstances are constantly changing Why God's unchanging character provides confidence in uncertain times What Isaiah 33:6 teaches about God's provision of wisdom, knowledge, and salvation How relying on God can help you navigate challenges you've never faced before Understanding what it means to have “the fear of the Lord” How the Holy Spirit provides peace and stability in the middle of change Practical questions to help you slow down, reconnect with God, and seek His wisdom Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Find Stability in Changing Times By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6, ESV Right now, I’m leading a project at work to increase the visibility of our university center’s website content in artificial intelligence search results. For years, my focus was on traditional SEO – optimizing our pages for classic search engines. While those traditional methods are still important, we’re currently living through a massive communications revolution. People are moving away from traditional online search. They’re increasingly using AI tools to find online content. Being on the cutting edge of change is exciting, but it’s also stressful. The best practices for AI visibility are evolving as AI evolves, so my team and I must adapt to constant change. While I lead this effort, I’m grateful to God for being my stability. I know I can always rely on God’s unchanging strength to help me with whatever I need in these rapidly changing times. What kind of changes are you dealing with in your own life right now? Maybe you’re going through a change at work, in your relationships, or with something else that’s important to you. Even dealing with all the uncertainty of events in the news can be stressful. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re dealing with lots of change happening around you. But you don’t need to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to manage change well if you rely on God as your source of stability. Isaiah 33:6 promises that God himself will be your stability in your changing times. When everything around you seems uncertain, God remains completely reliable. This verse also describes how God will give you stability by providing an “abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.” If you look to the world for answers in changing times, you’ll often find conflicting opinions and panic. But if you look to the Lord, he will generously pour out the wisdom and knowledge you need to manage change well. If you face a problem at work that you’ve never encountered before, God will help you solve it. If you’re trying to parent a child through a challenging season, God will teach you how to do so well. You don’t have to try to predict where all the change around you will lead, because you‘re connected to God, who leads you well because he loves you. Finally, Isaiah points out that “the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” In the Bible, the fear of the Lord doesn’t mean being afraid of God. Instead, the fear of the Lord means being in awe of who God is so you’re inspired to relate to God with reverence. When you make the Lord your ultimate treasure, you realize that while your circumstances in this world can change quickly, God’s character never changes. You don’t have to be stressed by all the change around you when you remember that the Holy Spirit lives inside you, offering you a strong and peaceful stability in the middle of change. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how God gives us stability in these changing times, reflect on these questions: In what area of your life right now – such as at work, or in your family – are you feeling the most stress because of a change that’s happening? How does the truth that God promises to be your stability give you the confidence to trust God to help you with the challenges you’re currently facing? Think back to a past season of your life when you went through a major change. How did God’s Holy Spirit guide you through it, and how can remembering that give you confidence today? How can you slow down this week to take the time you need to connect with the Holy Spirit and receive an abundance of wisdom and knowledge for managing change well? Isaiah mentions that the fear of the Lord is a treasure. How can you look for God’s wonder in your daily life so you’ll be inspired with a sense of awe that will help you relate to God with reverence? Further Reading: Hebrews 13:8 Malachi 3:6 Psalm 46:1-3 James 1:17 Matthew 7:24-25 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear about the future can make us question whether God will provide what we need. Financial uncertainty, unanswered prayers, changing circumstances, and long seasons of waiting can make fear louder than faith. But 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God’s divine power has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. That doesn't mean we will always know how our needs will be met or when the answer will come. It means we can trust the God who knows what we need before we do. Jesus points us to the birds of the air as a reminder of God's care and provision. When we focus on fear, we can lose sight of the ways God has already been faithful. But when we intentionally remember His goodness, practice gratitude, and focus our minds on what is true, our perspective begins to change. God may provide through unexpected circumstances, generous people, simple acts of kindness, or opportunities to become an answer to someone else's prayer. Whatever today holds, we can trust that God has equipped us for what He has called us to face. Highlights What 2 Peter 1:3 means when it says God has given us everything we need for “life and godliness” How fear about finances and the future can become louder than our faith Why remembering God's past faithfulness can help quiet anxiety What Jesus teaches about God's provision through the birds of the air How gratitude and focusing on God's truth can change our perspective The unexpected ways God may provide for our practical and spiritual needs How simple acts of obedience and kindness can become part of God's provision for someone else Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Equipped for Today: What "Life and Godliness" Really Means By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV). It’s so easy to fall into the trap of fear, isn’t it? To focus on the limited knowledge we can see rather than the truth of what God says. I often find myself guilty of this. There are times when faith is louder than fear, yes, but there are other times when fear gets louder than my faith. What are you afraid of? Finances, or lack thereof, or the future? The list could go on and on. I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s provision recently, inspired by a much-needed conversation with a good friend. As someone who works in the creative industry, income can ebb and flow and sometimes be inconsistent, and it’s easy to let the fear of the financial future get louder than my faith. And that fear hits even closer to home right now as I watch my family navigate a similar season. You see, my dad was laid off from his job late last year, and no matter how many doors he’s knocked on, as I write this, nothing yet has come through. We know God will provide and that He’s never failed us, but as the days continue with seemingly no answers in sight, sometimes, we wrestle with fear. Dwelling on fear, as easy as it can be to fall into that trap sometimes, is quite unhealthy. Whatever we dwell on and choose to think about will naturally affect what we believe and how we live. This means if we choose to fix our eyes on things above, then that will naturally affect what we believe about God, ourselves, and the circumstances we find ourselves in. I had a moment recently where fear threatened to consume me. I’m talking about anxiety physically gripping my heart, even though at church the previous day we’d talked about the importance of believing God’s truth over the lies in our heads. Yes, the timing was quite “convenient.” There’s a reason Scripture reminds us to focus on: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 ESV). Instead of worrying God won’t provide, why not reflect on what He has done in our lives already? It’s good to remember and recount what the Lord has done. When I chose gratitude and to remember His goodness instead of fear, my anxiety began to ease. The truth is, God always provides for everything we need. Often it comes at what we call “the last minute,” but it is certainly never too late. I love what Peter reminds us of in this passage here. God has granted us everything we need for life and godliness. In addition to caring for our spiritual needs, God cares about our material needs as well. When it comes to the practical side, what do we need for life? In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells the disciples not to worry about what they will eat, wear, or drink. And in verse 26 (ESV), he says: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Let that soak in. If God cares for the birds of the air and provides everything they need, how much more will He provide for His children? Intersecting Faith & Life: Look around you. Do you have food to eat? Clothes on your back? Maybe you don’t know how you’ll pay the bills this month, but maybe you’re not supposed to know right now. I heard a story once about a man who needed money for his little son’s birthday party, but he and his wife didn’t even have that. They didn’t know what to do, but they wanted to bless him. While out on a walk, the Lord led him to the exact amount of money he needed to bless his little boy. When you need it, God will provide it. Sometimes, He’ll provide through a family that gives eggs from their farm to yours all summer. Or who invites you over and offers to pray over you. Or maybe God will use the kindness of a friend who introduced my dad to leadership at the company he works for, in hopes it may open a door for a job. Or what about my friend who took 2 hours out of his day to point me to the Lord and be a listening ear when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it? Sometimes, it’s simple things. Sometimes, we get to be that person for someone else, not realizing how a simple act of obedience can truly bless someone’s day and be what we didn’t even realize they needed. Other times, the Lord allows us to be on the receiving end of His goodness through His children. Pray with me: Dear Father God, please help me to trust that You will give me everything I need for life and godliness. You care about the sparrows and lilies of the field, so how much more do you care for me and provide for me? Thank You for Your provision in my life. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels heavy, it’s easy to remember the hurt and forget the help. Painful words, disappointments, and moments of betrayal can stay with us for years, while answered prayers, unexpected blessings, and reminders of God’s faithfulness can fade from memory. Scripture repeatedly calls us to remember what God has done—not because He needs reminding, but because we do. Remembering God’s goodness can steady your heart when circumstances make you question His presence. As you intentionally look back at His faithfulness, you’re reminded that God has been patient, kind, faithful, and present through every season. Taking time to remember His deeds can shift your focus from what has gone wrong to the God who has never stopped working in your life. Highlights Discover why remembering God’s faithfulness is an important part of maintaining a strong faith. Learn how forgetting God’s goodness can affect your heart and spiritual direction. Reflect on seven things remembering God’s deeds reminds us of, including His patience, kindness, faithfulness, and sacrifice. See how remembering God’s past work can bring perspective during difficult seasons. Consider practical ways to intentionally remember God’s goodness throughout the year. Be encouraged to look back at answered prayers, blessings, and moments when God has been faithful. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Remembering the Lord’s Deeds By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” - Psalm 77:11 It seems that, as people, we so easily forget the good things in life much more quickly than the bad, like the cruel words someone spoke to us as a child or the way someone betrayed us. Whereas traumas, tragedies, heartaches, and disappointments sometimes seem impossible to forget, some even lingering for a lifetime, joyful and wonderful events and experiences are often easily forgotten. Maybe it’s why God calls us to purposefully remember His goodness and faithfulness in our lives, knowing the enemy can keep us focused and stuck in the sorrows and losses of life, forgetting all the ways God has been present and active in our lives. Often, we hear of individuals who, in life-and-death situations, say it seemed as if their life events flashed before them, reminding them of things they had forgotten. Like them, the prophet Jonah had a similar experience, where it took death’s threats to remind him of God’s goodness. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to You, to Your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7). But it doesn’t have to take us being at death’s door to remember God’s good deeds in our lives, especially since He calls us to remember them, knowing better than we do how forgetting them can lead our hearts astray. Remembering helps us stay on God’s pathway in our lives. Jeremiah 2:32 describes how easily people forget: “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet My people have forgotten Me, days without number.” Forgetting has serious consequences as described in Deuteronomy 8:14: “Then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” In addition, Deuteronomy 8:19 points out: “If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.” What Remembering God’s Deeds Reminds Us Of The following are seven reasons why remembering is so important to us, and what we are reminded of when we remember: Remembering reminds us of God’s patience. 2 Peter 3:15 urges us to remember, “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.” Remembering reminds us of God’s kindness. Romans 2:4 encourages us, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Remembering reminds us of how He has humbled and tested us. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” Remembering reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Psalm 119:90 proclaims, “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.” Remembering reminds us that He is our source. Deuteronomy 8:18 points out, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” Remembering reminds us of God’s gifts. As Romans 11:29 reminds us, we want to take time to remember, “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” Remembering reminds us of God’s sacrifices. 1 John 2:2 clarifies His sacrifice for us: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” As well, Ephesians 5:2 encourages, “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Make time today, this week, and every coming week to remember the Lord’s deeds and remind yourself of why it’s good to remember. Commit to making time throughout the coming year to remember the good of the past. Further Reading: A Prayer to Remember Life Is But a Breath Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear can feel like a warning system we can't turn off. We worry about the future, replay conversations, imagine everything that could go wrong, and slowly discover that anxiety has taken more from us than we realized. It can affect our faith, relationships, peace, time, gratitude, and even our ability to experience joy. Yet Philippians 4:6-7 offers a different response: instead of carrying our fears alone, we can bring them to God through prayer and thanksgiving and trust Him with what we cannot control. The good news is that fear doesn't have to have the final word. When anxiety starts shaping the way we see God, ourselves, or the people around us, Scripture calls us back to truth. We can choose faith over fear, gratitude over constant worry, connection over isolation, and prayer over overthinking. God doesn't promise that we will never have reasons to be afraid, but He does promise a peace that can guard our hearts and minds even when our circumstances haven't changed. Highlights How fear can quietly rob you of faith and trust in God Why anxiety makes it harder to recognize and appreciate everyday blessings How fear can distort the way we see the people around us Why peace and persistent fear cannot comfortably occupy the same space How overthinking can consume valuable time without actually solving the problem Practical ways to shift your attention from fear toward gratitude, prayer, and positive action Finding lasting joy by focusing on God rather than everything that could go wrong Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How Fear Robs YouBy Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading:“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, CSB) Can you relate to worrying about something that you had no business worrying about in the first place? You knew everything would work out; perhaps the stakes were low, or maybe you were prepared for whatever happened. Still, nervousness ate at you. Anxiety grew. We hear that word so much these days. Anxiety. And it’s such an innate part of the human experience. Some struggle more than others, but we all have those pressure points that cause us to fret every now and again. What will the future bring, or what won’t it bring? The word anxiety didn’t come about until the 16th Century, but the concept isn’t new. God’s Word talks about human fear time and time again, from Adam and Eve to Peter denying Jesus. Fear of the future leads to us making silly, and even reckless, choices. So, while we have fear in common, what we also have in common is what fear takes away from us. This is especially true when we sit with our worries for a prolonged period of time. If you’ve been living like that, take hope. You’re not the first to struggle with rational or irrational fears. You won’t be the last. But each of us can find encouragement in the same place. Our Father in Heaven. Intersecting Faith & Life: Let’s go over a few things fear robs from each of us when we submit to it, and what we can do instead. Fear robs you of faith. The most obvious thing fear takes from us is faith, our ability to believe in and trust God. When fear’s talking, more than likely, our ears are not attuned to what God has to say. Instead of thinking fear is telling the truth, consider whether truth instead resides with God. Hint, it does. However hard it may be, keep a record of all the times your anxiety turned out to be true versus God’s Word. Fear robs you of gratitude. Anxiety always causes us to overanalyze, overestimate, and underappreciate. Rather than thinking about all the things that could go wrong, ask yourself what could go right. When you weigh what could go wrong versus right, which seems more likely? Fear robs you of connection. By its very nature, anxiety consists of thinking negatively. That often means we think negatively of other people, however justified we may feel. The issue is that oftentimes anxiety is inaccurate, and as a result, we’ve given in to an inaccurate view of the other person. Don’t dwell on their faults. Remember, they, too, are made in the image of God. Fear robs your peace. As mentioned, fear leads to negative thinking. You can’t be at peace while your mind is riddled with fear. You have to pick one and walk in that direction, doing all that you can to find it. Fear robs your time. How many times have you sat in one spot incessantly thinking about an issue, going over the ins and outs? How many times have you rehashed the same conversations over and over again with the same friend? There’s a better way to be. Focusing on our issues often exacerbates the problem. But more to the point, instead of dwelling on fear, we ought to keep moving. Doing positive things to focus on more positive thinking. Taking time to reflect and talk things out is important, but moderate yourself. Don’t give in to the urge to indulge. You won’t feel better, and the problem will just be more cemented in your thinking. Fear robs you of joy. Not only is peace impossible when you live life according to your fears. There’s also no way to be happy. Your mind is thinking about all that is going wrong, or could go wrong, instead of the myriad of blessings we experience every day. And we do experience them daily. You just have to get specific and keep reminding yourself of them day by day. Anxiety is natural for the human condition, but finding joy in God is better for the human condition. Further Reading: 1 Peter 5:7 Matthew 6:34 Proverbs 3:5-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When tomorrow feels heavy before it even arrives, worry can steal the peace God has given you today. The endless what-ifs—What if something goes wrong? What if I can't handle it? What if things don't work out?—can leave you exhausted from carrying problems that haven't happened yet. Jesus offers a different way in Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” He isn't telling us to ignore life's difficulties or pretend everything will be easy. He's reminding us that tomorrow belongs to Him. Letting go of tomorrow requires releasing our need for control and learning to trust God's care one day at a time. Jesus points to the birds and flowers as reminders that our heavenly Father knows what we need and faithfully provides. We don't have to figure everything out today. Through prayer, thanksgiving, and trust, we can bring our fears to God and find the strength and peace we need for the day in front of us. Highlights Why Jesus tells us not to carry tomorrow's worries today How worry and the desire for control can steal our peace What the birds and flowers teach us about trusting God's provision Why prayer and praise offer a better path than anxiety and overthinking How God meets us personally in the middle of our burdens Learning to trust God with the future, even when tomorrow may bring hardship A reminder that God's grace is sufficient for each day Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You’re Tired of Carrying Tomorrow By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34 Walking down a crowded street, gazing across a stadium filled with cheering fans, or even standing among a group of believers raising their hands in praise we often don’t think of the burdens everyone carries. Jesus, in his ministry here on earth didn’t see the masses, He saw the person. When the crowds would gather at the feet of Jesus, begging for help, Jesus looked and touched each one. The healing didn’t happen in masses, but individually. He did not stand on a stage and declare the Words of God. He reached out and looked deep inside our souls to show us the truth of God’s love for each us. He helps carry our burdens personally. In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus talks about blessedness, prayer, and money. As he spoke to the crowds, did he see the worry, the stress, and the fatigue of each person? In the middle of His sermon He says to them: “don’t worry.” This phrase means to not be anxious or take on the cares of something. Although the idea carries with it a command, Jesus is not saying “try harder.” Instead, He invited them (and us) to let go. The birds and the flowers, which Jesus gives as examples here are not trying harder not to worry - they just don’t. They don’t work harder at gathering food. They work less. The flowers and birds were created by a loving God who meets all of their needs. Worry is about letting go. Because of God’s loving care for us, we have the peace we need to let go of tomorrow's cares. We do not have to carry it any longer. Jesus will later say in Matthew 11:28-30 to lay down our burdens and find rest, true rest, in Him. Anxiety comes from a heart that spends its time overthinking. In a world and age that is consumed with knowledge, we have bought into the lie that more knowledge means more control. And more control means safety. The birds and the flowers don’t control nature and you and I know we sometimes cannot control the circumstances of our lives. In Matthew 6 Jesus is specifically talking about possessions, money, and treasure. Our treasure is what our heart holds dear. Control can sometimes become our treasure. If we try to control our life, keep it in check, we will only be anxious about tomorrow. We are heavy and weary from carrying tomorrow’s questions. In the end, it is fear and not trust that keeps us from finding peace today. Paul uses the same word for anxious in Philippians 4:6. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Paul offers us a different path. Instead of worry or control, he invites us to prayer and praise. Carrying tomorrow’s worry not only clouds our view but keeps us from connecting with God. Jesus never promised that tomorrow would be trouble-free. In fact, He acknowledged that each day carries enough burdens of its own. But He also reminds us that we were never meant to carry tomorrow before it arrives. Worry pulls us out of the present moment and places us into an imaginary future where fear often goes unchecked. Prayer, however, brings us back to the presence of God. Look at the birds today. Remember that they depend on the care of their Creator without worry. The flowers bloom without a thought of concern. We, too, can trust our Creator, who loves us deeply. In fact, Jesus says in Luke that we are worth more than any other created being. God invites us to trust Him, and in our prayers, asking God to work, we find peace. God already knows what tomorrow holds, and He holds tomorrow. It isn’t ours to carry anymore. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you live in fear of the future? All of the what-ifs are out of our control, but they are safe in the loving, sovereign hands of our Savior. Jesus died on the cross, securing our eternal home. We can trust Him with our tomorrows. Our tomorrows might be filled with sorrow, and today you might be facing a daily trial that you wish you could wake up tomorrow and it would be over. Tomorrow might come with hardship and pain. Take Paul’s advice and go to God in prayer. Trust that God’s grace will be sufficient for each day. More than that, we know our God says we do not carry our sorrows alone. What burden are you carrying today that God never asked you to hold alone? Take that worry to Him in prayer. Further Reading: Psalm 55:22 Lamentations 3:22-23 Philippians 4:6-7 1 Peter 5:7 Exodus 16:18-21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When a dream falls apart or a door you prayed would open suddenly closes, it can leave you wondering what God is doing. Maybe you've worked toward a particular career, relationship, opportunity, or ministry, only to hear “no,” “wait,” or nothing at all. Closed doors can feel like rejection, but what if God is using them as redirection? Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we make plans, the Lord ultimately establishes our steps. Surrendering our plans to God isn't always easy, especially when we genuinely believe we've found the path we were meant to take. But God's “no” doesn't mean He has abandoned us. Sometimes He is protecting us, sometimes He is preparing us for something different, and sometimes we may never know why a particular door closed. The invitation is to trust the Author of our story, release our grip on the outcome, and pray, “Your will be done.” Highlights Why God's closed doors don't necessarily mean rejection Learning to trust God when your plans don't unfold as expected How a “no” from God can become a redirection or protection The challenge of wanting God's will more than our own plans Finding peace when you're facing a “not yet” or a season of waiting How to surrender specific outcomes and remain open to God's leading Three questions to help you discern where God may be leading next Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When God, the Author, Rewrites Your Plans By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 ESV). I just returned from living in the beautiful state of Tennessee for over 4 weeks, working on a feature film project. As I’ve been processing all the Lord has done, I’ve reflected on this verse in Proverbs in particular. When I was a little girl, it was my dream to serve the Lord through media missions. As a young woman, how is that dream now a reality? Only God. The truth is, we all have dreams, hopes, and plans. There is nothing wrong with making plans and hoping for something. In fact, God often places these desires in our hearts. What about when our plans fall through? When we feel like we’re praying, begging for a breakthrough, but heaven seems silent, or worse yet, God says no? There have been times in my life when I found myself on my knees praying for something, only for the door to slam shut. When we have our plans, sometimes we can question why. Why would God withhold something good from us? I can’t claim to know God’s reasons. After all, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-11). Sometimes, rejection is our protection. I have often found in my life that God will open doors that will draw me closer to Him and will bring Him the most glory. When He withholds something, it could simply be that I long for that thing more than I long for the will of the Lord to be done. That’s convicting. I want to desire God’s will far more than I desire anything else. That’s hard. When Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, He tells them to start by praying “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (v. 9, 10 ESV). Notice the part about “your will be done.” God’s will is perfect. We should have a heart that desires to see God’s perfect will unfold here on earth as it does in heaven. We know God has good plans for us that are far better than anything we could dream or even begin to hope for. It’s one thing to agree with our lips, but quite another to truly desire in our hearts when God’s will isn’t always ours. What about when God says no? When God allows a door to quietly close? I wish I could say it’s easy to accept those no’s, but I don’t know that it ever gets easier. When we receive a no from God, sometimes, we may never understand why. Other times, we’ll look back and realize it was His protection or He had different plans that may’ve never unfolded otherwise. Intersecting Faith & Life: It can be incredibly difficult when our plans fall apart, when a dream begins to fade, or when a door we’ve knocked on stays firmly locked. It’s okay to grieve and to take our pain to Jesus. In fact, He wants us to share everything on our hearts with Him. But a closed door, a changed plan, or a dream that feels dead isn’t a sign of God’s abandonment. Instead, it’s proof of God, the Author’s hand over each of our lives, writing in each moment, caring for us so deeply as He sketches out all the details. Think about that. He cares about us so deeply that He’ll tell us no, shut a door, or change our plans. As I reflect on my own life, I can see the doors God has closed and others He has flung wide open. If it weren’t for the “no’s” of the past, I don’t think I would’ve received or appreciated all the “yeses” of today. That doesn’t mean there aren’t “nos,” “not yets,” or “waits” in this current season. But when there are, I want to remember that every closed door isn’t a rejection but a redirection, a beautiful gift from God. His plans aren’t always ours. His thoughts are often far beyond what we could imagine. And honestly? Thank God. If you are facing a closed door today, take some time to consider the following questions: Are you gripping a specific outcome so tightly that you’re missing where the Lord may be leading you next? Can you find peace in the truth that God’s "no" is an act of sovereign protection? How can you shift your prayers today from "Lord, do things my way" to "Your will be done"? Pray with me: Dear Father, thank You that Your plans aren’t always mine. Thank You for every "no," for every time You tell me to wait, or when You whisper, “not yet.” Thank You for the times You shut doors just as much as when You open them. Please help me surrender to Your leading and release my plans to You. Lord, please don’t let me miss where You are calling me next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When your adult child is going through heartbreak, it can be difficult to know what to do. You want to protect them, take away their pain, and somehow make everything better—but you can't walk through the heartbreak for them. Whether they are grieving a breakup, betrayal, disappointment, or another painful relationship experience, Christian parents can learn to support their adult children while trusting God to carry them through the storm. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that God doesn't promise a life without painful seasons, but He does promise His presence in the middle of them: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” As a parent, that means you don't have to fix your adult child's heartbreak. You can listen, offer a steady and loving presence, pray for them, and give their pain and future to God, trusting Him to bring healing, wisdom, and hope in His timing. Highlights How to support an adult child through heartbreak without trying to fix everything Why parents must learn to trust God with their grown children's pain How Isaiah 43:2 offers hope in seasons of grief and emotional pain Practical ways to be present for an adult child who is hurting Why listening can be more helpful than offering advice or pity How to cast your own anxiety about your child's pain on God Finding faith, hope, and love while waiting for healing and redemption Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Giving Your Adult Child’s Heartbreak to God By: Lia Girard Bible Reading: When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire,you will not be burned;the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:2, NIV As Christians, we know that Jesus doesn’t promise a trouble-free life here on earth. Which naturally means we can expect that there will be days or seasons of pain, heartache, confusion, or grief. However, just knowing that we’re human (and that hurt will find us eventually) doesn’t prevent the sadness and anger heartbreak causes—whenever and however it shows up. We can try to gird ourselves with gratitude, faith, and hope. Relying on this inclination can help us weather storms. But we can’t make the storms simply not come. Being a parent of two adult children, I deeply understand the desire to wish every hard thing away from your children’s lives. It starts early, before their very first injury, and continues through your entire parenting journey. And although you know that surviving struggles will help your children build compassion, wisdom, and strength, this can get dicey when it comes to someone mistreating them or breaking their heart. Because you’ve raised your child to be an adult, you know they’re “out there” in this world, taking chances, loving deeply, and making their own choices. Yet you still want to be there for them, whenever they may need you. But the role has shifted fully now, from daily provider to encourager as they chart their own path. You know it’s right to raise adults, and not “baby” your grown children, but it’s also a strange and somewhat tender passage. It means letting go of having a say-so and just being available for them as they seek direction from the ultimate parent, God. In Isaiah 43:2, God is reassuring the Israelites that he is carrying them through their exile, no matter how hard it seems. And he is assuring all of us today that no matter what your adult child is walking through, God promises to step right into the murky water with them. Later in Isaiah 43:18-19, God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Some biblical scholars say that God is clearly stating here that when a situation is dire and feels unbearable, he will never abandon you and is working on something new for you. This is good news when your own heart is aching because someone has broken your adult child’s heart. It means you can be sure that God is in control of your child’s recovery. Remember, it’s a promise. And for your own heart, while you’re believing in God to carry your child through grief, you can lean into 1 Peter 5:7, and “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” When someone hurts your grown child’s heart, leaving them holding a heavy load of bewilderment or loneliness, let them know you love them and are right here for anything they want or need. Keep checking in and listening. It’s likely they’ve been through enough maturing to not want or need you to preach to them, offer them pity, or even cry with them—though I know you want to. Because God is with them, you can be the same present, interested, loving parent you’ve always been, and have faith in better days ahead. You may have been through to the other side of heartbreak yourself and seen the kind of redemption your child hasn’t. Yet. It’s certain they will encounter their own unique ups, downs, and renewals. So be patient. Be kind. And remember that the final verse of the famous 1 Corinthians 13 “love chapter” that tells us true love is patient and kind, also encourages us: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Remind your child that God loves them, and so do you. And that you believe God’s promise: that He will carry them through. Intersecting Faith & Life: When you want to “fix” your adult child’s relationship heartbreak, consider instead offering your loving presence in ways like these: Invite them to lunch, dinner, or dessert somewhere they’ve been wanting to try Find and suggest a nature hike to enjoy together Have them over to watch a show or sports game you both enjoy If they’re far away, send them something soothing, like socks, slippers, or a delivery dinner Interact with them the same way you always have—with love, joy, and interest in them Ask: Do you want to talk? And respect their wishes. Further Reading:Psalm 147:3 Psalm 55:22 Psalm 23 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sharing your faith doesn’t have to mean having the perfect answer to every question about Christianity or knowing exactly what to say. Christian witness is about showing and sharing the love of Jesus with the people around you. But how can you talk about your faith without coming across as judgmental, pushy, or disconnected from where someone is? The Bible calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and that starts with the way we live, listen, and treat others. When we approach evangelism with kindness, humility, and genuine love, we create opportunities for meaningful conversations about God and the gospel. We may not see an immediate response, and we may not have every answer, but we can faithfully plant seeds of faith and trust God with the results. A Christ-centered witness isn't about winning an argument—it's about pointing people toward Jesus in a way that reflects His love. Highlights How to share your faith without being judgmental or pushy Why our actions and character can be a powerful Christian witness The importance of speaking biblical truth with love How to share your personal testimony with others Why listening and meeting people where they are matters when witnessing How even a simple conversation can plant a seed of faith Why we can trust God with the results of our witness Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: A Kinder Way to Witness By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV) One evening, as I was leaving the building where I worked in Washington, D.C., I saw a man standing in the middle of walking traffic, holding a megaphone and shouting at everyone as they passed by. He was telling them to stop sinning and was using a lot of words that only Christians who know the Bible understand. I also noticed that he had an angry demeanor. I walked away thinking, “That’s not how you get people to want to know Jesus Christ.” I’m not an expert nor an evangelist, but I believe there is a kinder way to witness. The Bible says we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). God doesn’t tell us to hit people over the head with The Holy Bible, shout angry words of condemnation through a megaphone or microphone, nor tell people bluntly that they are going to hell or make them feel lesser than for not yet knowing Jesus. I would like to suggest a kinder way to witness. Here’s what I believe: First, we preach with our lives. John MacArthur, an American pastor, stated, “You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.” According to Google, “This quote highlights the concept that for non-Christians, a believer’s daily actions, character, and life testimony serve as their very first (and sometimes only) exposure to the teachings of Jesus. The quote challenges believers to live a consistent, transparent life that accurately reflects God's Word. It emphasizes that a Christian's behavior should draw others toward Christ rather than drive them away.” Second, Christians should acknowledge that we are all sinners who need a Savior. But then speak the truth in love. Start by telling people about a King (God) who loves them so much that He left the glory and perfection of Heaven to come to Earth in human form to save our souls. Encourage them to read John 3:16-17 for details. Let the people know that this Eternal King offers them life after death in a place (Heaven) so wonderful that no human words in any language can describe. Let the people know that the way to have eternal life after death is through accepting the free gift of salvation offered through a relationship with God’s Son (Jesus Christ). Third, be prepared to share your testimony about why you believe in God and have accepted Jesus as your Savior. When I worked as a journalist, I had a conversation with a co-worker. He wanted to talk about my faith in God. After I told him why I believe in God and follow Jesus Christ, the conversation turned to the Bible. He told me that the Bible doesn’t make sense when you read it from a journalist's perspective. I didn’t know what to say then, but years and more life experience later, I realize I should have responded that you have to read the Bible through a lens of faith with help from The Holy Spirit to understand it because spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). When I told him that God has sheep in other pastures (John 10:16), he became offended. He told me that he hates it when Christians say that because he is not dumb like a sheep. I realized then that I didn’t know how to reach him with God’s truth. I knew not to be aggressive in witnessing about Christ to him, and I did my best to speak the truth in love, but I didn’t have the life experiences and deeper wisdom that I have now. I wasn’t equipped to effectively win his soul to Jesus. But I believe I did plant a seed of faith in him during that conversation, and I know that God can send more Christ-followers to him and everyone else who doesn’t know Jesus yet, and those Christians can water the seeds I and others planted to the point where, if he is willing, he can have faith in Jesus that blooms. Finally, I’d like to say that people have to be willing to follow Jesus. God will never force anybody to believe in Him and follow Christ. He gave us all free will. But He does encourage us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). What I learned from my conversations with people over the years is that when witnessing, it is more effective if you meet unbelievers on their level and speak in terms they can understand. Just like an effective teacher learns the learning styles of each of their students, then tailors each lesson to speak to them in a way they will understand, we as Christians need to follow a similar suit when witnessing. In closing, I’d like for you to listen and reflect on three songs (listed below). Song of Reflection #1: “The Introduction” by Laos in Harmony. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Know Us By Our Love” by Moriah. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “Forever” by Kari Jobe Carnes. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? How can you, who know Jesus, tell the world about our Savior in a kind way? Further Reading: John 14:1-6 Romans 6:23 1 Peter 3:15-16 Matthew 5:16 2 Corinthians 5:20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Through the story of Abraham, we see what it means to trust God before seeing the outcome. God promised Abraham descendants, a land, and a legacy that would bless generations. Yet many of those promises took years—and even generations—to unfold. Abraham did not always understand how God would fulfill His promises, and he did not live to see every part of them completed. Still, God remained faithful. When progress feels slow or the results of our work remain unseen, it can be tempting to quit. But a lack of visible results does not mean God is absent or inactive. Faith often means continuing to obey, trust, and move forward while we wait for God's purposes to unfold. Highlights What Abraham's story teaches us about trusting God's timing Why God's promises are not always fulfilled according to our preferred timeline How Abraham waited years to see the birth of Isaac Why faith means obeying God even when we do not know the outcome How discouragement can grow when we focus only on visible results Why a lack of immediate progress does not mean God is not working How remembering God's faithfulness can strengthen us while we wait Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Faith While We WaitBy: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV) “I am done! I have spent hours investing in this ministry, and after a year, still nothing has changed,” I yelled into the air. I’d felt confident in God’s leading me to start this new program for the community, yet everywhere I turned, I was faced with opposition, roadblocks, and general disappointment. Admittedly, I am great at starting things but horrible at finishing them– especially when I can’t see the fruits of my labor. I shared with my husband that I was contemplating throwing in the towel; I’d obviously misheard God speaking to my heart. My husband, who, thank goodness, is always there to calm me and offer a word of encouragement or a different perspective, gently nudged me to recall what we’d been studying in Sunday School recently. A few months prior, my husband and I began teaching through the book of Genesis, line by line. Just the previous week, we covered God’s promise to Abraham to make him into a great nation. God promises to give Abraham a purpose, a place, and people, but God doesn’t tell him how or when He will fulfill them. ⁠ Let’s look at the first part of God’s promise to make Abraham into a great nation. This promise would have been difficult for Abraham to digest because at the time, he and his wife, Sarah, were childless. Abraham did have a son with his female slave, Hagar, but God is clear that he is not the one to whom God will fulfill his promise (Genesis 21:5). Eventually, God does give Sarah and Abraham a child, Isaac, but it is 25 years later! Talk about a test of patience and faith. The Lord also promises, “To your offspring I will give this land (Genesis 12:7). Abraham moves his family from the place they’ve always called home into a foreign land where they are strangers, temporary residents, all on a promise of future ownership. Abraham spends his life traveling through the Promised Land as a visitor; he never takes ownership in his lifetime. And, it will be many years before the Israelites inhabit it, after centuries of trials and tribulations. God does make Abraham’s name great so that he can bless the many generations before him. Yet, this doesn’t happen overnight; Abraham dies before he sees the fulfillment of God’s promises. But as we know, God was faithful to keep His promise. It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see earthly results, but that doesn’t mean God isn't at work. God works on His timeline, not ours. Abraham is listed in Hebrews 11 as a man who walked by faith. If you read through Abraham’s story, you will see that he didn’t always walk by faith flawlessly, yet he trusted in God to keep His promises. Abraham obeyed God’s commands without knowing the outcome. As I think about Abraham and the numerous others in Scripture who walked by faith, even when they didn’t see results, they continued to press on to what God called them to do. Selfishly, I pray I will be able to see positive movement in ministry visually, but if not, I’ll remind myself that even when I can’t see it, God is faithful. Intersecting Faith & Life: Has God called you to something, but you are struggling to remain faithful? Write down 3 promises that God fulfilled in Scripture and put them somewhere to encourage you when you're wavering. Further Reading: Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty Hebrews 11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to keep going when life takes an unexpected and painful turn? We reflect on Hebrews 11:1 and the importance of cultivating faith, hope, and confidence in God—even when we cannot see what lies ahead. Through the story of Otto Frank and the legacy he carried forward after unimaginable loss, we are reminded that pain does not have to be the end of our story. While we may face seasons of doubt, grief, uncertainty, or struggle, faith invites us to continue trusting God when the path ahead is unclear. The Bible reminds us that faith is more than simply believing when life is easy. It is confidence in God when we cannot yet see the outcome. Through prayer, Scripture, and an active relationship with Him, we can strengthen our trust and keep moving forward—one faithful step at a time. Highlights Discover what Hebrews 11:1 teaches about faith, hope, and trusting God. Learn how faith can help us keep going through difficult and uncertain seasons. Reflect on the difference between seeing the outcome and trusting God without seeing it. Find encouragement for moments when doubt and unbelief begin to take hold. Explore how prayer and Bible reading can help cultivate stronger faith. Remember the prayer from Mark 9:24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Cultivating the Faith to Keep GoingBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the eight Jews in hiding within the Secret Annex, would have felt intense loss upon his return to Amsterdam after the Allies' defeat of Nazi Germany. He was already notified by previous prisoners about the death of his wife, Edith. She had died in Auschwitz due to starvation. However, he had hope that his two daughters, Margot and Anne, were still alive. This was the hope that ultimately kept him alive. Through the Red Cross, sisters Janny and Lien Brilleslijper, contacted Otto and notified him of the death of his two daughters. They had both died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen. Unable to stand the pain, he confided in the helpers of the Secret Annex: Miep Gies, Jan Gies, Victor Kugler, Johannes Kleiman, Bep Voskuijl, and Johan Voskuijl. Although several of them had been taken by the Nazis after their hiding place was discovered, they were able to escape or be released based on medical reasons. Once Miep was notified that Anne had passed away in Bergen-Belsen, she handed Anne’s beloved diary to Otto. At first, Otto could not bring himself to read it, yet with time, he became absorbed in his daughter’s writing. He would later reflect that it was only through Anne’s diary that he truly knew her. In Anne’s Diary, Anne disclosed how there were two versions of herself: the outgoing, bubbly version and the quiet, reserved, and thoughtful version. Otto said he never knew his daughter held such expressive views and thoughts. He encouraged every parent to truly get to know their child, support them, and be the parent you wanted your parents to be to you. For the rest of his life, Otto dedicated his time and energy to bringing awareness to Anne’s diary, advocating for acceptance over hate, and the need to end anti-semitism. To prevent the past from repeating, we must learn from it. Although Otto had been through unspeakable pain, he used what resources he had to keep the memory of his daughter alive. Through Otto, the Anne Frank Fonds was founded in January 1963. He also founded the Anne Frank House, which attracts over 1.3 million people every year. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Although Otto’s hope was dashed to pieces after hearing the news of his daughters’ deaths, he kept pushing forward in life. He had a purpose: to make his daughter’s memory known to the world and to fulfill her wish to become a writer. In our own lives, we must advance with this same confidence. If we have faith in God, nothing can hinder our lives. Cultivating faith in God can be challenging, especially if we have experienced a troubling time, but we are never without help. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit can foster a steadfast hope within us. This hope is like an everlasting candle; a candle that can never burn out. What is currently bringing doubts into your heart? Perhaps you are doubtful that God will bring you out of this difficult season, or if you will overcome a certain sin you are struggling with. Rather than doubting God, believe. As the father of the sick child said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Overcoming doubts and unbelief can be realized by spending time with God in prayer and Bible reading. By actively participating in your relationship with God, your faith in Him will grow. There may be difficult times ahead, but if your faith in God is strong, you can overcome even the toughest of situations. As the writer of Hebrews says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Foster hope in God; He will never fail you. Do you doubt God in your daily life? What are some ways you can cultivate hope, confidence, and trust in God? Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:7 Romans 15:13 Isaiah 43:2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Strong relationships are not built simply by having the right advice or knowing exactly what to say. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is listen. Kelly Balarie explores the wisdom of James 1:19 and the importance of becoming a thoughtful listener instead of rushing to conclusions. It can be easy to hear only part of someone's words and fill in the gaps with our own assumptions. But truly listening requires patience. It means slowing down long enough to understand not only what someone is saying, but also what may be beneath their words and what they may genuinely need from us. Highlights Why jumping to conclusions can damage communication What it means to be “quick to hear” and “slow to speak” How assumptions can keep us from truly understanding others Three things to listen for: what is being said, what may be beneath the words, and what the person may need Why the right words can still hurt when delivered with the wrong tone or timing How being slow to anger helps create space for understanding Why seeking to understand is more powerful than simply trying to prove a point Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: One Tip to Forge Strong RelationshipsBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]…” – James 1:19 AMPC I heard the first half of what she said, “Mom, I really don’t want to…because…”. But what I didn’t hear was everything after she spoke the word “because”. All that? Her words were muffled. I entirely missed the last part of everything she said. So, I just filled in the gap with my own conclusion. And my conclusion was not positive. I figured the worst. “Mom, that’s not even what I am saying,” she said. “You’re not even listening. You’re getting it all wrong; I didn’t even say that.” She was right; I jumped to conclusions. Ever been there? Maybe I’m not alone. Sometimes it is easy to fill in blanks with our own thoughts. It’s hard to endure gaps, waits, and the unknown. It is easier to get to the point, the end of the story, the conclusion, and to wrap things up with a bow. I’m sure that most of us love to get to our favorite part of a song. The beginning lines hang in waiting until we can make it to the chorus that unloads the song. We don’t like waiting. However, I’m learning, waiting is wisdom. James 1:19 AMPC says, “Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]…” True understanding is thoughtful listening. Thoughtful listening often requires us to listen more deeply to understand more fully. It requires us to hear: What is being said on face value? What is under the surface of the speaker’s words? What the other person needs. Words have the ability to heal or hurt. How many of us can remember a mean word spoken over us in middle school? It’s funny, the kind words don’t last, but the mean ones seem to. We remember a word for decades, as if it were yesterday. God knows, this is why His Word instructs us to be slow to speak. Not everything we think needs to be said. In fact, the less we say, the more impact what we do say has. The key? Rightly discerning what God wants said. Rightly understanding what needs to be said. Rightly noticing the proper time to say it. A wise counselor could give the most biblical advice ever, but if it is said with the wrong tone, at the wrong time, or belabored in the wrong way, it most certainly will fall on deaf ears. We can be right in our words and absolutely wrong in our delivery. We can speak the truth and actually hurt someone with it if we do so from a spirit of anger. To build strong relationships is to seek to understand. People know when one wants to be right and when they want to understand; there is a difference. This is why we are quick to listen. Because loving is listening. Understanding lets others know we are there for them rather than proving a point. And love is what we are after. Intersecting Faith & Life: What would it look like for you to truly listen? Do you formulate comebacks in your mind before the other person is done speaking, or do you truly listen to what they are saying? Rather than giving advice or having all the answers, what would it look like for you to put yourself in their shoes – and care. Doing this forges strong and trustworthy relationships. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Parenting can come with plenty of unsolicited comments, especially when you're out in public with your children. In “Reminding Our Hearts That Children Are a Blessing,” Emily Rose Massey challenges us to look beyond cultural attitudes toward children and remember what Scripture says about their value. Psalm 127:3 calls children a gift from the Lord and a reward, giving parents a biblical perspective when the world may treat children as a burden or inconvenience. Our words matter, especially because children are always watching and listening. Emily encourages parents to respond to insensitive comments with truth and grace while also challenging Christians to become people who encourage other parents rather than add to their burdens. When we see children as God sees them, our response can become an opportunity to point others toward His goodness, faithfulness, and grace. Highlights Why common comments about parenting can affect both parents and children What Psalm 127:3 teaches us about the value of children How cultural attitudes can cause us to view children as a burden Why Christians are called to think differently from the culture around them How parents can respond to insensitive comments with truth and love Why children are paying attention to the way adults speak about them How everyday interactions can become opportunities to live out our faith Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Reminding Our Hearts That Children Are a Blessing By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NASB 1995). “You have your hands full!” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard that phrase in my ten years of being a mom when I was out and about with my kids in public, I would probably be a quasi-millionaire! Well, that might be an over-exaggeration, but I have heard it quite often! Although I know most people are just trying to find something to say to connect with a stranger, I do wish we could find a different phrase to say that encourages moms with little ones who take them out in public. A few times recently, that common phrase was followed up with some extremely rude and inappropriate remarks when they found out that I did not, in fact, have all my children with me and that I had more at home. Our children also hear those negative comments about them. They are much smarter and more observant than we give them credit for sometimes. How do we think their little hearts are being impacted by what strangers believe about their mere existence? It often makes me question how we, as a society, truly view children or big families in general. I only have four children, so I cannot imagine what moms with more than that might hear while grocery shopping! Truthfully, I think we need to pay attention to what the scriptures say about children because God created them. God calls children a blessing, a gift from the Giver of good gifts. Do we have eyes to see them as a blessing? “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NASB 1995). Intersecting Life & Faith: I understand that those who are not Christians dismiss what the Bible says about any topic, so we should not be very shocked when the world behaves in a worldly way or says unlovely things about what God has created. Unfortunately, our culture speaks more highly of pets than of children. As Christians, though, we need to live counter-culturally and not get swept up in the world’s ways or thinking. We all might be guilty of viewing children as a burden or annoyance from time to time. It’s human nature to be selfish and bothered by anyone (even those tiny ones) who may interrupt our plans or embarrass us in public. We must remind our hearts of what God says about these precious little souls, and we must lead by example. I have shared some of my thoughts regarding these comments in public with my friends who are moms of little ones to encourage them not to grow offended, but to meet these remarks with truth and love. One idea a dear friend shared with me was that when someone tells her that she has her hands full, she responds, “Not as full as my heart!” Friends, this is our opportunity to boast in the Lord’s goodness for blessing us with these children that He calls a reward! Our response to them testifies to our faith in Jesus Christ and can challenge their own thinking about how they view God’s blessings, especially if the person professes to be a follower of Christ. I think it is important to be prepared to have these kind and truthful responses when we are out in public with our children. What other phrases come to mind that you can offer to the strangers who might choose to connect with you about your kids? Ask the Lord for these opportunities to not only respond lovingly but perhaps even engage in conversation about God’s faithfulness and grace that you experience in parenthood. Let’s live our faith out loud when we are running errands at the grocery store, the post office, the doctor’s office, or waiting in line to order some lunch. How can you encourage moms and dads when they are in public with their kids so that they also know that their children are not seen as a burden or nuisance? Our kids are always listening and watching! What kind of response will they hear from your lips when someone tries to shame their existence? I hope they hear how much you love them and thank the Lord for giving you such amazing gifts from above. More importantly, the Lord is listening and watching how we speak of children in our lives or around us. Thank You, Lord, for our children… what abundant blessings they are to our lives! May You receive all the glory in our hearts and lives as parents to these precious souls. Further Reading: Matthew 18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stress can affect every area of life, from finances and work to family and relationships. But when pressure builds, where do we turn first? In “Staying Strong, Not Stressed,” Cindi McMenamin explains why taking our stress to God before placing emotional expectations on the people around us can strengthen both our faith and our relationships. God already knows every thought, frustration, and word before we express it, making Him the perfect place to bring our burdens first. Cindi shares three practical habits for navigating stressful seasons: tell God first, trust His promises, and thank Him constantly. While these practices may not immediately change our circumstances, they can change how we respond to them and help us become a source of encouragement rather than additional stress for those around us. Highlights Why stress can unintentionally create tension in our closest relationships How taking our frustrations to God first can provide stability and perspective Why we shouldn't expect our spouse, children, or friends to carry the full weight of our emotional needs The Three T's for handling stress: Tell God First, Trust God's Promises, and Thank God Constantly How Scripture provides encouragement when facing financial, relational, work, or health-related stress Why gratitude can change our attitude even when circumstances remain difficult How depending on God can help us become better encouragers to others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Staying Strong, Not Stressed By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, Lord, You know it all (Psalm 139:4 NASB). Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can take its toll on any of us. But how do we handle stress so we don’t push others away from us? I used to find myself reaching out to my husband or my young adult daughter to get the relief, encouragement, or support I needed to get through stressful times. I would provide explanations for my stressed-out behavior and seek their understanding. But I’ve learned through the years that having such expectations of others can backfire. You and I can push our marriages over the edge if we let our spouses know they are not meeting our emotional needs or expectations at a time when they might be dealing with multiple frustrations as well. We can also damage our relationships with our children—regardless of their ages—when we expect them to be there for us, emotionally, when they might not feel equipped to do what it is we are expecting of them, or respond in a way that will meet our emotional needs. There have been many times in the past several years that I’ve had to make a conscious decision not to lay my expectations on my husband or daughter when I’ve felt particularly stressed, regardless of the source. And as I began to take my troubles and stressful times to God first, I found that I was not only more able and stable to deal with whatever came my way, but I could help others in my family through whatever they were going through, as well. David sang in Psalm 139:4 that God knows everything we are going to say, even before there is a word on our tongues. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we say them, and our actions before we carry them out. Certainly, a God like that is the One we should be going to first when we begin to feel stressed. Intersecting Faith & Life: Today, when stress starts rearing its ugly head in my life, I practice these “Three T’s” on a daily basis to stay strong during difficult times: Tell God First—Sometimes you and I need to vent or just talk aloud about what we’re feeling. But our frustrations can come across as accusations or complaints if we’re not careful. And since it is natural for others who love and care about us to try to find a solution to fix our stressful situation, when we just wanted someone to listen, it’s better to go to God with the venting first. Sure, God already knows what we’re going to say, according to Psalm 139:4. But by telling God first all that is on our hearts and minds, He can be the “buffer.” Trust God’s Promises—The Bible is full of God’s promises about His provision and protection. So, when we become troubled about finances, or a work deadline, or health issues, we can find comfort just by remembering some of God’s encouraging words to His people. In Philippians 4:19, Paul says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Keep stress sidelined by banking on the promises in the Bible and taking God at His Word. Thank God Constantly—No matter what the situation, there’s always something to be thankful for. One of my friends was discouraged that her husband’s new job didn’t pay as well as his previous one. But some income was better than none. Another friend complained about her teenager’s disinterest in school and his unwillingness to "apply himself,” yet he was still very interested in his church's youth group. We can become people of praise with a contagious positive attitude when we obey God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful spouse, parent, or friend is pleasant to be around. When you and I practice these three T’s—telling God first, trusting His promises, and thanking Him constantly—our circumstances might not change immediately. But by depending on God—and not solely on others—we can not only alleviate the stress in our lives, but we can become encouragers who model to others how to handle stress in their lives as well. Further Reading:Psalm 62:5-8 To grow more dependent on God, and improve your relationships, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is your life part of a greater purpose, or can it sometimes feel like a collection of random circumstances? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores what Romans 8:28-30 teaches about God’s purpose, His sovereignty, and His ability to work through every part of our lives. Your story is not an accident, and your circumstances are not beyond God’s reach. From creation to the way God knows and loves each of us personally, Scripture points to a God who has been present throughout our entire story. Even when we cannot understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is working all things together for good and drawing us closer to Him. Highlights Why it’s natural to wonder whether your life has a purpose What Romans 8:28-30 reveals about God’s plan and purpose How creation points to the intentional design of our Creator Why your life is not simply a random collection of circumstances How God can use every part of your story to draw you closer to Him The importance of seeking biblical discernment when considering life's bigger questions How gratitude can help us recognize where God has already been working Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Working All Things for GoodBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” - Rom. 8:28-30 (NLT) Have you ever wondered if God has a plan and a purpose for you? Or does it seem like your life has aimlessly evolved over time? Do you believe the circumstances you are in now are the result of fate or predestination? Or do you think your journey on this earth has simply been happenstance, a completely random assortment of events with no rhyme or reason behind each occurrence? These are tough questions that many of us tend to wrestle with internally. Whether we share these musings with others or not, many of us ponder whether our lives really have a purpose, and, if so, who or what is behind it. The world offers boundless explanations for humanity’s origin and design. From pointless existence to eternal destiny, it seems there are ideologies ready to appease any appetite or preference. However, an abundance of theories can cause chaos and confusion rather than promote confident assurance. This is why we must carefully consider and ask for God’s help with discernment as we contemplate the deeper meaning of each of our lives, so that we… “won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth,” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). As you seek to understand your reason for being, the answers might be much closer than you think. You do not need to travel the world or climb the highest mountain peak in search of purpose. You don’t need to exhaustively study to ascertain the origin of wisdom. You simply need to look up and look out. The answers you seek are evident right in front of your very eyes through creation. Nature, in all of its glory, demonstrates the divine. Majestic, intelligent design causes the sun to rise and set, the earth to orbit through the universe, and each individual heart to beat without conscious thought or effort. John 1:3 states, “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him,” (NLT). Our Maker separated the sky from the waters, established all manner of life from the smallest seed to the giant sequoias, and formed you personally, individually, uniquely in your mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). He knew you before you spoke your first word. He treasured you before you were even aware of his existence. So great is God’s love for you that he chose to proactively cover your sin and separation from God through the sacrifice of his only Son (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). Even further, he has caused all things to work together for your good. Your life is not an accident. It is not the result of an arbitrary series of events. He has known you and chosen you. His eye has been upon every moment of your life. He has predestined your steps so that you would be drawn closer to him and share in his glory. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel that your life has meaning and purpose? Or do you wrestle with a lack of fulfillment and clarity? Have you wondered if your journey through life has been a haphazard assortment of random events? Or do you believe God has had a plan and a purpose behind every step? Regardless of which side you find yourself on, may I encourage you to take some time to reflect on today’s truths? If you read these words with confidence and assurance that God has been at work in your life, take some time to thank him for his good work. Think through specific circumstances where you know God was a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Ps. 119:05) and offer a prayer of gratitude. If today’s message was unfamiliar and challenged you to consider God’s presence in the design of your life, may I encourage you to recite this simple prayer below? As you pray, ask the Lord to give you eyes to clearly see how he has been at work in and through your life. Lord, I come to you today unsure of your plans and purpose in my life. Would you help me to visibly see how you have been present and at work in my journey thus far? Even though I am still a bit unsure, I choose to believe that you see me and know me. Help me to fully comprehend your love for me. Amen. Further Reading:Rom. 5:5-11John 3:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When someone breaks a promise or betrays your trust, forgiveness can feel far more difficult than simply saying, “I forgive you.” Laura Bailey shares how a broken confidence left her wrestling with hurt and resentment—and how a rainbow after a summer storm reminded her of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and promises. God remained faithful even when His people were not. Through the rainbow given to Noah and the ultimate promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful to forgive and restore. Remembering how much God has forgiven us can change the way we respond when others hurt or disappoint us, helping us release resentment and pursue peace while still recognizing that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation. Highlights Why broken promises and betrayed trust can make forgiveness difficult How a rainbow became a reminder of God's faithfulness What Noah's covenant teaches us about God's promises How remembering God's forgiveness can help us forgive others Why forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation How healthy boundaries can coexist with forgiveness What Romans 12:18 teaches us about pursuing peace with others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Promise That Teaches Us to ForgiveBy: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13 ( NIV) I’ll never forget one of the first times I experienced the heartache of someone breaking their promise. As I think back to the day my friend gave away the seat at the lunch table that had been promised to me, it seems so trivial. While I’ve moved on from past adolescent hurt, the reality is that the painful feelings of broken promises and unmet expectations are present in adulthood. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher than eating lunch alone. A breach of confidence can lead to family tensions, severed relationships, and future mistrust of people. As an adult, I long for the simplicity of recess drama, where misplaced trust held little consequence. Recently, a close friend I confided in let slip some details of our conversation to a group of ladies. I’d specifically asked that she keep our conversation between us, and she assured me that she could be trusted. So, when, later that week, a mutual friend sent a text that read, “I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time; I’ll be praying for you,” my initial response was not one of gratitude but grievance. I was deeply hurt by my friend's inability to keep her lips zipped. However, I decided not to say anything to her, but by my frosty “hello” at church the following Sunday, she knew something wasn’t right between us. She invited me to coffee and apologized profusely for her carelessness; she genuinely didn’t mean to overshare. I could tell that she was sincerely sorry, but even as I looked into her tear-pricked eyes, my heart remained hardened towards her. We left our time together with a hug, and I said that “all had been forgiven,” but truthfully, I was still fuming inside. While we were at the coffee shop, a summer storm came through, leaving a curtain of fresh steam, inescapable puddles, and a beautiful rainbow. On my drive home, I couldn’t help but feel like the rainbow was following me. “I know, God, I know,” I muttered into the air. One of the first stories we learn as children is about Noah and the Ark and God sending a rainbow– a reminder that God keeps His promises. I began to think about the first rainbow. I wonder if, as he looked to the sky, Noah questioned whether God would keep his promise never to flood the earth again. Scripture often speaks of God’s covenants with His people, His first being that He would send a Savior to save us from our sins (Genesis 3:15). We see the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus, and every rainbow we see is an affirmation that God is faithful in keeping all His promises. I began to recall the countless times I hadn’t kept God’s commandments, my word, or broken a promise. Yet God is quick to forgive me and even promises to remember my sins against Him no more (Hebrews 8:12). If God, the creator of the Universe, can forgive my many acts of disobedience, both unintentional and intentional, who am I to withhold forgiveness from my friend? I was stewing over a few misspoken words when my own sinful nature was the reason why God sent His son Jesus to cleanse me of my sin—the ultimate act of love and full redemption. I could forgive my friend because I’d been forgiven, and when I’d been unfaithful, God continued to be faithful. It can be difficult to move past hurt, especially at the hands of someone we trust. There will be times when forgiveness is appropriate, but reconciliation may not be due to the need for boundaries or distance. But let me encourage you: let us live out the words of Paul in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Intersecting Faith & Life:How does remembering God’s faithfulness to His promises—even when we are unfaithful—help you when you struggle to forgive others?Further Reading:A Prayer When You Don’t Feel Like ForgivingHebrews 8:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Friendship can be easy when life is convenient, but biblical friendship calls us to something deeper: loyalty, intentionality, vulnerability, and sacrificial love. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi offers a powerful picture of faithful friendship rooted in a shared devotion to God. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects the kind of steadfast love and loyalty Christians are called to demonstrate. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of faithful friendship. He invested His time, attention, affection, and ultimately His life in His friends, showing that genuine love is active and sacrificial. As we pursue Christ and allow His love to shape us, our friendships can become opportunities to encourage others, grow in faith, and point one another toward God. Highlights Discover what Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi teaches us about biblical friendship. Understand how loving God enables us to love others more intentionally. Explore why apathy—not hatred—can be one of the greatest obstacles to meaningful friendship. Learn how Scripture’s “one another” commands help us grow in Christlike relationships. Find practical ways to deepen friendships through conversation, shared activities, meals, and studying Scripture together. See how Jesus modeled sacrificial, selfless, and faithful friendship with His disciples. Consider how your friendships can ultimately glorify God and point others toward Christ. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Becoming a Faithful Friend like Jesus By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you” (Ruth 1:16-17). “Biblical friendship exists when two or more people, bound together by a common faith in Jesus Christ, pursue him and his Kingdom with intentionality and vulnerability. Rather than serving as an end in itself, biblical friendship serves primarily to bring glory to Christ, who brought us into friendship with the Father. It is indispensable to the work of the gospel in the earth, and an essential element of what God created us for.” -Jonathan Holmes We see evidence of faithful and committed friendships like that in the scriptures: Paul and Timothy, Jesus and His disciples, David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi. Let’s look at an example of loyalty in the life of Ruth in Ruth 1:16-17: “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” John MacArthur calls these verses Ruth’s “hallmark expression of loyalty and commitment to Naomi.” These verses (verses 16, 17) are commonly read at wedding ceremonies to express the depth of faithfulness and commitment in the union of marriage. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with using these verses to express loyalty and love in a marriage relationship, the proper context is rooted in the friendship between these two women, Ruth and Naomi, but it is interesting to note that their friendship was a very intimate one, a soul-quality one- the type of commitment that one would find in a Biblical marriage because it’s foundation is the same, love for God. I believe it’s important to understand where Ruth’s ability to love and be loyal comes from. By God’s grace, Ruth turns away from the paganism of Moab and turns to Yahweh. This response is evidence of her repentance (a turning away from) and her faith (a turning towards) the One, True God. Her conversion to becoming a follower of God is where it all begins. By God’s grace, she becomes a lover of God and receives His love for her and then pours that out on Naomi. Oh, may we do the same! Intersecting Faith & Life: If we love God and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God’s love will be evident in our lives by how well we show His love: for Him, most importantly, and for others. If you are born again, God’s love is abiding in you through the Holy Spirit. If that is true for you, is God’s love being perfected in you? How well are you loving others… how purposeful? How intentional are you with reaching out and showing the love of Christ to others? My pastor recently said that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy. If your love is being perfected, it is growing; it is not apathetic and idle. We can see how God’s love is being perfected in us by how we treat one another. The “One Anothers” in scripture help us to become better friends because they help us love like Christ! There are almost 60 of these verses in the New Testament. Clearly, the most common phrase in the list of “one anothers” is “love one another,” but really all of the verses are about loving one another—because love is an action, and because all of God’s commands can be summarized as loving God and loving your neighbor. Living out these verses in community is how we can love—and be loved—by one another. Ultimately, we must be committed to glorifying God in our friendships, which is a Christ-enabled commitment to love God and love one another. Some practical ways we can grow in our friendships are to look for shared activities that provide an opportunity for us to talk because it is conversation that will deepen the friendship: work days at church, beach days, working out together, shopping together, play dates, and shared meals. Meals slow things down to become people-oriented instead of task-oriented. Conversation is engaged sharing and engaged listening. Let’s find a good balance between the two! If conversation is difficult for you, especially if the friendship is new, think about what to ask your friend on the way to meet with them so you have a fruitful topic you both can talk about casually and openly. Another idea would be to study a book together and use that as a way to start a dialogue. Jesus is our perfect example of how to love others well. How did Christ love His disciples? Jesus taught that friendship is the greatest expression of love. Jesus sacrificed not only by pouring out His life in His devotion to His disciples, His friends, by giving them His time, affection, and attention, but also by literally laying down His life. He laid His life down for His friends. He sacrificed it all, ultimately, in obedience and love for the Father who sent Him, but also because of His great love for His own. By God’s grace, may we all learn how to be sacrificial, selfless, faithful friends just like Jesus! Further Reading: Matthew 22:37-40 John 15 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels too heavy to handle, it can be tempting to believe we need to pull ourselves together and figure everything out on our own. But Psalm 61 gives us a different path. Sarah Frazer reminds us that when we are overwhelmed, weary, or facing a storm beyond our ability to control, we can cry out to God and trust Him to be our refuge. David’s prayer points us toward the “rock that is higher” than ourselves—a place of safety we cannot reach through our own strength. Like Peter walking on the water, we may become overwhelmed when we focus on the storm instead of Jesus. Yet Christ remains our strong tower and our hope, even when the waves continue to crash around us. Highlights Why we don’t have to pretend that everything is okay when life feels overwhelming What Psalm 61 teaches us about crying out to God in the middle of a storm Why David describes God as the “rock that is higher” than himself How remembering God’s past faithfulness can strengthen our faith during new trials What Peter’s experience walking on water teaches us about keeping our eyes on Jesus How Jesus offers refuge when we simply cannot rescue ourselves Why God invites us to stop striving and trust Him with what is too big for us Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You Can’t Pull Yourself Together By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:“... lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalm 61:2 No one likes to admit they can’t do something. In a world filled with social media, fake news, AI images, and doctored photos, who is really telling the truth about how hard life can be? Yes, we have this sense of transparency from some people online, but we know, deep down, we don’t have the full story. No one shows all of their cares or reveals all of their struggles, sorrow, and grief. Even if these people share their sorrow, there is little hope for us who suffer silently. What if we can’t pull ourselves together? The place I have found to be completely honest, but also provide complete hope, is the Book of Psalms. In Psalm 61, we read an honest prayer, filled with heart-wrenching troubles, but it doesn’t end there. David, the author, gives us a path forward. As New Testament believers, we see the fulfillment of David’s hope in the life of Jesus. Psalm 61 was written by King David, who had his fair share of trouble. We don’t know the exact circumstances David faced with many of his psalms, but I think that is the point. We have this cry of David recorded in scripture for us to use in any of our situations. David describes his heartache in the second verse. He says his heart is “faint.” The word means to be overwhelmed or covered. The very core of David’s life, his heart, was deeply troubled. Maybe you woke up this morning tired, weary, and overwhelmed with the things going on in your life. We all face burdens too big, sorrows too deep, and heartache that goes beyond words. We think about the trials we are facing, and maybe they feel like waves of the ocean. David mentions a rock in the last part of verse 2, and this word is actually the word for cliff. In the image David is creating for us in Psalm 61, we might see this trouble, this trial, this overwhelmed feeling as being caught in a storm or shipwrecked. Imagine swimming in an ocean of grief, with the waves pounding down on you relentlessly. Life can feel like that. Maybe it is the same trial, or various trials all happening at once. A man who is shipwrecked is a hopeless man. If the waves are too high and the depths loom below, no matter how strong he swims, the shore is impossible to get to. There are some things we face that we cannot rescue ourselves out of, and this is the situation David describes here in Psalm 61. In the midst of his flood of emotions, David asks God to bring him to the rock that is higher than himself. It is a cliff, at the edge of an ocean. If you’ve seen pictures or videos, you know that the ocean is rarely calm beside those types of rocks. And we all know cliffs are not easily climbed. David recognizes that he cannot rescue himself. You and I must come to the point where we stop trying to deliver ourselves from the trial and cry out to God. Four times, David mentions crying out to God in Psalm 61. This crying out to God is prayer. He begs God for help. Not because he has waited and now prayer is the last resort, but he says this is too big, too hard. He says that his only hope is God. He does this because in Psalm 61:3 David says, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” The waters were rising, but David looked up. He remembered what God had done and believed God could save him. You and I might be facing a storm so big that we wonder if God really can rescue us. Maybe the trial you are facing is the first of its kind. You haven’t needed God like this before. How can you look back and have confidence? Take David’s. Take mine. I have walked through many storms and through many valleys. Never once has God left or stopped working. God will be a refuge and a strong tower. God will lead you to the rock that is too far and too high for you to reach on your own. This rock is Jesus. Our hope, our defense, our strong tower. The disciples in Matthew 14:22-34 faced the literal waves of the sea. They were physically in a storm, about to die. Jesus comes out to them, walking on water. Peter asks to join Jesus and jumps out of the boat. Looking at Jesus, Peter begins to walk on water as well. The waves and the wind drive Peter’s gaze from Jesus to the storm. It is then that Peter begins to sink. Jesus reaches down and saves him. You and I will face storms too big, too powerful, and amazingly hard. When our eyes are focused on Jesus, we find the rock on which to cling. The waves might still crash and the storm rage, but we can find rest in Jesus. Let us even now reach out in our hearts and ask God to save us. Intersecting Faith & Life: The storm might still be beating you down, but can you remember that you are safe in God’s hands? Jesus doesn’t ask you to pull yourself together. He invites you to come, cry out to Him, and know you will be held. How might you stop striving and be still before God? How does knowing He is with you in the storm and is more powerful than any waves comfort your heart? Further Reading: Psalm 18:1-3 Isaiah 40:28-31 Matthew 11:28-30 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Hebrews 6:18-19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you experience God’s love in your everyday life? Kelly Balarie shares a practical way to recognize God’s love in ordinary moments, experience His presence, and allow His love to transform how you live and love others. God’s love is more than something we learn about—it’s something we can personally experience. In this devotional, Kelly Balarie reflects on Ephesians 3:19 and the importance of moving beyond simply knowing about God’s love to intentionally looking for His presence in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Highlights Discover the difference between knowing about God’s love and personally experiencing it. Learn how ordinary moments can become reminders of God’s presence and love. Consider how phones, distractions, and the noise of the world can keep us from noticing God. See how intentionally looking for God can cultivate greater joy and awareness of His faithfulness. Reflect on how receiving God’s love enables us to love others more genuinely and sacrificially. Practice looking for God’s love in creation, circumstances, people, and everyday experiences. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: A Super-Practical Tip to Encounter God’s Love By Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” – Ephesians 3:19 AMPC I wake, deep into the night hour. My mind circles one thought: All that matters is love. I can’t get my mind off this thought. Besides love? Everything else is like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. In this midnight hour, this thought both consumes me and compels me. I understand the sobering truth; I have one life to live. This is it! One grand stage to go all out for Jesus… It is here. I don’t want the world’s conveniences, accumulation of material items, or online contempt to drive me; I want love of Christ to compel me. I want to be so driven by love that people will reflect upon my life and say, “Wow. That could have only been Jesus.” Wouldn’t that be an amazing legacy: “We saw Jesus in her.” Theology studied will not produce that. Bible verses intellectually memorized will not result in that. More messages heard will not miraculously make this happen. Only love. Real love. Outpouring love. Genuine love. Caring love. Moving love. It is not just what we know; it is the love experienced in Christ Jesus that changes us. “and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” (Eph. 3:19 AMPC) Love transcends the mind to live out from our heart, in real action. This morning, provoked again by this thought, I came to terms with the fact that God’s love is beyond me. But still, He miraculously welcomes me into it. In my day, to see forth Ephesians 3:19, I can do something. I can look for God’s love in the minuscule, in the ordinary, and in the mundane. I can seek Him and find Him.What does it look like? I see a heart in the concrete of the sidewalk I walk on. Many would just see it as a small hole. I see and remember God’s love for me. God, you love me so very much. I notice the waves that are continual; they never stop or end. God’s faithfulness always works. Like those waves will never stop, so do His promises for me never stop or end. I was given grace on a speeding ticket and only given a warning. God, like this warning for a speeding ticket, your mercy has entirely let me off the hook, and your grace, even more, blesses me. I notice the bird with the worm in its mouth. Oh God, you always provide the daily bread needed, right on time. God is encountering me all the time… if I look for Him. And, to seek Him is to find Him. When I receive His love, I am filled with His love. When I am filled with His love, I can impart His love. If He floods me, then I can flood the world. This is life-changing, and even world-changing. The presence of His love is the starting point of real joy, contagious joy. Doing this requires one to move past the distractions of the world, to dive into the intentionality of God’s heart in creation, in people, in circumstances, in the skies above and the world around. He is speaking, though many miss Him. He is telling us, often, of how much He loves us. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does the world distract you? Are you buried in your phone or looking for God wherever you go? What would it look like for you to forgo the world to find His love? Perhaps, today, start with asking God to give you understanding of His love? Ask Him to show you His love. Ask Him to help you to receive His love. Then, keep your eyes open to what God may be doing or saying in your world. Notice Him. Permit Him to love you as He makes His Word come alive in your life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Shame, guilt, and regret can make us feel like we are still paying for our past mistakes, but Jesus paid for our sins once and for all. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we can receive God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and freedom from condemnation rather than trying to earn our way back into God’s favor. When guilt makes you feel unworthy of God’s love, Scripture reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is our Savior, Advocate, and Intercessor, and His sacrifice makes reconciliation with God possible. Discover what it means to stop carrying the weight of sins Christ has already paid for and learn how His grace can replace shame with freedom, hope, and peace. Highlights Why the belief that we must “pay for our sins” is not biblical How Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for our sins The difference between God’s discipline, consequences, and condemnation Why shame and guilt can make us feel like we need to earn God’s forgiveness What Romans 8:1 teaches about freedom from condemnation in Christ How God’s grace saves us through faith rather than our good works Why Jesus serves as our Advocate and intercedes for us before God How to respond when suffering makes us wonder if God is punishing us for our sins Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Resources Mentioned Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Jesus Paid It All” by Fernando Ortega. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “East to West” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it HERE. Full Transcript Below: Jesus Paid for Our Sins By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“He does not treat us as our sins deserve. He does not repay us according to our guilty deeds.” - Psalm 103:10 EHV When someone was having a bad day, he said, “I am paying for my sins.” This statement and belief many people hold is not true because the Bible says Jesus Christ paid it all (1 Peter 2:24, Romans 6:23) and God doesn’t deal with us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). I know that I have struggled with this when shame, guilt, and despair hit me as my mind recalls everything I said or did wrong. While God doesn’t keep a record of our sins after we ask Him to forgive us, we sure can tally up everything in our minds. When we do that, it feels like we must pay for our sins. We may feel remorse and want to fix things. But the truth is, we cannot fix the past, the present, or our future. This is one of the reasons why we need Jesus Christ in our lives. He is our Savior. God is full of grace and mercy. While He will discipline us like a loving parent would (Hebrews 12:5-6), and while there are always consequences to our sins that we might experience, never do we have to feel the need to pay for our sins because Christ already did that on the Cross at Calvary. The Bible says He who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that we may be reconciled to God. Isn’t that wonderful to know? What a relief that our Savior has already done the heavy lifting. We just need to repent of our sins, turn away from our sins, believe in God, obey the Holy Spirit, and follow Jesus all the way to Heaven. When I shared with a Christian friend my struggle of feeling burdened by my past mistakes and sins, she reminded me of Romans 8:1-2 (NIV). It says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The first time she told me this, I struggled to believe it because I felt guilty as charged concerning my sins and mistakes. I wanted to make things right with God. I felt like I had to work my way back into His grace and mercy. But the Bible doesn’t say that. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” God knows we’re not perfect because we’re only human. Even our best efforts to be perfect may eventually fail. No matter how hard we try, we cannot work our way into Heaven by our righteous acts and desire to please God. The Bible says in Isaiah 64:6 (NIV), “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” But thank God for His grace and mercy! He knows we need it. The Bible says that Christ is our Advocate when we sin and are guilty as charged (1 John 2:1). He knows we’re not perfect, and He wants to help us. The Bible says that Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus reminds God about His sacrifice for us (John 3:16-17). We are covered by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7) so that God sees His perfect Son (Jesus) when He looks at us, not our imperfections and sins. Though this is not an excuse to keep sinning and take advantage of God’s grace, because eventually, time will run out, and when we see Jesus returning to earth to take His children home to Heaven, it will be too late to repent and ask forgiveness for our sins (Revelation 22:11-15). Let’s circle back to my original point, which I mentioned at the start of this devotional, about feeling like we suffer because we are paying the penalty for our sins. Oftentimes, we as humans believe that if we are suffering, then it is because God is punishing us for our sins. I invite you to dig deeper into this common misconception and receive an accurate Biblical perspective by listening to this “Dare to Be True” podcast episode hosted by Madison Prewett Troutt, where Anne Graham Lotz explains the truth about suffering and helps you realize that God isn’t making you pay for your sins by subjecting you to pain. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to and reflect on these four songs… Song of Reflection #1: “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Jesus Paid It All” by Fernando Ortega. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “East to West” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that we don’t have to pay for our sins because we have a Savior who paid for all of it? Further Reading: Psalm 103:11-14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Romans 5:10Colossians 1:21-22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Emily Rose Massey explores biblical marriage, selflessness, forgiveness, and Christ-centered love, reminding us that marriage is one of the ways God shapes us to become more like Jesus. Through Philippians 2:3-5, we are encouraged to look beyond our own desires and consider the needs of others. Marriage reveals areas of selfishness while creating opportunities to practice humility, grace, and forgiveness. Rather than viewing marriage as a limitation, Scripture shows us that it is a gift God uses to transform our hearts and teach us how to love sacrificially. Highlights: Discover how marriage reflects Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church. Learn why humility and selflessness are essential for a healthy marriage. Understand how God uses marriage to reveal and transform selfishness in our hearts. Be encouraged to extend forgiveness and grace to your spouse. Explore how God’s grace empowers us to grow in Christlikeness. See marriage as an opportunity to reflect Jesus through love and sacrifice. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Finding the Sacrificial Beauty in Marriage By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV). Summertime in America is marked by so many celebrations and wonderful holidays: graduation parties, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, lots of pool days and BBQs with friends and family, and of course, weddings upon weddings! I’m sure you know at least one couple who is getting married this summer or who at least celebrate their anniversary in June, July, or August. It is truly a very popular time of year to get married– so much so that many people call it “wedding season.” I guess my husband and I wanted to go against the norm, as we so often do, and went to the opposite end of the calendar and got married in December. I truly look forward to celebrating with loved ones who “tie the knot” during this season. Almost 20 years later, I still get choked up witnessing someone else’s “big day.” Weddings are so lovely and fun, but they clearly represent something so much more important and beautiful that the Lord has providentially ordained that we should give our attention to outside of that one special day: marriage. The union of marriage is so important to God that His word equates it to the love that Christ has for the church, His Bride (Ephesians 5:22-33). Reflecting upon that kind of love that Christ has for His own, two words come to mind: humble and sacrificial. Christ modeled this kind of love and asks husbands and wives to walk in His footsteps. These verses in Philippians 2 capture this selflessness that we should long to foster in our homes and marriages: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: I have had two situations within the last handful of months where women who were much older than me (women I should be gleaning wisdom from) painted marriage in such a terrible light and boasted in their divorces and singleness. It truly made my heart heavy that because of their personal experiences, they could not see the beauty in marriage. When they should see it as a gift from God to sanctify us and make us less selfish and more others-focused, they saw it as bondage, keeping them from living their own life freely. As Christ followers, if we want a right view of marriage, we must look to the scriptures. We cannot rely on others’ experiences or even our own to determine what God says on a matter. The more we dive into His word, our naturally selfish minds are renewed to love sacrificially as He does, extending the same grace and mercy we have received from Him to others. The word transforms us from the inside out, all for the better, and we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) develop and mature in our lives, which we need to fully love others in humility and sacrifice, preferring them above ourselves. What happens when our spouse hurts us? Because we have been forgiven through the cross of Jesus Christ, we must forgive others. We have received such great mercy; therefore, we must extend that same mercy to our spouse, even if they have wronged us or offended us. When we are quick to apologize because of humility and choosing the other person over ourselves, our hearts are free of bitterness, pride, and selfishness. None of us are made of that; God gives us the grace to do that. Many people would define grace as “unmerited favor” to the undeserving, especially in terms of salvation, which is true, but it doesn’t stop there- it is God’s power to conform us into the image of Christ, and God uses marriage to make us humble and sacrificial. This grace that strengthens us and trains us is what we experience in the majority of our Christian walk: in faith and obedience, with each step, we grow in holiness and Christlikeness, day by day. Truthfully, marriage gives us countless opportunities to reflect Christ by laying down our lives for our spouse, in humility and sacrifice. Oh, how beautiful! Further Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33 John 13:34-35 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why does God allow difficult seasons? When life feels uncertain, painful, or unfair, it can be easy to question God’s character and wonder if our struggles are a result of something we did wrong. But Scripture reveals a different truth: God’s heart toward us is rooted in love, grace, and mercy—not punishment or condemnation. Vivian Bricker explores how knowing who God is helps us navigate suffering, uncertainty, and the lies we often believe about God’s intentions. Through Scripture, we are reminded that God’s love does not change based on our circumstances, and that hardship is not proof of God’s rejection or displeasure. Highlights: Why the unknown can make us question God’s goodness and control Understanding the difference between biblical truth and the idea of karma Why suffering is not always a reflection of God’s punishment How the New Covenant through Jesus changes our understanding of blessings and curses The importance of knowing God’s character so we can recognize false beliefs How God’s love remains constant even during difficult seasons Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Join the conversation: How can a deeper understanding of God’s character change the way you view hardship? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Understanding God’s CharacterBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). In my opinion, the scariest thing in the world is the unknown. Whether that be an undiagnosed illness, starting over in a new city, or thinking about the future, the unknown can be terrifying. None of us can truly know what is ahead because we are not the ones in control. For some of us, there will be good times ahead and for others, there will be hard times. One cannot be dogmatic and say that those who have good times are in the will of God and those who are going through tough times are not. It is never within God’s will for us to be in pain, to be depressed, or to be sick. He never intended for us to go through any of these things, and it is not right for people to believe in the ideology that if you do good, good returns to you from God and if you do bad, bad returns to you from God. This is not biblical as this is actually a belief in karma. Karma is part of the religious beliefs contained within Hinduism and Buddhism. Although karma has become popularized within mainstream media, Christ followers do not need to endorse it. Karma is refuted in the Bible as Psalm 103:10-11 says, “he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Therefore, we don’t need to say that God blesses certain people while cursing others. The aspects of blessings and curses based on your actions were true within the Mosaic Covenant, but it is not true for us today. We are under the New Covenant by the blood of Jesus (Luke 22:20). Within the Mosaic Covenant, Israel was petitioned to obey God, and blessings would come to them; however, if they did not obey God and did evil, curses would come into their midst. Since we are not under the Mosaic Covenant, we don’t need to hold ourselves or others to this type of thinking. If we are having dreadful things happening in our lives, they are not caused by God. And if we are having good things happening in our lives, we cannot always be dogmatic to say it is caused by God either. To say that “God has blessed me because I’m doing well, but He has cursed you because you are not doing well” is not rooted in biblical truth. This is why Christians need to be more aware and not to flaunt things they believe are blessings. This only gives the idea that if you are struggling, you have done something terrible in the eyes of God, and you must be cursed. As Christ followers, this type of thinking needs to end. We all have free will, and with it, we have chosen to do terrible things (Romans 3:23). Additionally, we live in a fallen world that is covered in sin. This is why we shouldn’t be quick to say, “It is God’s will for you to suffer from (fill in the blank).” God never intended for evil, sin, or death to be in the world. He wanted us to live in perfect harmony with Him in the Garden of Eden. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God’s character is found in love. Since God is love, why do we believe the lie that He brings curses into our lives or into the lives of others? This goes against His very nature. God is love, and He is not going to bring harm into our lives. As Christ followers, we need to be aware of who God is and His characteristics, as this can help us weed out lies that pull us away from Him. Even well-meaning Christ followers can say unhelpful and unbiblical things, which is why we must be level-headed and fully understand the Bible ourselves. Regardless of what you are going through, remember the truth that God is love, and you are loved by Him, and neither of these things will ever change. Have you ever thought a terrible thing happening in your life was due to God punishing you? What made you think like this? How can having a proper view of God’s character help you understand Him better? Further Reading: Romans 5:8 1 John 3:1 1 John 4:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A grateful heart can transform the way we see life, handle challenges, and grow closer to God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin explores biblical gratitude, why giving thanks in all circumstances matters, and how cultivating thankfulness can strengthen our faith. Highlights Discover why gratitude is an essential part of God’s will for your life. Learn how thanksgiving shifts your focus from struggles to God’s faithfulness. Understand how a grateful heart can protect you from bitterness and negativity. Reflect on seven prayers of gratitude for difficult seasons and everyday challenges. Be encouraged to thank God not only for what He gives but also for what He withholds and protects you from. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Cultivating a Healthy HeartBy Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). How healthy are you these days? And how healthy is your heart? While you can try to steer clear of germs, eat more nutritionally, and exercise regularly, one of the healthiest habits you can develop is to regularly express a grateful heart. That's right. Gratitude makes your heart healthier. Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive attitude and improved health (and even a longer life!). To be positive, in short, means to be grateful. To find the good in every situation. To be thankful in all things. I'm sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the apostle Paul to write these words to the Thessalonians. After admonishing them to display proper Christian conduct, he wrote: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). Did you notice that Paul didn’t just say, “In every good circumstance, give thanks.” He also didn’t write, “When things work out well for you, give thanks.” He specifically said, “In everything give thanks.” In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. That’s because when we’re thanking God, we're focused on our blessings, rather than the bitterness of whatever else might be going on. There’s also another beautiful result of having a grateful heart. When we are thankful in all things, not just the good things, we are living out God’s will for us. That verse, after telling us to be thankful in all things, reinforces the reason to do so: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It couldn’t be said any clearer. Being thankful in everything is how you and I display God’s will for our lives. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you and I focus on our circumstances, we can tend to become more depressed and more critical if we're not guarding our hearts and minds. So, all the more reason to be a person of gratitude rather than a bad attitude. I've found in my own life that when I'm praising God in the aches and pains, or the losses that seem more frequent these days, or just thanking Him during the mundane, it helps me become a person of gratitude in any circumstance. And that keeps me healthier and happier, overall. Here are seven simple prayers you can begin saying to practice gratitude when the bad attitude starts seeping in to steal your joy, harm your relationships, and attack your health: Thank You, Lord, for the things You have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize. Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go. Thank You, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf. Thank You, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You. Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and moldable. Thank You, God, for the times I haven't been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are on the throne. Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven. Can you begin saying “Thank You" a few more times throughout your day? Start expressing gratitude toward others for their kindness, and remember to thank God, throughout the day as well, for everything He allows to come your way. As you do, you may find it lightens your load and makes you feel better physically as well. Further Study:Psalm 9:1 For daily encouragement to keep a healthy heart, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Prayer is more than a simple request—it is an invitation to trust in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God. In this devotional, Lynette Kittle explores what it means to pray with genuine faith and believe that God is able to answer, provide, and move in ways beyond what we can accomplish on our own. Through the story of the father who cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” in Mark 9:23-24, we are reminded that God does not ask us to rely on our own strength or add our own efforts to make prayer effective. Instead, He invites us to come to Him with confidence, trusting that all things are possible through Him. When we struggle to believe, prayer itself becomes a place where God strengthens our faith and teaches us to depend on Him. Highlights: Discover why prayer is enough when we trust the One we are praying to. Explore the difference between asking God in faith and doubting His ability to work. Learn from the father in Mark 9 who brought both his faith and his doubts to Jesus. See how Scripture reveals God’s power to do what seems impossible. Be encouraged to stop limiting your prayers based on what you think God can do. Reflect on how surrendering your unbelief can deepen your relationship with God. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself struggling to believe that God can answer your prayers? What would it look like to bring your doubts and requests to Him with greater faith? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Is Prayer Enough on Its Own? By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’” - Mark 9:23 How often do we pray, believing it will take more than prayer to receive our answer? By that meaning, do we, or someone else, need to do anything in addition to praying for God to answer us? Do we tend to believe that we have to give money, or volunteer, along with prayer? That it’s not enough in itself for God to answer and move on our behalf? Are we struggling to believe, thinking we can’t just ask and rely on Him to answer our prayers without adding to them in some way through our own efforts? Fox News reports that a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine found that, “Adult patients experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety after just five minutes of in-person prayer,” more than from listening to five minutes of music. Scripture describes how David, as a shepherd boy, played his harp to soothe King Saul, so history documents the popular saying “music soothes the savage beast.” As 1 Samuel 16:23 describes, “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” If God gave David’s music the power to bring relief, how much more has He given prayer the power to intervene in our lives? When We Ask, Do We Believe Jesus Can? Mark 9:22 reveals a man who wasn’t sure if Jesus could help his son who was being tormented, explaining and asking, “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” I love how Jesus answers, questioning the father and clarifying to him that it’s not a question of whether He can. It’s a given, because everything is possible with God, it just depends on our belief in Him. It’s not up to Him, but up to us to believe, because how many times before praying do we preface our requests by “Lord, if you can”? God doesn’t want us asking Him if He can; He wants us to believe that He is more than enough, as Jesus taught in John 15:7: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” He is calling us to believe that all things are possible with Him, as He explained in Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” So if we struggle to believe, lacking in faith when we ask God, we can follow this father’s example as described in Mark 9:24: “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” Prayer Is More Than Enough A powerful example of prayer being enough is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. “On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon’” (Joshua 10:12). Many of us wouldn’t even attempt to pray such an unlikely and seemingly impossible prayer. Yet, Joshua did ask, and when he did, the following happened: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day” (Joshua 10:13). Sadly, many of us disqualify our requests to God before even asking Him, deciding that we’re asking too much or more than God can do. We make the decision ahead of time, rather than asking Him and seeing what happens. As James 4:2 explains, “You do not have because you do not ask God. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you find yourself praying, but believing it’s not enough? Ask God to help your unbelief and to teach you how to believe that He can, and that prayer is more than enough. Further Reading: Does Prayer Really Change Things? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The pursuit of more can leave us exhausted, restless, and searching for fulfillment that only God can provide. Through John 3:30, Megan J. Conner explores what it means to surrender our desire for recognition, success, and achievement so that Jesus can become greater in our lives. Our culture often celebrates bigger, better, and more, but John the Baptist modeled a different path: humility, surrender, and a life centered completely on Christ. This devotional explores how true joy is not found in being noticed or praised by others, but in making room for Jesus to receive the glory. When we let go of the need to be seen, we discover the freedom and peace that come from knowing we are already fully known and loved by God. Highlights: Discover why the pursuit of “more” often leaves us feeling empty and exhausted. Learn from John the Baptist’s example of humility and surrender. Understand why true joy comes from making Christ greater, not ourselves. Explore how pride and the desire for recognition can distract us from reflecting Jesus. Find practical ways to surrender selfish desires through prayer and dependence on God. Be encouraged to seek God’s validation above the approval of others. Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself chasing “more” in your life? What would it look like for Jesus to become greater while you become less? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Beauty of LessBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“He must become greater; I must become less.” - John 3:30 (NIV) How many of us have felt trapped by the demands of “more?” More accomplishments, more accolades, more money, more security, more doing, more going, more belonging, more pursuing, more achieving… More, more, more… with no end in sight. The mantra bigger is better reigns king in many of our lives and incessantly clamors for attention. So, we work our fingers to the bone while fraying our nerves and destroying our peace. More often than not, even if we are able to acquire the elusive pot of gold at the end of our desired rainbows, the emptiness we are attempting to fill remains void. Why is it that we are so drawn to the pursuit of more? Simply explained, it is part of our human nature. Without the Lord, we are naturally selfish and long for praise and exaltation. We want to be seen as important. We want to be “known.” But the truth is, we are known and deeply loved by our Heavenly Father, and His validation is the only one that will truly satisfy. John the Baptist understood this when he declared, “He (Jesus) must become greater, I must become less,” (John 3:30, NIV). John the Baptist was the beloved cousin of Christ and lived for the sole purpose of preparing the way for the Lord’s coming. John was the first messenger to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. He called people to repentance and cleansing through baptism. He reminded listeners that all are in need of a savior; that all have fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). He was bold in his preaching and refuted the religious who refused to acknowledge their own sin. Because of the impact John had on the region, his actions earned him notoriety, even fame. So much so that his followers were upset when they felt like John was being upstaged by Jesus and His disciples. “They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.’ To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” - John 3:26-30 (NIV). John’s joy was not found in greatness; it was found in Jesus. His joy was complete in less. John understood that the more he diminished, the more others saw Christ. The same is true for us. When we pursue our own attention and accolades, we are beckoning to others - see me… recognize me, pay attention to me. For those of us who consider ourselves disciples and ambassadors for Christ, these efforts actually steal the spotlight from the true source of light and hope for a hurting world. It is through humility, not celebrity, that love shines the brightest. If decrease rather than increase is the goal, how then can we practically walk that out? First, we must lean into prayer. As shared earlier, we are naturally selfish. So, any attempt to force meekness upon ourselves to accomplish our gospel mission will likely result in false humility. This is why we must ask for God’s help through prayer and genuine surrender. Only then can we, like John the Baptist, truly declare, “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you someone who feels weighed down by the demands of more? Are you seeking the affirmation and acceptance of others to fill a void in your heart? Do you struggle to remain still when opportunities are present for you to gain recognition? If you answered yes to any of these, first, please know – you are not alone. We all wrestle with the allure of pride. After honestly confessing your inner battle, may I encourage you to take some time today to be still before the Lord? Ask Him to show you the motivation behind your desire for attention. Then, ask Him to help you surrender those desires as you look to become less so that He can become greater in your life. Further Reading:Matt. 20:1-19Rom. 3:21-26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When anxiety, stress, and constant distractions leave your heart restless, Psalm 62:1-2 points us to the only source of lasting peace. Discover how trusting God, quieting your mind, and resting in His presence can help you find peace when the world feels loud. Life rarely slows down, and our minds often become just as noisy as the world around us. Sarah Frazer reflects on David's words in Psalm 62, showing that true rest isn't found by eliminating every distraction but by intentionally turning our hearts back to God. As we remember that He is our rock, refuge, and salvation, we can experience steady peace even when our circumstances remain uncertain. Highlights: Discover how Psalm 62 teaches us to find rest in God's presence. Learn why biblical peace requires intentional trust rather than perfect circumstances. See how David quieted his anxious heart by focusing on God's character. Be encouraged to replace worry with prayer and God's truth. Find practical encouragement for overcoming stress, anxiety, and mental noise. Remember that Jesus invites every weary heart to find lasting rest in Him. Join the Conversation What has helped you quiet your soul and refocus on God during stressful seasons? Which promise from Scripture brings you the greatest peace when life feels overwhelming? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Quieting Your Soul When the World Feels Loud By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. - Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV) Have you ever wished to turn off the noise of life? I don’t mean physically, although sometimes we find ourselves in loud places. I have five children, and our house can get very loud, very quickly. But the noises that bother me, the ones that I wish I could get rid of, are the noises of this world. The news, the stress, and responsibilities all seem to keep my heart from experiencing peace. My inner thoughts will dominate my life so that it's not just external noise, but my mind that feels loud too. In Psalm 62, King David says that his soul waits for God in silence. I’ll admit that when my soul is restless, waiting for God to rescue me or to show up or give me answers, I don’t wait in silence. I’m usually spending my time worrying and trying to fix things myself. David reminds us that rest is not automatic, but intentional. David had to learn stillness; it doesn’t just happen. David does this because he has spent time thinking, mediating, and dwelling on the truth of who God is - a rock, fortress, and strength (Psalm 62:2). David reminds himself that he is not going to be “shaken.” This word means to “totter, get off course, or slip.” It reminds us that yes, we can feel disoriented for a moment, but God can get us back on track when we turn to Him. In the next few verses, David acknowledges the pressure he is under. He mentions being attacked and feeling shaken. The reality is we will face stress, noise from the world, and anxieties within our hearts. We do not ignore these things, but we take them to God. David, amidst his fears, reminds himself of where true rest comes from in Psalm 62:5-6. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God…” Notice that David speaks to himself. Taking the time to reflect on the truth about God is key to quieting the sounds of life around us. As we do this, we redirect our hearts back to God. In Psalm 62, David says the same thing in verses 1-2 and then again in 5-6. As David does this, he then turns his voice outward, telling us how we, too, can have a rest-filled soul. “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.” - Psalm 62:8 (ESV) Stability comes from who God is, not what life feels like. In our lives, there are many things that can be loud, things that would distract us from God and His Word. David was intentional in Psalm 62, and we need to be as well. Returning our thoughts back to God is the way to quiet the noise. Peace is possible, and rest can be found. Jesus invites all who would come to Him to find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). We must come, though. God is the steady peace, the rock and fortress we need daily. Let us be like David and find our quiet in God. If your mind feels noisy tonight, I walk through Psalm 62 slowly on my podcast, Psalms to Help You Sleep, helping you rest in God’s presence. As David reminds himself of the truth about God, his soul slowly grows quieter. The noise around him does not immediately disappear, but his heart becomes anchored in something steadier than his circumstances. The same is true for us. We may still live in busy homes, face stressful situations, or carry anxious thoughts into the night, but we do not have to be ruled by them. Intersecting Faith & Life: God invites us to return to Him again and again, finding refuge in His presence and rest for our weary souls. Peace is not found in controlling every circumstance, but in trusting the One who holds us steady. So tonight, when the world feels loud, pause and remind your soul who God is. He is still your rock, your refuge, and your rest. How might you be intentional with God today? What distraction can you get rid of that will help quiet your soul? Further Reading: Psalm 46:10 Isaiah 26:3 Matthew 11:28-30 John 14:27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us that the message of the cross is the power of God to those who believe. Discover how living out your faith with love, humility, and authenticity can point unbelievers to the hope found in Jesus Christ. Our culture often questions God's existence or dismisses Christianity altogether. Michelle Lazurek explores why believers shouldn't be surprised by skepticism and how our greatest witness isn't winning arguments—it's reflecting Christ through our words, actions, and unconditional love. As we faithfully share our testimony and live transformed lives, God can use our example to draw others to Himself. Highlights: Discover why the message of the cross seems foolish to unbelievers. Learn how a transformed life is one of the strongest testimonies of God's power. Be encouraged to respond to skepticism with grace, love, and humility. Understand the importance of sharing your personal testimony. Explore how authentic Christian living points others to Jesus. Find encouragement to faithfully represent Christ, even in a culture that rejects biblical truth. Join the Conversation How has your personal testimony helped someone better understand the hope found in Christ? What opportunities has God given you to reflect His love to those who don't yet believe? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bitterness can quietly take root in our hearts, affecting our relationships, our spiritual lives, and even our well-being. Hebrews 12:15 warns believers not to let a "root of bitterness" grow and cause trouble. Discover how forgiveness, God's grace, and surrendering your burdens to Jesus can free you from resentment and restore lasting peace. Holding onto past hurts often feels justified, but it ultimately weighs us down more than the people who hurt us. Kelly Balarie explores the biblical call to release bitterness, embrace Christ's forgiveness, and trust God with the pain we were never meant to carry. When we remember how much Jesus has forgiven us, we find the strength to forgive others and experience true freedom. Highlights: Learn what the Bible says about the dangerous root of bitterness. Discover how unforgiveness can impact your spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Understand why God's grace is the antidote to resentment. Explore practical ways to release anger, offense, and hurt to Jesus. Be encouraged by Christ's example of forgiveness and sacrificial love. Find hope in casting your burdens on God instead of carrying them alone. Join the Conversation Have you experienced the freedom that comes from letting go of bitterness? What has helped you trust God with past hurts and choose forgiveness? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How to Get the Root of Bitterness Gone By: Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…” – Hebrews 12:15 AMP My husband and I have a friend. He’s one of the top national scholars for cancer medicine and research. Curious, we asked him, “Have you identified a link between unforgiveness and bitterness with a cancer diagnosis?” His answer? “Yes, in fact, my mom couldn’t forgive. She had cancer two times.” Interestingly enough, beyond his mom, he saw a correlation. So do various scientific studies. According to the website Doctors Beyond Medicine, studies show suppressed anger and emotions are linked to cancer. They note, “emotional toxicity is most likely the cause of their cancer, and that forgiveness, if used with appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes that address the physical, is a ‘first-line’ primary treatment.” Wow. I was astonished. But, I wondered, what does scripture have to say about this? “See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…” (Heb. 12:15 AMP) Biblically speaking, defilement does not only happen in thought, but it can also happen in our body, soul, and mind. We are the temple of God and not to defile God’s temple, our body (1 Cor. 16:19-20).We are instructed to be cleansed of anything defiling in body or spirit (2 Cor. 7:1)We learn that what defiles us is what comes out of our hearts (Mark 7:20-23). Clearly, I don’t have all the answers on cancer, but what I do have a clear answer on is that we don’t want to be defiled in body, soul, or mind. This certainly made me sure that I don’t want to be “defiled.” What about us – are we defiled? Do we harbor bitterness? Do we keep resentments, nursing them like a baby? Do we hold records of wrongs against people, convicting them via our thoughts? Might we be angry? The irony? What we hold against others does not hurt them; it hurts us. What pain we keep inside of us – grows within us. We may think this doesn’t matter, that it doesn’t hurt anyone, that no one can see it, but it absolutely does hurt – us. Not only that, it oozes onto others. Can’t we all see that person we know with a face of anger? They think no one knows, but certainly, when you look at them, you can easily identify their eyebrows furrowing in. They believe they hide it well, but it takes a second to recognize their facial tension from all they are holding in. You can feel the edginess in their responses. Their pent-up stuff doesn’t just exist in their mind; they hold it in their body, and it speaks between the lines of their words. May this person never, ever, be us… If we have been defiled by a root of bitterness, what we think we are hiding is most likely residing on our face, living in our body, and oozing out from our responses. God, help. Of course, we know that life has a way of sucker punching us. People will be people. Circumstances hurt. Offense is rampant. How do we forbid defilement in our body, mind, and spirit? We remember The One who was reviled, so that we don’t have to live defiled. Jesus. Jesus carried the weight of our sin, so we don’t have to live under its weight. Even more, Jesus carried the weight of fellow believers’ sin, so we don’t have to live under its weight. If Jesus forgave us so much, how can we not forgive others the same way? We can forgive much, because He forgave much. We can love much, because He loved us so much. Intersecting Faith & Life: What does this look like practically? To release from the mind, the body, and the spirit looks like something. Scripture invites us to cast our cares on the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7). “To cast”, biblically, does not look like a light and airy casting; it looks like a complete throwing off, like someone might throw a saddle on a horse. It’s getting off of you and releasing onto Him what He already paid the price for. Why not cast your worries, cares, bitterness, anger, or resentments onto Jesus? Let Him take care of them. He will do a much better job than you will. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Being left out, overlooked, or rejected can leave lasting wounds, but those moments don't determine your identity. Ephesians 1:4-6 reveals a greater truth: through Jesus Christ, God has chosen, adopted, and accepted you into His family. Discover how your identity in Christ brings lasting security when the approval of others falls short. Rejection has a way of making us question our worth, but God's love tells a different story. Emily Rose Massey reminds us that while people may disappoint or exclude us, our Heavenly Father has already declared us His beloved children. When we anchor our identity in Christ instead of others' acceptance, we find the confidence, belonging, and peace that only He can provide. Highlights: Discover what it means to be accepted in the Beloved through Jesus Christ. Learn how Ephesians 1:4-6 speaks to feelings of rejection and loneliness. Find encouragement to root your identity in God's love rather than others' opinions. Understand how Jesus experienced rejection and empathizes with our pain. Be reminded that God's adoption into His family offers lasting security and hope. Learn how embracing your identity in Christ transforms the way you respond to rejection. Join the Conversation Have you ever struggled with feeling rejected or overlooked? How has remembering your identity as God's beloved child helped you find peace and confidence? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you recognize the lies that fuel fear, doubt, and insecurity? Based on 2 Timothy 1:7, this devotional explores how to reject thoughts that contradict God's truth and embrace the power, love, and sound mind He has given every believer. Discover how replacing fear with faith leads to lasting confidence in Christ. Negative thoughts can quietly shape how we see ourselves and even how we view God. Cindi McMenamin reminds us that discouragement, shame, and hopelessness are not the voice of our Savior. Through Scripture, God calls us to reject fear, trust His promises, and live with confidence in His power and faithfulness. As we replace lies with biblical truth, our faith grows stronger and our lives become a testimony to God's goodness. Highlights: Discover how to identify lies that create fear, doubt, and discouragement. Learn why 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds believers to live with power, love, and a sound mind. Understand the difference between the Holy Spirit's conviction and the enemy's condemnation. Find practical ways to replace negative thoughts with God's promises. Be encouraged to strengthen your faith by focusing on God's character instead of your fears. Learn how living by faith points others to God's goodness and faithfulness. Join the Conversation What lie have you found yourself believing lately? Which promise from God's Word helps you replace fear with faith and confidence in Christ? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to be clothed in Christ? Rooted in Romans 13:14, we explore how seeking God's will instead of our own desires leads to lasting peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Learn how to resist the pull of self-focus and daily choose to follow Jesus. Every day presents opportunities to follow our own desires or surrender to God's leading. Megan J. Conner reminds us that while our hearts can be easily swayed by the world's distractions and instant gratification, God invites us to seek His face first. As we intentionally "clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ," He transforms our hearts, strengthens our discernment, and produces the fruit of the Spirit, enabling us to walk in obedience and experience His best for our lives. Highlights: Discover what it means to clothe yourself with Christ according to Romans 13:14. Learn why our hearts can be deceptive and why God's wisdom is essential. Find encouragement to seek God's direction before making important decisions. Understand how waiting on God develops spiritual maturity and discernment. Explore how walking with Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit. Be reminded that God's peace comes through surrender, not self-reliance. Join the Conversation When have you found yourself choosing between your own desires and God's direction? What practices help you seek Christ first before making important decisions? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Clothed in ChristBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“… Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14, NIV)My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8, NIV) Every day, all day long, we face one decision after another. Sometimes these choices are practical: What do I need from the grocery store? Or how much money should I pay off on the credit card? But other times, the dilemma is a matter of the heart – a tug-of-war between what I should do and what I want to do. Even more seriously, a decision between what we know to be right and what our conscience tells us is wrong. When choosing between what we think we want and what the Lord desires as his best for us, the struggle can be REAL. The allure of the world is powerful. Especially in this modern, technology-driven era, where even our devices are labeled with the pronoun “I,” the pull of selfishness and self-focus is strong, to say the least. The phones in our hands provide us with constant access to commercialism and propaganda that suggest it's all about me and that I should have or do anything I want simply because it is available or sounds appealing. And though we may logically identify the potential pitfalls in these scenarios, when our emotions or sinful desires kick in, the waters of clarity can be quickly muddied. The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9, NIV). Do you agree? I certainly do. There have been many times in my life when I rationalized or justified decisions without even realizing what I was doing, only to come out on the other side, shocked that I had made such a choice. Why? Because my own heart deceived me. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, shares a similar sentiment when he states, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God (Rom. 3:10-12, NIV). Even when we are trying to walk with the Lord, it is so easy to choose what we want rather than to intentionally seek God’s will first and then wait upon him for direction. We are terrible at waiting, aren’t we? We want our entertainment instantaneously, our food fast, and our products delivered to our doorstep the same day we order them. Though the world around us can move at breakneck speeds, the Lord often calls us to be still and know that he is God (Ps. 46:10). To trust in him for direction and discernment. He calls us to look to him rather than our own flawed perceptions. If we are willing to run to him before grasping for self-satisfaction, we “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” which will then produce his godly fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-5:23). Left to our own devices and relying on our own strength can often lead us down paths we would ultimately prefer not to take. But if we choose to seek him before everything else, he promises that he will respond and provide us with all that we need. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV) If you, like me, struggle to choose God’s best over your own selfish desires, I pray today is a new day for both of us. A day where we cry out as the psalmist of old did so many years ago and declare: My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8, NIV) Let’s believe together that he is faithful to fulfill all of his promises, and when we call upon him, he will answer. And no matter how loudly the clamor of this world tries to overshadow our minds and hearts, may we surrender our wills to the only One who can offer us true peace and satisfaction. May we clothe ourselves in Christ. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your own heart deceived you? If so, are you able to look back and identify where you struggled to let God influence your decision-making? How might you better approach these types of crossroads in the future? I encourage you to take some time today to write out the steps you will take the next time you face similar circumstances. Perhaps your action items might include reciting scripture, calling a friend for prayer, or simply waiting a day or two before making a final decision. Whatever that looks like for you individually, I pray you find peace and guidance as you seek God’s best for you. Further Reading:Psalm 27Galatians 5:13-26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God when life doesn't make sense requires faith beyond our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust the Lord with all our hearts instead of relying on what we can see or explain. Discover how embracing life's unknowns can deepen your faith, replace worry with peace, and reveal God's greater purpose. Life is full of unanswered questions, unexpected detours, and closed doors that challenge our faith. Whitney Hopler shares how a frightening highway experience became a powerful reminder that God sees what we cannot. Even when His plans remain a mystery, His wisdom, protection, and love never fail. When we surrender our need to understand every circumstance, we discover that not knowing isn't a weakness—it can be one of God's greatest gifts, drawing us into deeper trust and lasting peace. Highlights: Discover why Proverbs 3:5 calls us to trust God over our own understanding. Learn how God often protects us in ways we cannot see. Find peace when life takes unexpected turns or your plans change. Be encouraged to release the need to control every outcome. Discover how uncertainty can strengthen your faith in God's wisdom. Remember that God's plans are always greater than our own understanding. Join the Conversation Has there been a time when you didn't understand what God was doing, only to later see His purpose? We'd love to hear how God has grown your faith through seasons of uncertainty. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Gift of Not Knowing By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5, NIV Before I began a road trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, I prayed for a safe trip. In my mind, I had a very simple understanding of how the trip would go. I would stay in the right lane, drive the speed limit, and stay completely safe because of my own careful driving. But things changed in a heartbeat on the highway. Without warning, a car merged into my lane, right in front of me. The driver wasn’t paying attention at all. Cars were speeding by in the next lane, so I couldn’t move over. I was trapped! I had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting that car. Behind me, a massive tractor-trailer truck was coming fast. I remember feeling terrified when I looked in the rearview mirror and saw it speeding toward my car. The truck came within inches of my back bumper before it somehow slowed down enough to stop in just enough time before hitting me. In those few seconds, my previous understanding of the trip was gone. I was helpless. But God wasn’t. God knew that experience was coming long before I even started driving that day. He had already planned to answer my prayers for protection. Looking back, I realize something important: if God had shown me a video of that near-accident before I left my driveway, I would have been so scared that I may not have taken the trip at all. But God, in his kindness, kept that information from me. He gave me the gift of not knowing so that I could move forward in faith. I’m so glad I trusted God to handle the details I couldn’t see. Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to trust God completely rather than relying on our own understanding. As humans with limited perspectives, there’s a lot we don’t know. But God, who knows everything and can do anything, uses that unlimited knowledge and power for good. We can trust in God’s goodness to us, even when we don’t understand what’s happening. There’s wisdom in being willing to say that we don’t know, but God does. We all sometimes face closed doors. Maybe we applied for a job we thought we were perfect for, but didn’t get it. Maybe a relationship we valued suddenly fell apart. Or, maybe a plan we prayed over for months still didn’t work out. Often, we try to figure out why. We replay the situation in our minds, because we think that if we can understand it, we can control it. We believe understanding will bring us peace. But the truth is that we can’t force God’s big plans into our small human boxes. God works in ways that go far beyond our understanding. God’s possibilities for our lives are bigger than the ones we’ve imagined for ourselves. When we choose to trust God in situations that don’t make sense to us, we welcome God’s very best into our lives by making space for all of God’s possibilities to happen. We can still be at peace when we don’t understand what God is doing. Mysteries can challenge us to grow our faith in God by stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting him in new ways. When we don’t know something, we can be sure that God does. In the gap between what we know and what God knows, we can find grace. Not knowing something is sometimes a gift from God. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to trust God when you don’t know something, reflect on these questions: What’s one situation happening in your life right now that doesn’t make sense to you? Even though you don’t understand it, how can you still trust God to do what’s best for you in that situation? When did you experience a past situation that didn’t make sense at the time, but God showed you later how he was protecting you through it? How can that memory help you trust God with your current unknowns? How can you strengthen your faith by embracing mysteries and letting them show you something new about how God works? How can believing that God’s plans for you are beyond what you can understand help you worry less about the future? Further Reading: Isaiah 55:8-9 1 Corinthians 13:12 Romans 11:33 Psalm 131:1 Ephesians 3:20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jesus Christ is our unbreakable lifeline, offering hope, strength, and security in every season of life. Hebrews 6:18-20 reminds us that through Christ we have a steadfast hope anchored in God's presence. Discover why prayer is more than a habit—it's our direct connection to the Savior who never leaves us or turns us away. Life often tempts us to look for comfort in people, achievements, or temporary things when we feel overwhelmed. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring reflects on how everyday experiences reveal a deeper truth: while people and circumstances may fail us, Jesus remains our constant source of hope and strength. Through prayer, we can bring every fear, burden, and unanswered question directly to Him. Highlights: Discover what Hebrews 6:18-20 teaches about the hope we have in Christ. Learn why prayer is our spiritual lifeline during difficult seasons. Be encouraged to depend on Jesus instead of people or temporary comforts. Find reassurance that Christ welcomes every fear, doubt, and burden we bring to Him. Understand how Jesus' constant presence gives lasting peace and security. Be reminded that our greatest hope is anchored in Christ alone. Resources Mentioned Song: Lifeline — Mandisa Song: That's Who You Are — Megan Tibbits Song: Don't Stop Praying — Matthew West Song: Jesus Walks with Me — Be Still Studios Join the Conversation What has helped you stay anchored to Christ during difficult seasons? We'd love to hear how prayer has strengthened your faith and reminded you that Jesus is your true lifeline. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Our Lifeline By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 6:18-20 (MSG) A few years ago, while waiting to be seen in a hospital, I stepped into the women’s restroom and saw something that inspired this devotional: a lifeline. It was a red label with white-inked words instructing me to pull the attached red string if I needed help. The sight of this made me think about how Jesus Christ is our lifeline. Earlier this year, I saw a reel via Instagram of a young girl around age 11 or 12. She was captured on camera rushing onto the concert stage before security could catch her and embracing her favorite singer. Prior to this, I could see that the singer was performing at a calm, steady pace as she walked across the stage, holding the microphone near her face. When the young girl rushed onto the stage, the singer wasn’t fazed. She let the young girl wrap her arms around her waist and rest her head on her midsection as she leaned in for a tight hug that obviously meant the world to her. This girl received a 10-second embrace before security reached her and carried her away. When I saw this reel, it spoke volumes to me because it helped me realize several things. I realized that I have been there before because I have had favorite singers over the years—both secular and Christian—and I know what it’s like to cope with their music to the point where it feels like your favorite singer and their songs are your lifeline. When feeling sad or depressed, I would listen to a song that served as catharsis for my feelings, working it out of my system until I felt better. It was obvious to me that the singer in the Instagram reel was that young girl’s lifeline. Her music must have brought this girl through tough times and inspired her heart. Whether feeling happy or sad, this singer’s songs were obviously the soundtrack to her fans’ lives. It was obvious that she loved this musician with all her heart. It was also clear that this singer appreciated her fans because she let this girl hug her for more than a second without pushing her away. Jesus Christ also never pushes us away. And unlike any human—famous singer or not—He is our true lifeline. Only Jesus can save our souls. And He gave us a beautiful way to reach Him as our lifeline. That gift is prayer. I follow a page on Instagram that’s hosted by Ellie Mont. Last year, she said something very profound about prayer being our lifeline. These are a few quotes from her post on Instagram that support my devotional message today: First, she acknowledges that life can be hard for most people. Mont said, “Life often feels like a series of challenges and roadblocks that drain our strength. We try to be strong, to figure it all out on our own, but sometimes it just feels like too much. In those moments, we must remember we do not walk alone.” Second, she reminds us that Jesus walks with us. She also delivers a powerful line about the gift God gave us to reach Him and communicate with Him. Mont said, “Prayer is more than a religious habit or a last resort. It is a lifeline. It is a personal conversation with the God who created you, who sees everything you face, and who cares about every detail of your life. When you cannot handle the weight of your problems, you can bring them to the One who can. God does not ask you to be perfect. He asks you to come to Him just as you are.” Third, Mont reminds us that God wants to hear our hearts no matter how we feel or how messy it seems. She said, “You can be honest with Him. You can tell Him your fears, your doubts, your confusion, and your pain. There is nothing too small or too big for God to handle. He is not bothered by your questions or your tears. He welcomes them. He is a Father who wants to help you and walk with you through every season.” Finally, Mont gives us a word of encouragement for when we feel too discouraged to pray. She said, “Don’t let discouragement silence your voice. Do not let fear steal your hope. Keep praying. Keep trusting. God hears every word, even the ones you cannot say out loud. He sees your heart, and He is working even when you do not see it. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are not powerless. You are loved by a God who listens.” In closing, I’d like to say: Be careful not to make a human or anything that is not God your god or your lifeline, because there is only one true God and one way to heaven. The way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). He is our lifeline. We need to cling to Christ more than we cling to anybody or anything else. Before you go, please listen to these four songs (below) and reflect on the lyrics. Song of Reflection #1: “Lifeline” by Mandisa. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “That’s Who You Are” (Original song by Megan Tibbits). Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Jesus Walks with Me” by Be Still Studios. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that Jesus Christ is our Lifeline? What have you been clinging to more than Christ? Further Reading:Luke 18:1John 3:16-17John 11:25-26John 15:5Hebrews 4:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Holy Spirit gives believers hope, peace, and strength to endure life's storms. Romans 15:13 reminds us that God's power is always available, even when we feel weak, overwhelmed, or powerless. Discover how relying on the Holy Spirit helps us navigate hardship, grow in faith, and find lasting hope in every season. Life has a way of reminding us how little control we really have. In today's devotional, Melinda Eye Cooper shares how a devastating winter ice storm and days without electricity became a powerful illustration of our dependence on God. Just as our homes cannot function without power, our spiritual lives cannot thrive apart from the Holy Spirit. Highlights: Discover what Romans 15:13 teaches about the power of the Holy Spirit. Learn why life's storms reveal our need for God's strength and presence. Be encouraged by how the Holy Spirit provides hope, peace, guidance, and comfort. Understand how difficult seasons can deepen your faith and dependence on Christ. Find reassurance that God never leaves you to face hardship alone. Be reminded that true spiritual strength comes from the Holy Spirit, not ourselves. Join the Conversation How has God strengthened you through a difficult season? We'd love to hear how the Holy Spirit has encouraged, guided, or sustained your faith during life's storms. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: No Power By Melinda Eye Cooper Bible Reading: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 NIV Living in middle Tennessee for the past thirty-plus years, I can attest that we rarely see much snow. Schools often close if the forecast calls for anything frozen, including flurries. But we’ve had a few serious winter storms, and they almost always involve ice. In January of 2026, one of those storms came through our area. We did our best to prepare in case the power went out. We’d stocked up on bread, bottles of water, and snacks. My husband brought a generator home from work to help keep our refrigerator running and a small space heater. Thankfully, we had a wood-burning fireplace, so we figured at least we’d keep warm. Snow started turning into sleet on Saturday and eventually turned to freezing rain. Temperatures plummeted. Tree branches snapped under the weight of accumulating ice, falling on power lines. The sky flashed when a transformer blew with a loud pop. Sunday, early in the morning, we lost power, and so did our neighbors. We tried to stay warm using the space heater and fireplace, but our house grew frigid. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. We barely slept the first night, even though we were using nearly every blanket we could find. It didn’t take long for reality to sink in. The power could be out for days or a week. Our neighbors texted the next afternoon that they were heading to Kentucky to stay in a hotel. The storm wasn’t nearly as bad there. We did the same, taking our dog with us. Getting inside a warm hotel room with a nice soft bed was a sweet relief. The lights worked. The television worked. And a hot shower was minutes away. It didn’t take long to get nice and comfortable. When we received notice that power had been restored to our area a couple of days later, we made our way back home. The drive revealed a lot of damage. Even though the thick ice covering trees and grass glistened in the sunlight and was beautiful in a terrible way, the storm mostly left a trail of destruction with downed trees, telephone poles, and broken tree branches in its wake. The storm and loss of power over the next several days (and a couple of weeks for some) caused a lot of problems, and sadly, some folks didn’t survive. We came home to a mess. Electric cords were draped everywhere, from hooking things up to the generator, and blankets were piled up. It was freezing inside the house. The heat was on, but it took a long time for the house to warm back up. Honestly, seeing the mess reminded me just how much we really need power in our homes. We rely on it heavily for day-to-day life. It runs the stove, HVAC unit, refrigerator, freezer, water heater, washer and dryer, lighting, appliances, and television. Almost everything. Even with our great efforts to prepare for a lack of power during the storm, it was still terrible. Our home quickly became uncomfortable without electricity. It seemed we could do nothing. We need power. Standing amidst the mess, it hit me spiritually. We need the Holy Spirit at every moment of our lives. We can’t do anything good without Him; we’d be uncomfortable, cold, and powerless. Intersecting Faith & Life: As a saved person, I’m deeply thankful for what Jesus did for me. I’m still in love with Him after many years as a Christian. But to be honest, I’m just beside myself that God also gave us the indwelling, powerful Holy Spirit to help us in life. He does so many things for us, including: Reveals Jesus Convicts us of sin Teaches us Reminds us Encourages us Protects us Guides us Warns us Gives us hope and spiritual gifts Tells us the truth Helps us pray Never leaves or forsakes us When a storm of life comes, whether it is a financial struggle, divorce, or the death of a loved one, we may be brought to our knees. The powerful Holy Spirit is with us in these hardships. He is our shelter when these storms blow through. Those difficult times show us just how much we need Him and rely on His power. They draw us into a deeper, more trusting relationship with our beloved Father. Father, thank You for giving us the powerful Holy Spirit to lead us through our lives. Helping us to grow closer to You and more like Jesus. In His name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when your prayers seem to go unanswered and God feels silent? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Psalm 13:1 and David’s honest cry: “How long, O Lord?” Seasons of waiting can leave us questioning whether God is listening, but Scripture reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions—it is choosing to trust God's character even when we cannot see His hand at work. Psalm 13 shows us that God welcomes our honest prayers. Like David, we can bring our fears, doubts, and disappointments to Him without hiding them. As we remember His past faithfulness and cling to His promises, we discover that His silence is never the end of the story. Highlights: Discover how Psalm 13 teaches us to trust God during seasons of silence and unanswered prayer. Learn why honest questions can strengthen, rather than weaken, your faith. Understand how David models lament by bringing his pain directly to God instead of pulling away. Be encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness when waiting for His future answers. Explore why trust is a decision rooted in God's character—not simply a feeling. Find hope in knowing that God continues to speak through His Word, even when His answers seem delayed. Join the Conversation Have you ever experienced a season when God felt silent? What has helped you continue trusting Him while you wait for His answers? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Holding on When God Feels Silent By: Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” - Psalm 13:1 (ESV) I looked at my journal from the beginning of the year. Six months had passed, and I realized several of my prayer requests remained unanswered. Several family members had been going through trials and needed help, but as I glanced at the list, God had not yet answered them. The phrase from Psalm 13 entered my mind: "How long, O God?" Instantly, I felt guilty for having questioned God. But then I remembered that Psalm 13 was in the Bible, and if the psalmist was allowed to say those words, so was I. As I have begun to pray more, I have found it to stretch my faith. Mostly because many of my “big” prayers have yet to be answered. God’s silence is often very hard. Have you ever just wondered: Is God listening? Faith doesn’t ignore silence—it learns how to speak honestly to God within it. In Psalm 13, we see the language of lament. David, the author, asks multiple “how long” questions here. Suffering, hardship, and sorrow were regular parts of David’s life, especially as he ran from the murdering king Saul. Including those questions here, David reminds us that God gives us permission to feel this longing. To feel the tension of having faith but feeling distant from God. Faith includes honest questions. “How long, O Lord?” - Psalm 13:1 David continues in Psalm 13, bringing his pain to God. He doesn’t withdraw, but turns toward God. The whole of Psalm 13 is a prayer to God. We might shy away from being honest or be too hesitant to express our frustration with the unanswered prayers, but David helps us remember that God is big enough to handle all of our requests and questions. David asks for light, help, and intervention. Just because God hasn’t answered a prayer or feels silent doesn’t mean we stop praying. In faith, we continue to come to God and talk to Him. In the midst of his questions and doubts, David says, “But I trust…” (Psalm 13:5). The circumstances haven’t changed, but David’s focus has. Trust is a decision, not a feeling. David is honest about his feelings, but then holds on to the truth of God’s character. The rest of the psalm, the last verse especially, ends with a declaration of praise. It is a future praise - one that has yet to happen, but David says he knows God will answer! How? Because David has focused on two things. David says in Psalm 13:3, “O Lord, my God…” David has a personal relationship with God. One that was tested over time. God had already proven Himself faithful to David in the past, because in Psalm 13:6 Davida says,“ he has dealt bountifully with me.” A faith that holds on, in the midst of silence and doubts, focuses on these two things: a personal relationship with God and God’s past actions. Don’t think that this quiet season is a reflection of God’s love for you. God loved us first (1 John 4:19). You can question God and still trust him. In fact, Psalm 13 reminds us that God welcomes our questions. Silence is never the end of the story. Keep holding on! If you’re in a season where God feels quiet, I walk slowly through Psalm 13 on my podcast, Psalms to Help You Sleep, helping you turn your questions into prayer. Listening to God’s word can be a soothing balm to our weary souls. If prayer feels like too much, start with just a simple: “God, I want to trust you, but it's hard.” Intersecting Faith & Life: God’s silence seems harsh, doesn’t it? One thing I need to remember, and I hope to encourage you to remember as well, is that ultimately God is never silent. Yes, our hearts feel as if God isn't speaking to us or answering our prayers. The truth we need is that God is always speaking, through His word. The Bible is always available to us, and it is the light, the help, and the guidance we need in times of great hardship. In the midst of any situation, God’s word, the Bible, can provide hope. God welcomes you, even your questions. The silence is not the end of the story. As you go to God, no matter how you feel, answer these questions honestly before him. Start here: Where does God feel silent right now? What honest prayer needs to be spoken? Further Reading: Lamentations 3:22-23 Psalm 55:22 Philippians 4:6-7 1 Peter 5:7 Exodus 16:18-21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 John 3:1 and the powerful truth that believers are deeply loved and called children of God. Our identity was never meant to be defined by a job, relationship, opportunity, or the approval of others. Rejection can leave us questioning our worth, but God’s love is not dependent on whether we fit someone else’s expectations. When we root our identity in Christ, we can make decisions from a place of confidence and obedience rather than fear, insecurity, or the desire to be accepted. Highlights: Discover the life-changing truth that your identity is found in being a beloved child of God. Learn how rejection and unmet expectations can challenge our understanding of our worth. Understand why fitting into someone else’s mold can keep us from embracing God’s unique calling. Be encouraged that God’s love and acceptance remain constant, even when circumstances change. Explore how confidence in Christ helps us make decisions based on faith rather than fear or approval. Remember that your value comes from God’s opinion of you—not the opinions or acceptance of others. Join the Conversation What areas of your life make you question your identity or worth? How can remembering that you are a child of God change the way you approach decisions and challenges? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Live Confidently in Your Identity in ChristBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” - 1 John 3:1 You're not a fit. Those words stung as the church leader told us we were no longer a fit for the pastoral opportunity. After many interviews and discussions with church leaders, we mutually decided that we were not the best candidates to assume a pastoral role in their church. Although it was mutual and we knew this was true, those words still stung as a fresh wave of rejection hit us like the ocean's waves. As much as we knew deep down that we did not possess the skills or abilities they were looking for in their next pastor, we still wanted to be wanted. It was not easy to hear that someone else had been chosen over us. Whether it's the end of a romantic relationship, the termination of a toxic friendship, or the end of a lucrative job, the desire to be included and loved unconditionally is a basic need for every human being. As we pondered whether we had truly made the right decision, we knew what we were both thinking: we wanted to say yes because we were afraid of what would happen if we said no. Fear and money are not reasons to do something. Talking yourself into something because you're afraid of what it's like to be alone or to lose something is not a reason to do it. Talking yourself into something is like telling yourself you're not in a bad relationship. All the signs of abuse are there, but you choose not to see them. In the same way, we were trying to fit ourselves into a mold that didn't fit our gifts or abilities. God has wired each one of us with unique gifts that only we can use. No matter how much we try to be like someone else, we will never be exactly like another person. We can only be us, the person God has created us to be. The quicker we embrace that and solidify our identity in Christ rather than in our job or in our relationship, the happier we will be. The above reminds us that God loves us, whether we fit a particular mold. Whether we choose to acquiesce to others' expectations or not, our identity in Christ remains solid. Christ's death on the cross afforded us the grace and ability to access God whenever we choose. It also solidified our rank as his children and his chosen people. Because we are God's children, we are afforded an inheritance that will never spoil or fade. God wants us to live each day in the freedom of being God's children. He wants us to trust him and know that he is guiding every decision we make. Whether we ask God for direction on our next romantic relationship, next job, or how to navigate a difficult relationship, God's love and acceptance of us will never change. Do you live every day knowing that God loves you unconditionally? Do you find yourself talking yourself into situations because you want to be loved and accepted by others? Do you choose the right job or the right relationship—or choose to be single—even though you know you've lost, and loneliness will result? It takes someone solidified in their identity in Christ to not capitalize on a seemingly lucrative opportunity. However, the more we wire our brains to live in the freedom and liberty that has been afforded us through Christ Jesus, the better off we will be in every facet of our lives. It will no longer matter what people think of us if we don't have a relationship, we lose our job, or we lose a friendship. People's opinions no longer matter when we know whose opinion matters most. When we make decisions not out of fear or money, but out of obedience and true understanding of calling, that is a life well lived. Father, let us be people who live in the understanding of our identity in Christ. Let us live every day free to make decisions not based on fear or money, but out of obedience and a calling to you. Let us trust in you, knowing that you have ordered all our steps and will provide for our every need. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: What keeps you from living a life confident in your identity in Christ? Further Reading:1 Peter 2:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's episode is a special bonus from the On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse hosted by Kristy Graham. What does it look like to trust God when He calls you into some of the world's most difficult and dangerous places? In this powerful episode, Kristy experiences firsthand what Samaritan's Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team members endure as they prepare to serve during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bev Kauffeldt, who has served on the last two Ebola responses, led Kristy through the training. Kristy got into the many layers of personal protection equipment to experience the process our DART members go through in the field. This inspired Kristy as she experienced the discomfort our teams willingly step into as they fight this dangerous outbreak. It also helped her know how to pray for our teams more specifically. At the training, Bev talked with Kristy about a passage of Scripture that has been on her heart: “This verse—I shared it with the team today because it's so perfect. In Acts 20:24, Paul says my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus, the work of telling others of the good news about the wonderful grace of God.” — Bev Kauffeldt, paraphrasing Acts 20:24 As believers, we must have a posture of humility. Someone who speaks into this posture in this Ebola response is Dustin Martin, a water, sanitation and hygiene technical advisor who supports Samaritan's Purse field offices around the world. Dustin will likely go to the DRC soon. He shared how he is preparing both physically and spiritually to be deployed and why he desires to go serve in this dangerous situation. “I want to be able to go to the ends of the earth for people that I haven't even met before because that's what Christ did for me. He took on humility. He took on human form when He had no need to. And if He did that for me, there's just no appropriate response but to do that for others.” — Dustin Martin Once Kristy was out of the personal protective equipment, she met Kate Allen, an emergency doctor, who the Lord has called and sent to many DART responses, including Ukraine and Iraq. They spoke about putting on the armor of God, trusting that the Lord goes before us. We are not promised safety, but God does promise that He is with us always. “God doesn't say you're going to be absolutely fine … but He does promise that He goes with us. And He promises that He goes ahead. And He promises He hems us in from behind. So, we go with His Spirit, and we go knowing that He has a plan, and that He has already paid the ultimate price.” — Kate Allen If you'd like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse, please visit SamaritansPurse.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We reflect on 1 Peter 4:8, which reminds us that “love covers over a multitude of sins.” While discernment is important, a critical spirit can quietly keep us guarded, distant, and unable to love others the way Christ has called us to. Past hurts and disappointments can cause us to constantly evaluate, judge, and protect ourselves from being hurt again. But God does not call us to carry the burden of figuring everyone out. He calls us to love. Through prayer, humility, and trust in God’s protection, we can move from criticism toward compassion and reflect the heart of Jesus. Highlights: Discover how 1 Peter 4:8 reveals the power of love to cover and restore relationships. Learn how past wounds can create a habit of judgment and constant criticism. Understand the difference between biblical discernment and a critical spirit. Explore five practical steps to replace judgment with love, including prayer, encouragement, and believing the best. Be reminded that God—not our ability to evaluate others—is our ultimate source of protection. Find freedom in loving others the way Jesus loves us, even when it feels difficult. Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself becoming more critical than loving toward others? What is one way you can choose compassion and grace in a relationship this week? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: 5 Steps to Stop Being Overly Critical By: Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 NIV Have you ever been hurt by an authority figure? I remember it, almost clear as day… I was in third grade. Somehow, the teacher always seemed proud of her classroom power. I liked to talk. She didn’t like talking. And there I went – I started up talking… My punishment? She had me kneel before a statue on hard, cold linoleum for hours (or for what felt like hours). It hurt. It was embarrassing. Here, and amongst other times like this, I learned something: You can’t trust everyone in a position of spiritual authority. Just because they have a position of power doesn’t mean they’ll use it for good. As a kid, I took the lesson and stuffed it deep in my pocket. Be careful, Kelly. You may get hurt. Even holy people can’t always be trusted. I started to keep my antennae up. I won’t get hurt or embarrassed like that again. Safety, now, became hyper-awareness as I talked to people in authority. I’d ask:- Are they speaking the truth?- Do they have the right motives?- Will they dupe me?- Are they living what they say, or are they a fraud?- Are they trying to profit for themselves, and do they even really care?In an effort to protect myself from future hurt, I started to live as a constant judge. A critic. A person continually sizing up good or bad. Right or wrong. Theologically correct or not right at all. People became either good or not so good. One morning, something hit me: I can’t be loving when constantly judging. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Pet. 4:8) God doesn’t require me to figure everyone out; He calls me to love. God doesn’t ask that I know every motive; He asks that my highest motive be love. Love is powerful. Love actually covers. It does something. It is a cause that always has an effect. Yet, a critical spirit? It can easily hide under the guise of good intent, while being all wrong. Jesus was not a fan of the Pharisees, who showed themselves pious, but underneath were void of true understanding. What can I do instead? I can:1. Pray that I can see what God loves in each person.2. Authentically bless them in prayer.3. Encourage them where they may need help or ministry.4. Believe the best and hope the best about them.5. Love them anyway. The highest understanding is love. The highest pursuit is love. WE don’t have to entirely know a person to love them. We don’t have to have it all figured out to show love. Love is simple.Judging is complex. Plus, it is a lot to uphold. It’s a lot to manage. It keeps the heart guarded. It blocks God’s outpouring and sin-covering love. At the end of the day, being critical doesn’t keep us safe. God is the only protector, and when we trust Him to protect us, we can begin to love others, even when it may feel scary. Will everyone treat us right? Will everyone do right? Not at all. But do we always act right and always do right? No, we don’t. We love the way Jesus loved us. Intersecting Faith & Life: Where do you find yourself judging more than you are loving people? How might believing the worst about others be preventing you from seeing their best? Identify ways that your judgment has impacted relationships… What would it look like for you to do something new? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels overwhelming and you don’t know what decision to make, where do you turn for wisdom? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on James 1:5, where God promises to generously give wisdom to those who ask. Whether we are navigating major life choices, parenting challenges, or seasons of uncertainty, we are never without access to the guidance of our Heavenly Father. The world offers endless opinions and advice, but God’s wisdom is different. His wisdom brings peace, produces good fruit, and draws us closer to Him. When we humbly admit our limitations and seek His direction, we discover that God is faithful to provide exactly what we need. Highlights: Discover the promise of James 1:5 and how God generously gives wisdom to those who seek Him. Learn why humility is essential when asking God for guidance and direction. Understand the difference between worldly wisdom and the peace-filled wisdom that comes from God. Be encouraged that feeling uncertain or overwhelmed can become an opportunity to grow in trust. Explore how Scripture and godly counsel help us apply God’s wisdom to everyday decisions. Remember that our weakness creates space for God’s strength and grace to work. Join the Conversation What area of your life do you need God’s wisdom for today? How can you make more room to seek His guidance through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Heavenly Wisdom Is Available to You By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5, ESV). Motherhood: a time in my life when it became really apparent to me that I had no idea what I was doing. Babies don’t come with a user manual, so sometimes it feels like you are learning how to be a parent by trial and error. As a new mom, it is so easy to become overwhelmed and anxious because you feel like you have more questions than answers, especially when your baby has sleeping issues or colic. And don’t forget when they get their first cold! Instead of letting overwhelm overtake us, we must remember that we have access to the wisdom of God; All we must do is ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5, ESV). We receive wisdom through the Word of God and the counsel of godly mentors and friends. God’s wisdom isn’t anything like what the world offers us; Ultimately, it is full of peace and brings about good fruit. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: When we approach God with humility, asking Him for guidance and direction, He is faithful to generously give us wisdom from above. We have been given the gift of leaders in the church who help us understand God’s Word so that we can apply its wisdom in our lives. They are also charged to care for our souls and can help us through difficult times, equip us, and encourage us. Do you fall into the ditch of pride, thinking you have it all figured out and are unteachable? More often than not, when we face challenges that make us realize we don’t know everything, the Lord uses that situation to sanctify us, humble us, and build our trust in Him. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He gives us grace that strengthens us in the midst of our trials and difficult seasons. Grace is always available to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). In a culture (yes, even within the visible church) where positive affirmations and self-empowering declarations are the norm, admitting your weaknesses, limitations, and failures is seen as negative and perhaps even harmful to your soul. Yet, the Bible reveals that we are not enough in and of ourselves or in our own abilities or wisdom; We are but dust (Psalm 103:14-16). The Lord is the One who gives us the breath, ability, and wisdom to accomplish anything, walk through a difficult situation, or make major life decisions. Admitting our “not enough-ness” provides an opportunity to look to God because He is, in fact, more than enough, and His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12). Ultimately, the Lord is glorified in my weakness and in my feeling of emptiness and “not enough-ness.” Are you weighed down with the cares of this life? You must run to God in humility, knowing that you do not have the answers for everything that you are facing; God does. His word tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, we can come to Him and ask for it. He is such a faithful and generous Father. His abundant wisdom is what we need when we don’t know where to turn. He will guide you and strengthen you with His grace when you are overwhelmed or confused. We also have the gift of godly counsel. What godly leaders has the Lord placed in your life that can help you when you are faced with difficult decisions? God has equipped them to care for your soul and teach you more about God and His ways. Ultimately, when we have reached our limit and don’t know where to turn, let us run to the One who holds all wisdom and grace! Further Reading: Proverbs 2:6-8 Psalm 90:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you constantly trying to meet expectations, avoid disappointment, or gain approval from others? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Galatians 1:10 and the danger of allowing people’s opinions to become more important than God’s approval. While serving and loving others are important parts of following Christ, our identity and worth were never meant to be built on earning acceptance. People-pleasing can leave us exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from who God created us to be. But freedom comes when we shift our focus from pleasing people to faithfully following God. When we understand that our worth is already secure in Christ, we can serve others from a place of love rather than a need for approval. Highlights: Discover how Galatians 1:10 challenges us to seek God’s approval above the opinions of others. Learn why people-pleasing can prevent us from living authentically and faithfully. Understand how setting healthy boundaries can help us serve others without losing ourselves. Find practical ways to overcome overthinking and replace anxious thoughts with prayer. Be reminded that your worth comes from God’s love—not your performance or others’ acceptance. Explore how focusing on Christ first brings freedom, confidence, and purpose. Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself seeking approval from others more than God? What is one step you can take to find your identity and worth in Christ instead? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: To Please or Not to Please? By Aaron D’Anthony Brown Bible Reading:“For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, CSB) A dear friend of mine has told me many times, he longs to be understood and known by those around him. For much of his life, he’s felt just the opposite, both with family and friends. What I’ve tried to instill in him, is that he might be working against himself. In his mind, doing for others at the expense of himself is supposed to lead to being understood. He’s a people-pleaser and he knows it. If he can just do the right thing, and say the right thing, he will eventually reap the reward of being known. In reality, they do know him, or some version, but not as he wants to be known because that part is hidden. See the contradiction? Those who engage in people-pleasing do so because, like my friend, they are hoping to achieve some abstract payoff. If only everyone would like them, life would be bliss. Not! There will never come a time when everyone likes you. Some people will dislike you for the very fact that you desperately want to be liked! Now, I don’t personally struggle with people-pleasing, but I can certainly understand the allure. After all, no one with a healthy mindset wants to be disliked by everyone! Rather, we want affirmation and appreciation and reassurance to varying degrees throughout our lives. People-pleasing seems to be what happens when we desire those things too much. The solution is not easy, but it is simple - shift our focus from people and put it on God. Let’s break that down into practical terms. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re one of those people-pleasing people, don’t ever think you’re stuck in this particular sin. What you need is a shift in mindset and that comes with taking practical steps over time. In essence, in order to break a habit you a to build a new, godlier one. Practice Introspection Maybe you’ve never considered this, or maybe it’s time to do it again, but self-reflection is important. Take time to consider why you people-please so much. Consider what you’re hoping to get and why that matters so much. Set Boundaries When is enough, enough? You need to know yourself in order to set boundaries. And with boundaries comes the ability to give simple no’s rather than overexplaining, and not overburdening yourself with people who would never in a million years do the same for you. Naturally, as believers we are called to serve, even thanklessly. However, allowing someone to take advantage of you (because you’re pleasing them) without admonishing them, works to their detriment and yours. Stop Overthinking If so-and-so didn’t say the thing you imagine them thinking, why are you assuming that’s how they feel? When we assume, we almost always go for the worst-case scenario, yet that worse-case is rarely ever what happens. Here’s what we can do instead, turn those worrisome thoughts into prayers. This will help you focus more on God and less on the imagined problem. If you want to test this theory, share with so-and-so what you assumed they felt and see how they respond. Were you accurate? Derive Your Worth from God You might not be a people-pleaser in the sense of wanting to please all the peoples. Maybe your sin is more subtle. Maybe you’re just trying to please your spouse by withholding the truth or please your boss by ignoring wrongdoing. Whatever the case, the issue seems to be deriving our worth from man instead of God. Certainly there are roles we play within our families, friendships, at work. These roles give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose. However, if any of these responsibilities were to disappear, and they may, would that mean our worth also disappears? According to Scripture, that answer is clear. God’s love for us is not contingent upon doing or being anything. He loves us, regardless. If that’s the case, try focusing on pleasing Him first and foremost. We can do for others second. With Him as the focus, and by knowing ourselves, and by having boundaries, and not overthinking, we can turn away from being people-pleasing people. Further Reading: Colossians 3:23 Proverbs 29:25 Romans 8:31 Romans 12:2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your deepest longing wasn't for a better life on earth, but for your true home with Christ? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on John 14:2, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for those who belong to Him. While this world offers temporary joys and inevitable hardships, our ultimate hope is found in the eternal home Christ has prepared for us. The more we fix our hearts on heaven, the less we become consumed by the fleeting treasures of this world. An eternal perspective reshapes our priorities, strengthens our faith through suffering, and reminds us that our greatest joy is not found in earthly comforts but in the promise of being forever with Jesus. Highlights: Discover how John 14:2 reminds believers that Jesus is preparing an eternal home for His followers. Learn why longing for heaven strengthens our hope during seasons of suffering and uncertainty. Be encouraged to treasure Christ above the temporary comforts and distractions of this world. Understand how an eternal perspective transforms your priorities and daily decisions. Reflect on Jesus' call to store up treasures in heaven rather than earthly possessions. Find renewed joy by remembering that your true home is with Christ forever. Join the Conversation How often do you think about heaven and the promise of being with Jesus? What is one way you can live today with a greater focus on eternity rather than temporary circumstances? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Longing for Heaven By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2 ESV). In the fourteenth chapter of John, Jesus told His followers He was leaving them to prepare a place for them and that He would return and take them with Him so that they would always be with Him. He called this place that He was preparing a mansion with many rooms, and, in my understanding of Scripture, Jesus might’ve downplayed it a little about what truly awaits us in this place He’s preparing for us. I wonder if we really think about His promise to return, and if what awaits us in heaven is really impacting our lives and our longings. I once heard an author and speaker say that our frustration—at heartache, pain and suffering, struggling to attain perfect love, and even striving for a more fulfilling relationship with God—is to be expected because “this life on earth is not the way it was supposed to be. Our former address was Paradise.” When my husband, Hugh, visited the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea several years ago, he observed something peculiar and wonderful about the Iteri people. These tribesmen, in a church established years earlier by American missionaries, were a people obsessed with heaven. When my husband—an American man who was schooled in the knowledge of the Scriptures—came to speak at the little Iteri church, the natives bombarded him with questions, but not about doctrines or dispensations, interpretations, or translations. They wanted to know more about heaven. Lon, the American missionary to the Iteri people, attempted to explain to my husband the people’s particular obsession with eternity. Because the Iteri people dealt with so much suffering, saw so many of their loved ones die, and had such a high mortality rate there in the jungle, the life to come was all they really cared about. When I heard that, I thought about how it must touch our Creator’s heart to know that, somewhere in this world, some of His loved ones truly long to be home. Intersecting Faith & Life: When my husband recounted the Iteri’s questions to me, my heart grieved over my own contentment with this earth, to the detriment of my longing for heaven. Why isn’t heaven all I think about? Why do I not long more to be in the presence of my Savior, to be away from the pain and the temporary and the often meaninglessness of this world, and to be complete and whole, and by His side as I was created to be? In what ways have I grown too comfortable in this world and forgotten that my real home is in heaven? What cheap substitutes for heaven have I settled for? In Colossians 3:1-2, we are instructed, as followers of Christ, to seek the things above—in heaven—where Christ is, and to set our minds on things above, not on things that are on earth. And in Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Those are commands and exhortations to be eternally minded, to be preoccupied with heaven, and to set our hearts and our desires there for the health of our souls, for proper order of our values, and for our inexplicable joy. Oh, to have a longing to be with the Maker of my soul… to long for Him as much as He longs for me. It’s clear to me today that my longing for Heaven is directly proportionate to my longing for Christ. Lord, give me a longing for the day I will be in perfect communion with You – no distractions, no other loves to steal my heart away, just You and me. For eternity. Further Reading:Revelation 21:1-4 For more on gaining a heart for heaven, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a calling, uncertain about the future, or afraid you weren't enough? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Deuteronomy 31:8, where God promises to go before His people, remain with them, and never leave or forsake them. His presence doesn't always remove our fears—but it gives us the courage to move forward in faith. Just as Joshua was called to lead Israel into the Promised Land, we often face assignments that feel bigger than our abilities. Yet God never calls us to walk alone. He goes before us, prepares the way, provides what we need, and faithfully holds us through every challenge. Our confidence is not found in our own strength, but in the God who never lets go. Highlights: Discover how Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us that God goes before us and never abandons His children. Learn why God's presence gives us courage even when we feel inadequate or afraid. Be encouraged to trust that God equips those He calls to fulfill His purposes. Understand how Joshua's story points to the confidence we can have in God's faithfulness today. Reflect on how fear loses its power when we remember God is already preparing the way. Find peace knowing your future rests in God's hands—not your own abilities. Join the Conversation Where is God asking you to trust Him in a situation that feels bigger than you? How does His promise to never leave or forsake you give you confidence to take the next step? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How God’s Presence Strengthens Our Faith By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deut. 31:8, NIV When first invited to podcast, I wrestled with God for some time. I wondered why anyone would want to listen to me when there are so many other great podcasts from which they can choose. What if I was boring or ran out of things to say? But my biggest concern was that I’d make a fool of myself. I’d spoken to live audiences numerous times. People I could look in the face and respond to their cues. But speaking into a computer screen? Learning about all the technological elements felt a bit overwhelming. The more I prayed on this, however, the more the Lord made it clear that this opportunity came from Him. And that changed everything, because I knew, deep in my soul, when God assigns, He always provides everything we need to do all that He asks. More importantly, I also knew He would remain with me each step of my journey. Although that didn’t remove my insecurity, it gave me the courage to step into something that’s brought satisfaction and a lot of precious, prayerful moments with the Lord. Now, I realize my situation was nothing like Joshua’s. God gave this warrior-commander a massive assignment—to lead ancient Israel, a challenging group to say the least, into the Promised Land, an area occupied by powerful people groups with organized armies, living in fortified cities. And Moses, the man who had led them through many frightening situations in the forty years prior and who spoke with the Almighty face-to-face, wouldn’t accompany him. But Joshua wouldn’t be alone. The Lord would remain with him. He promised to go before Joshua—charting the way, removing what would hinder God’s purpose, and preparing him for everything he’d encounter. He also went ahead of His people in the sense that He’d already provided the blessing Joshua and the people needed to possess. Again, God had already given them the land, but they still had to actively take hold of it. They had to cross the Jordan River and engage in battle, but would do so from a place of victory. The Lord would never leave or forsake them. In the original Hebrew, one could phrase this as, “He will never turn His back on you, and He will never release His grip on your life.” He’s made that same promise to you. Intersecting Life & Faith: God is always moving closer, especially when you feel overwhelmed, insecure, or afraid, and He always keeps you locked in His loving gaze. That is why we don’t have to feel discouraged or afraid. Discouragement often rises when we realize something is beyond our control, and we lack the strength, clarity, or ability to fix whatever stands before us. But according to today’s verse, that will never be the case. We always have the power, presence, and provision of the Almighty Creator God with us. He goes before us, works within us, stands behind us, and surrounds us with His all-encompassing love. Fear often follows discouragement—it’s the what-if scenarios that flood our minds when we think about our sense of powerlessness. Faith grows when we remember that we’re not alone, nor must we navigate our problems on our own. We are always held, helped, protected, and empowered by the One who remains with us, fights for us, and has already secured our victory—your victory!—through His death and resurrection. This weekend, when stress or anxiety rise, pause and reflect on today’s verse. Let it remind you that your safety and future don’t rest on your ability to figure things out—God goes before you, remains with you, and faithfully leads you on the best path for your life. Remind yourself that your success and safety aren’t up to you. God’s got you. He’ll never turn His back or release His strong yet gentle grip on your life. And, if you’d like additional encouragement, I invite you to download my free resource: When Fear Hits: a 7-Day Reset for Anxious Hearts. Find it on my website’s freebie page. And may you live with the confidence and courage of one who is chosen, called, and empowered by the Almighty. Further Reading:Deuteronomy 31:1-8Joshua 1:1-9Exodus 23:20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you treasure most? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 19:21-22 and Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler. While God graciously gives us family, security, careers, and countless blessings, none of those gifts are meant to replace the Giver. Jesus calls us to hold every earthly treasure with open hands so our hearts remain fully devoted to Him. God's kingdom is worth more than anything this world can offer. When we recognize Christ as our greatest treasure, following Him becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant sacrifice. As we invest our lives in what lasts forever, we discover the peace, joy, and eternal hope that only Jesus can provide. Highlights: Discover why Matthew 19:21-22 challenges us to examine what we treasure most. Learn how even good gifts can become idols when they take God's rightful place. Be encouraged to pursue eternal treasures that cannot be taken away. Understand why following Jesus is always a greater gain than anything we leave behind. Reflect on how your time, attention, and priorities reveal what your heart values most. Find lasting joy by making Christ your greatest treasure above every earthly possession. Join the Conversation What is one thing you find yourself holding onto most tightly? How can you surrender it to God and trust that He is your greatest treasure? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Treasure Worth EverythingBy Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” - Matthew 19:21-22 (ESV) One morning, while walking my dog, I slowed down to go around a curve. Walking slower allowed my thoughts to shift to the morning sun peaking over the mountains. It was a sweet moment of quiet, peace, and gratitude. I was so thankful to the Lord for all of the good things in my life, the things I still had that were of great value. I started listing the relationships, the comfort, and the security God had provided for my family and me after a few years of upheaval and heartache. Those things, as I meditated on them, are wonderful, certainly they are gifts from God, but as I read the Gospel of Matthew, I realized those things can also quietly take center place in my life. None of those gifts from God is bad, but they can have the tendency to feel more important than God Himself. I think we can be thankful for the gifts of family, protection, and financial stability. But after reading Jesus’ words in Matthew, there is also a warning. We need to remember that what we treasure most has a way of shaping our hearts. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (ESV) Jesus isn’t just talking about money or possessions, but anything that would take our hearts away from God. In those verses, we see the value of eternal things, instead of earthly things. The two things that will last forever are God's Word and people. The things we invest our time, energy, and attention into reveal what we believe will last. Do we believe that eternity is coming? We can start now, focusing our minds, our hearts, and our actions on things that will last beyond our years here on earth. It is easy to focus on earthly things because we can see those things, and God’s rewards, God’s treasures, are often unseen. If we could see the value of what God is offering to us, as believers, I think we would do as the man does in Matthew 13:44. Jesus tells his followers, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (ESV) God’s kingdom, the eternal things, are worth more than everything we could accumulate here in this lifetime. Notice that the man sells everything, not out of obligation, but because of joy. God’s kingdom is not a loss; it is a gain beyond comparison. This man found something better, and we, too, can have these things. God’s kingdom offers us peace (Philippians 4:7), joy (John 15:10, and true life (John 10:10). So what holds us back? Why do we hesitate? I think the answer can be found later in Matthew when a rich young ruler asks Jesus a question in Matthew 19:16, “Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus tells him about the law, but then says that to be truly perfect, the rich man had to sell all of his things and give his money to the poor. The man walked away because something else was better than Jesus. The lesson for us is not to sell all of our things to follow Jesus – the command from Jesus to this man revealed the man’s heart. He couldn't let go of his wealth, and Jesus knew that. Sometimes the things we treasure most can become the very things that keep us from fully trusting God. Only you know your heart, but God also knows. We treasure things like control, comfort, money, routine, and even our image. Those things are not bad, but when they keep us from following, that’s where we are invited to change. God invites us to depend on Him, not these things. God isn’t trying to take away the good things in our lives, but He is reminding us that He is something better – following Him will always lead to things that will last. Jesus is the true treasure. At the end of this conversation, Jesus says we will “inherit” eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) Jesus is our treasure! The more we see the beauty of Christ, the more everything else begins to take its proper place. Intersecting Faith & Life: What am I holding onto most tightly right now? Does it reflect what I truly believe is most valuable? The treasure of knowing God is worth more than anything this world can offer. And when we begin to see that clearly, we don’t have to force ourselves to let go. We simply begin to open our hands—trusting that what He gives is far better than anything we leave behind. Further Reading:Colossians 3:2Philippians 3:81 Timothy 6:17-19Hebrews 11:24-26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the greatest blessing God offers isn't more success, more possessions, or more recognition—but a heart that is truly content? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Ecclesiastes 5:19 and discover that contentment is one of God's greatest gifts. While the world encourages constant comparison and striving, God invites us to rest in the unshakable joy found in Christ. True fulfillment isn't found in having what someone else has. It's found in recognizing God's goodness, embracing His provision, and enjoying the life He has entrusted to us. When we stop measuring our worth by the world's standards, we begin to experience the peace and joy that only God can provide. Highlights: Discover why Ecclesiastes 5:19 describes contentment as a gift from God. Learn how comparison steals joy and keeps us chasing what can never satisfy. Be encouraged to find your identity and worth in Christ instead of worldly success. Understand how gratitude transforms ordinary moments into reminders of God's goodness. Reflect on the difference between striving for approval and resting in God's provision. Find lasting peace by embracing the life God has given rather than longing for someone else's. Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself comparing your life to others? How can you choose contentment and gratitude in Christ instead of striving for what the world says you need? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Finding the Ultimate Blessing By Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” – Eccl. 5:19 NIV Walking around the soccer field, I observed the soccer moms. We looked the same. Puffer jackets. White shoes. Wild. I bought these clothes hoping to look good. Maybe, they too, wanted to look good. Maybe, they too, saw images of what moms should look like flash up on social media… Apparently, I wasn’t alone. We all clicked the “buy now” button. The moms walked past me on the concrete sidewalk – did they also unconsciously ask themselves the same thing as me? Namely, am I enough? One woman’s shoes? They were newer than mine.Another woman? She had the cutest fleece jacket.Her car? Newer. Sure, I knew these women looked good on the outside, but how did they feel on the inside? I honed in on a woman’s face. Was she happy? Not really.. I knew better than anyone that superficiality breeds insecurity. Why? Because one can never match up; someone else always has something better, is prettier, is richer. What a waste of time… This endless pursuit of wastefulness is not my inheritance in Christ Jesus. God has better for me. Contentment is God’s best portion for me: The resolute knowing that what He gave me is good. The understanding that I already have more than enough in Christ. The realization that competition and striving never end. The joy found in a day well done. The hope gleaned in a relationship worked out. The powerful steadiness of peace that can’t be shaken. My abundant portion in Christ Jesus is unshakeable and unbreakable. You, my friend, as a believer in Christ, have this same portion too! Solomon, the wisest man ever, summed up contentment in one sentence. He says, “Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” (Eccl. 5:19 NIV) Contentment is a gift. To accept our lo… To be happy… To be able to enjoy… This is a gift from God that the world can never steal. Our greatest gift is not having what our neighbor has, nor is it looking the same, or one-upping someone else. It is not getting more, looking better, being wiser, or having something we have always wanted. God’s truest gift for us? It is the simple things. It is delighting in the face of a child eating a lemon. It is appreciating the car you own and the music it plays. It is relishing in the growth of your own garden. It is knowing He is with you. It is liking and appreciating little, but special things. It is joy, cultivated. No one can compete against that! Intersecting Faith & Life: Where might you be striving and working hard to prove your worth? Where do you try to present yourself as more than you are? How do you try to fit in, rather than allow yourself to stand out? Striving is hard work; resting is contentment. What would it look like for you to give up all this striving in exchange for true, joyful resting in Christ Jesus? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How are you using the gifts, time, and opportunities God has entrusted to you? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Matthew 25:21 and Jesus' parable of the talents, reminding us that every resource, ability, and moment of our lives is an opportunity to glorify God. Faithful stewardship isn't measured by the size of what we've been given, but by our willingness to use it for His Kingdom. As followers of Christ, we have been called to live with an eternal perspective. Our time, talents, finances, relationships, and daily work all become acts of worship when they are surrendered to God. One day, every believer longs to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Living faithfully today prepares us for the joy of standing before our Savior tomorrow. Highlights: Discover what Matthew 25:21 teaches about faithful stewardship and eternal rewards. Learn why every gift, talent, and opportunity is entrusted to us for God's glory. Be encouraged to view your daily responsibilities as acts of worship and service. Understand how keeping an eternal perspective changes the way you spend your time and resources. Reflect on the difference between worshiping God and allowing worldly pursuits to become idols. Find practical encouragement to live each day with purpose, gratitude, and faithfulness. Join the Conversation What is one gift, talent, or opportunity God has entrusted to you that you want to steward more faithfully? How can you use it this week to glorify Him and serve others? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Stewarding All God Has Given Us By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21, ESV). It’s a sobering thought for all of us that one day we will stand before the throne of God and be judged for how we lived our lives here on earth. For believers who are in Christ, we know our sins have been paid for by the blood of Jesus on the cross, and we stand before the judgment seat totally forgiven. Tragically, for the unbeliever, they will be held accountable for every sin they have committed against the thrice-holy God and must suffer the consequences of their rebellion; Eternal torment under the wrath of God is their sentence, and the lake of fire will be their future home. Although the believer’s sins are no longer counted against them, they are still held accountable for the deeds they committed (or didn’t commit) for the sake of God’s Kingdom. As children of God, we are to shine brightly and reflect Him to the world. We do that by living our lives with the sole purpose of glorifying the Father; Through our good deeds, men who don’t even believe will glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). This life here on earth is a grace gift from God, and it should be our joy to thank Him by stewarding well every resource and talent we have been given. In Matthew 25, Christ shares a parable that reveals to us how we spend our life on earth matters; Every deed is recognized, and we will be rewarded by our Master and King: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: It’s often difficult to keep an eternal perspective in the midst of the mundane of life, but every moment is an opportunity to glorify Christ and continue in gratefulness and joy, no matter the task. Our life is worship unto our God. Worship is ascribing worth to something or someone; It is what you devote your time, your devotion, your affection, your finances, your heart to. If you allow yourself to really reflect on this, you will know in your heart where all those things in your life are going. Are you paying attention to where you are giving most of your life to? If you worship anyone or anything besides God Almighty, the Bible calls those people or those things idols. And when it comes to God, He doesn’t want you to give yourself away fully to anything or anyone but Him. He’s not egotistical or prideful. He just loves us so much and wants us to see the world and people as He does. The more we behold our King, the more we become like Him and long to reflect Him to a lost and dying world, using our life: time, resources, talents, finances, and good works to point others to Him. The world needs the hope of Christ, and we are to be carriers of that message that sets the captives free and gives them life eternal in Christ alone. We want to be faithful, obedient servants to our King so that we can see His Gospel and His Kingdom advance in the earth. Do you long to hear “well done, good and faithful servant”? May the Lord give you eyes to see many opportunities to serve Him with the life He has given you. Let us have a heart of gratitude for all the finances, time, talents, and passion that we can use to glorify His name and point others to Him. Ask the Lord to help you keep your mind fixed on eternal matters and say no to the entanglements of the world. Let us be wise with how we spend every day, making sure that everyone knows who we serve as followers of Christ. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to ignite a passion in our hearts to become a good steward of this precious life we have been given, all for God’s glory and name! Further Reading: Ephesians 5:15-16 1 John 2:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt anxious without knowing why? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Psalm 139:23-24 and discover that God knows our hearts more deeply than we know ourselves. When hidden fears, unprocessed pain, or subconscious burdens fuel our anxiety, the Lord gently invites us to bring everything into His healing presence. God never searches our hearts to condemn us but to restore us. Through His grace, He reveals the places where fear, lies, or unresolved wounds keep us from experiencing His peace. As we invite Him to search our hearts, He faithfully leads us toward greater freedom, deeper trust, and the abundant life He desires for His children. Highlights: Discover how Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows every thought, fear, and hidden burden we carry. Learn why inviting God to search your heart is a powerful step toward healing and lasting peace. Be encouraged that God reveals our struggles to restore us—not to shame or condemn us. Understand how unresolved pain and hidden beliefs can contribute to anxiety beneath the surface. Find hope in God's promise to lead you away from fear and into His everlasting peace. Rest in the assurance that God's grace is greater than every anxious thought you face. Join the Conversation Have you ever experienced anxiety that seemed difficult to explain? How has inviting God to search your heart helped you find peace or healing? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You Don’t Know Why You’re Anxious By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: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 (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV). I’ve experienced chronic anxiety for as long as I can remember. Until about five years ago, I assumed this was mostly biological, with a few uncomfortable scenarios sprinkled in. And while there may have been some truth to that, I’ve since learned a lot more occurred beneath the surface than I realized. That was a problem, because it’s hard to manage something with roots below conscious awareness. But one day, as I read Psalm 139, a thought hit. The lord knows me better than I know myself. He sees things in my soul that I don’t, and He lovingly shines His healing light into all those spaces where lies and unprocessed hurts reside. From that day on, I began praying today’s passage, asking God to reveal everything within me that weakened my relationship with Him and hindered my peace. David, ancient Israel’s second king who penned Psalm 139, began with a declaration of a truth I find comforting. “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me” (v.1). Not because God needed increased information. The Lord knew everything about him, since before he took his first breath. He then expanded on this in verses 2-4, saying, “You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar.You discern my going out and my lying down;you are familiar with all my ways.Before a word is on my tongueyou, Lord, know it completely.” David was saying, “You know every thought, concern and motive.” The same is true for us. The Lord knows every task weighing heavily on our hearts, every frustration we’ll encounter, and each moment that might challenge our peace and self-control. He sees the pits ahead of us and the detours we’ll feel tempted to take. Some find this depth of knowledge intimidating, maybe because they don’t understand God’s heart. The One who probes the deepest places within us is the same God who gave us His Son, that we might live. David understood this grace. In 1 Samuel 25, he became enraged and nearly annihilated an entire household because of one man’s offense. But the Lord used a wise woman named Abigail to stop him. Later, when David should have been out commanding his army (2 Samuel 11:1), he instead remained home, casually ambling upon the palace rooftop, which was designed to allow kings a bird’s eye view of their land, including the people they ruled. While there, he happened to see a married woman in the land below performing her post-menstrual ritual, per Jewish law. David lusted after and used his authority and royal officials to take her. In modern days, this would’ve fallen well within the #me too movement, because I highly doubt, in this patriarchal society where men often treated women as property, that Bathsheba had the ability, not to mention courage, to refuse the “request” of royal officials or the advances of a king. Then, as if that wasn’t atrocious enough, upon learning his victim was pregnant, he had her husband killed—to hide his sin. Yet, although he did experience consequences, he also received grace (Ps. 51), considering the extent of his sin, extreme grace. Because that’s the promise God made. When we confess our sins, every and any sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He never searches our souls to condemn us. Rather, He probes and illuminates to cover our biggest faults with mercy and undeserved favor. Everything He does and allows flows from these two motives: One is to bring us flourishing life characterized by love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). His second is to reveal His glory, which is another way of saying who He is in all His attributes. His goal? To awaken our awareness of His greatness so that we would turn to and depend more fully on Him, which is the only way to experience the thriving life Jesus promised in John 10:10. Intersecting Life & Faith: The more we grasp Christ’s heart and ways, the more we want him to reveal those things that are keeping us stuck—in anxiety, fear, anger, bitterness, rage. Whatever distorts our perspective and causes us to behave in ways contrary to who we truly are. Let me read today’s passage again, and perhaps make this your prayer: Search me, God, and know my heart. To the ancient Hebrews, the heart was the source of our motivations, thoughts, and will, including our subconscious. “Test me, Lord.” Look beyond our external behavior to examine those thoughts, motives, and patterns, conscious or not, triggering our anxiety. But here’s the beautiful part. God reveals what’s harmful within us in order to lead us one step further on His path to thriving, everlasting life. The fact that the Lord preserved this prayer in Scripture indicates He intends for us to actively pursue this level of transformation. To invite Him to reveal whatever is keeping us from full, thriving life. That’s a powerful step toward living free. Further Reading: Jeremiah 17:9-10 Hebrews 4:12-13 Isaiah 26:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When was the last time you slowed down long enough to enjoy God's creation? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Psalm 104:14-15 and discover how simple moments in nature can deepen our relationship with God. From the food we enjoy to the beauty that surrounds us, every good gift points back to our loving Creator. In a world filled with busyness and distractions, God invites us to pause, breathe, and recognize His presence through the ordinary. Whether it's sharing a meal outdoors, listening to birds sing, or simply sitting beneath the trees, slowing down allows us to experience God's generosity, peace, and care in fresh ways. Highlights: Discover how Psalm 104 reminds us that God's creation is meant to be enjoyed, not just observed. Learn why slowing down in nature can help you reconnect with God's presence. Be encouraged to practice gratitude by savoring both God's provision and His creation. See how everyday moments—like sharing a simple meal outdoors—can become acts of worship. Find renewed perspective as creation reminds you of God's care for every detail of your life. Be inspired to intentionally create space for rest, reflection, and fellowship with God. Join the Conversation Where do you feel closest to God in nature? Is there a favorite outdoor place where you experience His peace or presence? We'd love to hear about it in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Enjoy a Picnic with GodBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” – Psalm 104:14-15, NIV Some of my favorite childhood memories are of simple picnics with my mom in our backyard or at local parks. Mom could turn an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary experience just by packing sandwiches, grapes, chips, and lemonade for us to eat and drink outside. I remember how I always got a fresh perspective while picnicking in the fresh air. My world seemed to open up in nature, and my senses seemed stronger, too. I noticed the way the sunlight filtered through the trees and how every different type of bird sang a different kind of song. The sandwiches somehow tasted better outside than indoors, as well. Most importantly, on those picnics, I felt connected to something bigger than myself. Later, I learned that something was a Someone – God – who always joined us on our picnics. In our fast-paced world, we often rush through eating and don’t spend enough time outside in nature. But God actually designed them to help us connect to him. Psalm 104:14-15 points out that God provides a creative variety of plants that people and animals alike enjoy. God could have made all food and drinks taste the same and provided them to us just to survive. But instead, God created a wonderful variety for us to truly enjoy. This passage says that God created “wine that gladdens,” “oil to make faces shine,” and “bread that sustains.” In other words, God cares about us actually enjoying our experiences. God wants us to do more than just eat a granola bar in a hurry while driving to work, rush through lunch at our desks, and pick up dinner in a fast-food drive-thru line. God wants us to eat mindfully, so we can really enjoy the experience of eating and reflect on God’s generosity and love for us. God also designed us to enjoy spending time in nature. We can learn a lot about God in nature, because creation reflects the Creator’s qualities. A picnic can help us connect with God by doing both of those activities that God intends for us. Experience that for yourself! Schedule a picnic into your schedule sometime soon. Sit on a blanket on the “grass for the cattle” mentioned in Psalm 104, or at a picnic table on top of the grass. Say a prayer of thanks to God for the food, the “bread that sustains,” and all the other food you brought with you, which God ultimately made possible for you to enjoy. Eat slowly, savoring every bite of your food so you can taste God’s goodness to you. During a picnic, you can let the fresh air inspire you to find a fresh perspective on your life. Let yourself pay full attention to all the wonder around you, and let that remind you of how God cares for you in every detail of your life. Look up at the vast sky and down at tiny wildflowers to see how God designed every part of creation – everything, of all sizes – with loving care. Enjoy a picnic with God whenever you can. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Pack a sandwich, find some grass nearby, and let the simple pleasures of God’s creation lead you back to him. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider enjoying a picnic can help you move closer to God, reflect on these questions: What’s one of your favorite memories of being outdoors as a child? Did you notice God’s presence with you then? How does spending time in nature now help you look beyond your stressful circumstances to God? What’s one simple pleasure in the food you enjoy on picnics (like a certain flavor or texture) that you’re grateful to God for? Psalm 104 mentions blessings that make our hearts glad. What’s one part of God’s creation that always lifts your mood? How can you change your schedule to include picnics with God during good weather on a regular basis? Further Reading:Psalm 34:8Matthew 6:26Acts 14:17Genesis 1:31Romans 1:20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever struggled to open your Bible or felt disconnected from God? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Galatians 6:9 and discover that spiritual weariness doesn't mean your faith has failed. Even the most faithful believers experience seasons of exhaustion, discouragement, and spiritual dryness—but God invites us to keep taking small, faithful steps instead of giving up. Rather than striving for the perfect quiet time, God calls us to remain faithful in the little things. One verse, one prayer, or one quiet moment in His presence can become the beginning of renewed strength. Even when you can't see it, God is working beneath the surface, producing spiritual growth that will bear fruit in His perfect timing. Highlights: Discover why spiritual weariness is a normal part of the Christian journey—not a sign of failed faith. Learn what Galatians 6:9 teaches about perseverance when you feel spiritually exhausted. Be encouraged that faithfulness matters more than feelings or motivation. Find practical ways to reconnect with God through small, consistent daily habits. Understand how seasons of dryness often become places where God develops deeper spiritual maturity. Rest in the promise that God is producing a harvest, even when you can't yet see the fruit. Join the Conversation Have you ever gone through a spiritually dry season? What simple habit or Scripture has helped you reconnect with God when your motivation was low? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Unmotivated By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9 (ESV) I didn’t want to read my Bible. That is something that is hard to admit, especially since I’ve been a Christian for over twenty-five years. Of course, it hasn’t always been this way. Many mornings, I wake up ready to open up God’s Word and dive in. On other days, I’ve woken up late, or weary, or both. The Bible sits on the table next to my favorite chair unopened for the day. The guilt washes over me, and I wonder if tomorrow will be better. Only tomorrow isn’t better, and my life spirals into a pattern of being spiritually unmotivated. How do we keep going, keep having faith, and keep trusting God when our spiritual life feels empty? After a while, I’ve missed more than just a day, but a routine. After neglecting my time with God, I’ve seen a shift in my heart. Something is just… off. Many spiritual leaders, teachers, and authors talk about these seasons. They often call this time in our lives the “wilderness” season. This metaphor comes from the stories in the Bible when God would lead people into a physical wilderness, with little water, food, or shelter. It is a spot where maybe God’s blessings seem nonexistent. Our wilderness season isn’t something we rush through, muster through, or a time to abandon our faith. The hardest thing for me in a season of deep hardship, whether that is physically, spiritually, or emotionally, is that my motivation for the spiritual disciplines comes and goes. Our faith doesn’t feel vibrant, but dry. Let me offer some encouragement right here: a lack of enthusiasm doesn’t mean a lack of faith; it just means you are human. Paul writes in Galatians 6:9 to the believers: “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” Paul acknowledged the possibility and likelihood of being weary. In fact, Paul also included himself in that category. He said, “Let us…” It was even possible and probably that Paul would grow tired. Even faithful believers get exhausted! The answer Paul offers is not, “try harder…” but “don’t give up.” I’ll admit that in the middle of feeling fatigued, I always imagined God telling me to try harder, do better, and just move forward. In the middle of my messes and mistakes, God instead invites me to explore maybe why I’m so tired. Some simple self-reflection with the help of God's Spirit can help us pinpoint a reason for our wilderness season. Maybe it is because of physical exhaustion. Life is full, and many times we enter a period of time where we can get very little sleep, and our bodies are just tired. Emotional heaviness can also cause stress and discouragement. Carrying the weight of emotional hurt and heartache, whether that is our own or others’, leaves us fatigued. The dry seasons of life, especially our spiritual life, can sometimes be because of the repetitive nature of our lives. Getting up, doing the same thing, and repeating our days week after week, month after month, can wear us out. When we find ourselves in this type of routine, we might also place unrealistic expectations on what a quiet time with God “should” look like. What do we do when we wake up each morning unable to motivate ourselves spiritually? First, we keep it simple and small. Read one verse. Write a verse on a card and keep it by your bed or in your bathroom. Take one moment of your morning and turn towards God. As you do this, remove the pressure to have the “perfect” quiet time. Or, better yet, don’t try to copy or emulate what your time with God used to be like. Our faith is a growing faith, which means it changes. Paul’s answer to weariness was not to work harder, but not to give up. Showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all. Faithfulness goes much deeper than simple motivation. Paul says we will feel weary, but the harvest is coming. He says we will “reap,” which means there will be growth and fruit! If you feel unmotivated today, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to have it all together to keep going. God simply invites you not to give up. To take one small step. To trust that even in this season, He is growing something you cannot yet see. Intersecting Faith & Life: When you feel spiritually unmotivated, what is one small, simple way you can turn your attention back to God today? Try simply to read a verse, or say one prayer on your way to work this morning. Put your Bible in a place where you drink your coffee or get ready. The audio version of the Bible is also a great way to connect with God on the go. Further Reading:2 Thessalonians 3:13Psalm 73:26Philippians 1:6Psalm 126:5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have life's disappointments made it harder to trust God? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 13:20-21 and Jesus' parable of the rocky soil, revealing how hardship can quietly harden our hearts if we're not careful. Even when suffering, betrayal, or unanswered prayers shake our faith, God invites us to return to Him and rediscover the trust that trials may have stolen. Difficult seasons can leave us questioning God's goodness, but Scripture reminds us that He is never the author of evil. He is the Redeemer who works through every circumstance for our good and His glory. No matter how rocky your heart may feel today, God's grace can soften it again, allowing hope, faith, and new spiritual growth to take root. Highlights: Discover what Jesus teaches about rocky soil and a heart that struggles to trust during hardship. Learn how disappointment can quietly harden our hearts if we don't bring our pain to God. Be reminded that God is never the source of evil but the Redeemer who brings good from brokenness. Find encouragement that trust is restored by remembering God's unchanging character and faithfulness. Understand why bringing your doubts honestly before God is the first step toward renewed faith. Rest in the hope that your story isn't finished—God is still writing it. Join the Conversation Has a difficult season ever challenged your trust in God? What has helped you rediscover His goodness and faithfulness when life didn't go as planned? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How to Restore Trust When You've Lost ItBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes and accepts it with joy; Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.” – Matt. 13:20-21 AMPC Have you ever tried to dig a shovel into rocky soil? It’s torture. Bam! Bam! It’s nearly impossible. To hit rock is to be blocked. One can’t easily plant beautiful flowers when rocky soil blocks the ability to plant new life. The same goes for us when we are on rocky soil. Jesus said, “As for what was sown on thin (rocky) soil, this is he who hears the Word and at once welcomes and accepts it with joy; Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.” (Matt. 13:20-21 AMPC) We become rocky soil when what is hard and tough in life turns us hard and tough in heart. To be hardened to God because of trials and troubles means the soil of our hearts is rocky. Beautiful things can’t be as easily planted within us. This is a problem – for me, I considered, as I read this verse. You see, after reading these words of Jesus, I could now see that the trials and tribulations in my life were causing me to stumble. Because I was beginning to “distrust and desert Him Whom (I) ought to trust and obey.” Wow. God surely knows, I don’t want to fall away. But, after all that I had gone through… all I endured… all I had to endure in relationships… quietly, distrust was stealing my trust – and I knew it.Maybe I’m not alone in this. Maybe you, too, have had shockers in life… shock and awe when you got a medical diagnosis you didn’t expect. Shock when a friend turned to a foe. Shock when a dream suddenly ended. Shock when a child turns away from you. It is easy to lose trust after experiencing the shock of a carpet pulled out from under us. However, we are wise to remember: God is not the orchestrator of evil; He is the one who is for us. God is the one working all things together for good. Both Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us. I once heard a pastor say, “Devil, bad. God, good.” He’s right. God is good. God is just. God works all things together for good as we love Him and are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28). God is Redeemer. God is hope. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). God uses even what is hard and bad for good. I can’t give up on God. And, neither can you. I can’t afford to spend even a day away from Him. Trust returns when we remember that God is good. When we believe there is hope. When we repent of unbelief and decide to break up with it. When we remember, He can do the miraculous. When we ponder how God used Jesus and where Jesus sits now, after hardship. God is not what happened to us; God is good. Intersecting Faith & Life: What, in life, has happened to you that has made you lose trust? How have you subtly moved away from God? Can you let your pain go into His hands? Your need – to know? Your desire to have everything perfect today? God is the Author and the Perfector; your story is not done yet. This devotional is an invitation for you – to come back to Him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your greatest spiritual growth isn't found on the mountaintops, but in the valleys? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 5:3 and discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed. Seasons of loss, uncertainty, and weakness often create the very space where God's presence, grace, and strength become most real. While it's natural to long for life's mountaintop moments, our deepest dependence on God is often formed during difficult seasons. When our hearts are emptied of self-reliance and worldly security, they become open to being filled with Christ. The valleys may not be easy, but they often become the places where our faith grows stronger and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper. Highlights: Discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed in Matthew 5:3. Learn how seasons of difficulty can deepen your faith more than seasons of comfort. See how Peter's failures revealed his need for God's grace rather than his own strength. Understand why childlike dependence on Christ is central to the Christian life. Be encouraged that God often uses life's valleys to draw us closer to Him. Find hope knowing that when we feel empty, God is ready to fill us with His presence and strength. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God met you most powerfully in the middle of hardship? How has a difficult valley strengthened your faith and dependence on Him? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Join the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Blessing of Being Empty By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 ESV). Have you ever considered that perhaps the blessing isn’t in the mountaintops but found in the valley? So many of us live our lives longing for the proverbial “mountaintops,” for the moments when everything is perfect. Or, at least, seems to be. It’s not wrong to pray and hope for good things. For good jobs, loving families, great friends. Besides, we know God loves to give good gifts to His children. But what if instead of living our lives longing for the mountaintops and enduring the valleys because we think we have to, what if we saw the valleys as a gift? Now, don’t get me wrong. The valley isn’t a gift because it feels good. If anything, it probably doesn’t feel very good at all. Instead, it’s a gift because the hard times are usually when we grow in our faith the most. Think about it. The disciples walked with Jesus for 3 years. Surely, their time walking physically with Jesus was the “mountaintops” of their faith. Everything was going swimmingly. They saw miracles, witnessed healings, and watched Jesus raise people from the dead. In their minds, Jesus had no doubt come to conquer the Roman Empire (Acts 1:6). But then Jesus died. Those 3 days before He rose again were the darkest days in history, and no doubt, the hardest times in the lives of His disciples at that point (Luke 23:44-45, John 20:19, Mark 16:10). But you know what? They grew more during those 3 days than they had in 3 years. Peter is just one example of this. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, he wrestled with pride and reliance upon his own strength, telling Jesus that “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33 ESV). But in fear, he denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:75). We’ve all made promises on the mountaintops that we realize in the valleys we aren’t strong enough on our own to keep. Peter’s story is a reminder to us that our faith is sustained by God’s strength and grace alone, not anything we could do on our own. For the 3 years of Jesus’s ministry, they walked by sight. They had Jesus physically with them. But after His crucifixion in those 3 days where they didn’t understand what was happening and then later when He ascended to heaven, they had to believe what they couldn’t see. Consider this. When we’re walking with the Lord, and everything seems to be going great, perhaps we landed our dream job, or we were given a relationship that we’ve been praying for, in those moments, we are on the “mountaintops.” While I’m grateful for the “mountaintops” in life, I’ve realized that it’s in the “valleys” where I truly grow. Often on the mountaintops, we find ourselves filled with good things that we struggle to find room in our hearts for God. But in the valleys, when everything might be taken away from us, or we’re struggling, and our hearts are being emptied of the things of the world, that’s when our hearts may be more receptive to the Lord’s presence filling the empty spaces in our lives. It’s like the rich man and the poor man. In Luke 18, a rich man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 18). When Jesus tells him to keep His commandments, the rich man responds that “all these I have kept from my youth” (v. 21 ESV). Jesus then tells him that there is one thing he lacks: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). The Bible tells us that when the rich man heard this, he became sad because he was extremely wealthy. On the outside, he appeared to have everything he could ever want. He was “full.” Full of worldly possessions, perhaps power, of following his own path. Luke 18:24-25 continues: “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’” What is Jesus saying here? That if you happen to be wealthy, you won’t go to heaven? No, of course not. When we’re standing on the mountaintops and our lives are filled with such good things, sometimes, we may find it difficult to open our hearts to Jesus when our hearts are filled with things of the world. Earlier in Luke 18:16, 17, it says: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Jesus commends childlike faith. In most cases, children are simple, carefree, and completely dependent on their parents to provide and care for them. When we have faith like a child, we recognize the true essence of our faith, which is full dependence on Jesus to accomplish what we cannot. Sometimes, we have an innate tendency to feel independent and empowered, but that way of thinking can be false when it leads us to place an emphasis on our strength above Jesus in us. Yes, God loves to give us good things. To bless us with moments on the mountaintops. But I’ve found that the greatest blessing is found in the valleys, when we realize God’s grace is the only thing sustaining us and we find ourselves empty enough to be filled by Him. If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the tragedy we may be walking through may be easy or a gift in and of itself, but the result (which can often be a deeper closeness with God) is the true gift. Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God? Pray with me: Father, thank You for the valleys that make me like a child again. Thank You for the seasons that strip away my false independence and remind me that I am sustained by Your grace alone. Help me to stop longing for the next mountain and instead look for Your presence right here, even in the empty spaces. Fill me with Yourself today. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Where do you turn when life feels uncertain or overwhelming? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Psalm 32:7 and discover the comforting truth that God is our hiding place. Through the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom, we're reminded that even in our darkest moments, God remains our refuge, protector, and source of lasting hope. Life's hardships can leave us feeling vulnerable, alone, or forgotten. Yet Scripture reminds us that God's presence never leaves us. He surrounds His children with His love, strengthens us through every trial, and faithfully walks with us until deliverance comes. No matter what you're facing today, you can find peace by taking refuge in the One who never fails. Highlights: Discover what Psalm 32:7 teaches about God as our hiding place and protector. Learn how Corrie ten Boom's faith demonstrates trusting God through unimaginable suffering. Be encouraged that God's presence remains constant, even when your circumstances feel uncertain. Understand why God's truth is more reliable than our changing emotions. Find hope in remembering God's faithfulness through past trials as you face today's challenges. Rest in the assurance that God surrounds His children with His protection, peace, and unfailing love. Join the Conversation When have you experienced God as your hiding place during a difficult season? How has remembering His past faithfulness strengthened your trust today? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: You Are My Hiding Place, GodBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). Corrie Ten Boom was a strong follower of Jesus who lost everything to the Nazis. Her family protected Jews from being taken to Nazi concentration camps by hiding them. However, one day, they were discovered. Corrie, along with her family, was taken to various jails and concentration camps. Corrie’s father died in prison ten days after arriving, while she and her sister, Betsie, were taken to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Betsie died while in Ravensbrück, which severely affected Corrie. The two sisters were extremely close and relied on one another. Corrie was later released from Ravensbrück by happenstance, which was later discovered to be a clerical error. However, we know this was God working in the situation; He was setting Corrie free from the concentration camp that had taken so much from her. Upon returning home, Corrie noted that home didn’t feel like home anymore. She was waiting for Betsie or her father to show up, but they never did. For many of us who have lost loved ones, we know what this feels like. They have passed on, and we won’t see them again until Heaven. Throughout Corrie’s time living under the Nazi regime, she never lost faith in Jesus. She knew Christ was with her. Even today, He is still right beside us as we face our own battles. Corrie’s book detailing her time under Nazi rule is called “The Hiding Place.” This was connected to how they would hide Jews in a special room in their house, which doubled as their watch shop. While this room kept the Jews safe, it was also God who was protecting them. God is our figurative and literal hiding place. We might not see it at present; however, when the time comes, we will see His safety, protection, and comfort. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible speaks of God as our hiding place: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). David wrote this psalm, knowing that God would protect him from trouble and surround him with deliverance. Just as God did this for David, He will do the same for us. Even when you might think God is far, He is near (Acts 17:27). During dark times, it can feel as though He is nowhere to be seen. These feelings are valid, but we must understand that God is greater than our feelings. We don’t need to base our knowledge of God on what we feel. Our feelings may be inaccurate or misleading. Our feelings might tell us that God will not protect us from harm, trouble, or struggle, but we need to remember that He is our hiding place. He will protect us and surround us with His grace. Think about what you need today and present it to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Do not feel afraid to share your real feelings and the thoughts that are pulling you away from Him. God knows life can get hard, and our faith can waver from time to time. However, He doesn’t want us straying away from Him. He is our hiding place where we can go and find safety, security, and hope. Even if you may feel weak and tired right now, go to Him. God walked Corrie out of Ravensbrück, and He will walk you out of this struggle ahead. I have seen it in my own life, and you probably have already seen it in yours, too. Rely on God’s past faithfulness when it seems like a prayer has not been answered in a long time. He will answer your prayers in time and surround you with songs of deliverance (Zephaniah 3:17). Is God currently your hiding place? Why or why not? How can you build your trust in God today? Further Reading: Psalm 28:1-9 Psalm 36:5-9 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.