Crosswalk.com Devotional

Isaiah 30:17 uses the imagery of a banner on a hill to describe visibility, identity, and the reality that what is lifted up becomes a symbol others recognize and respond to. In this devotional, Lynette Kittle reflects on the meaning of the American flag as a national symbol and explores how honoring it connects to gratitude for freedom, sacrifice, and heritage. She emphasizes the flag not just as fabric, but as a representation of unity, history, and the values a nation seeks to uphold. Highlights Isaiah 30:17 uses “banner” imagery to represent identity and visibility. The American flag is presented as a symbol of freedom and national unity. Flags historically represent leadership, belonging, and shared values. The U.S. flag reflects the history and sacrifices tied to national freedom. Symbols can serve as reminders of heritage and collective responsibility. Gratitude for freedom can lead to reflection on God’s providence. National symbols often carry emotional and cultural significance. Honoring heritage can encourage unity and respect within a nation. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: Why Honoring Our Flag Pleases God By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.” - Isaiah 30:17 Individuals and groups have stomped on it, carried it upside down, cut it up, and burned it, yet our nation’s flag keeps on flying and representing to many around the world, even if not to some in the United States, a sign of hope and true freedom. On this 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation, our American flag is a worldwide symbol of freedom on this earth. Hands down, it is considered the most recognizable flag in the world as a symbol of freedom. When we honor our flag, remembering its history of how God led Christians to establish it, we honor God, because He is accredited with the birth of our nation. “Of course, it’s just a symbol,” notes Dr. Jerry Newcombe, Executive Director of Providence Forum, “but it’s a powerful one. To me, it represents the American story - self-rule under God.” Many who disrespect and spit on our flag do so because they hate the history ascribed to it and our nation’s long-held slogan of being “one nation under God.” Newcombe believes we should honor our flag because it honors God and our country. “A lot of blood was shed defending that flag,” he explains, “and it represents the freedom we enjoy.” Flag Day, celebrated each June 14th, commemorates the day our Continental Congress adopted the original American flag in 1777, made official in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. Growing up, many of us in the United States memorized and recited The Pledge of Allegiance, a pledge “written by a Baptist minister in the 1890s, with the ‘under God’ phrase added in the 1950s,” notes Newcombe. The Purpose of Flags Used primarily throughout history in warfare to announce battles and identify troops, national flags still play a role in distinguishing friend from foe. Culturally, the flag symbolizes power and leadership, carried during military processions and announcing dignitaries. They represent the people and beliefs behind them, of the hands that hold and carry them, and the buildings where they are flown. Flags also serve to draw together and rally people for unified causes, flown to signal, decorate, and display in parades and at events. As well, flags declare ownership, borders, and jurisdiction in homelands and foreign lands. Nations around the globe use them to communicate to the masses the loss of leaders and the mourning of national tragedies and disasters. The United States flag drapes the caskets of our fallen military heroes and veterans when they are being transported from the combat zones to home and at their funerals. The Meaning Displayed in America’s Flag America’s flag has 13 red and white stripes, each representing the original 13 colonies that began our nation, along with 50 white stars set on a blue background representing our current 50 states. There is significant meaning within the American flag’s design, as the Founder of Providence Forum, Dr. Peter Lillback notes. Each color displayed on the American flag has a definite meaning, with red standing for hardiness and valor; white for purity and innocence, and blue for perseverance, justice, and vigilance. Unlike some believe, even though Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag, the design is accredited to one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Hopkinson. Our American Flag Stirs Hearts Our American flag is a vital piece of America’s history, representing freedom for all, known to stir the hearts of its patriotic citizens. It’s a symbol that has inspired our nation through many troubles and conflicts, standing for life, liberty, justice, and freedom for all. In honoring it, we please God by recognizing the godly heritage it represents throughout the history of our nation and the world. Intersecting Faith & Life:Did you grow up reciting The Pledge of Allegiance before school each morning? If so, has it impacted your life? In what ways? If not, what are your thoughts on the American Flag? Further Reading:A Prayer to Honor What Our Nation’s Flag Represents Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

John 16:33 reminds believers that hardship is not an exception to the Christian life but an expected part of living in a fallen world. In this devotional, Deidre Braley explores the tension many Christians feel between wanting to avoid suffering and God's invitation to trust Him through it. While our natural instinct is often to run from pain, Scripture teaches that trials can become powerful tools God uses to shape our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and strengthen our character. Highlights Jesus promised believers would face trouble in this world. Many people spend significant energy trying to avoid suffering and discomfort. God uses trials to develop perseverance, character, and hope. Christian growth often happens through difficulties rather than ease. Suffering does not mean God has abandoned His people. The Holy Spirit strengthens believers through seasons of hardship. Trusting God in adversity helps replace fear with faith. Christ's victory over the world gives believers lasting hope in every circumstance. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: Learning to Glory in Our Sufferings (When We’d Rather Run from Them)By Deidre Braley Bible Reading:“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 NIV Poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote to his young protege, “People have… oriented all their solutions toward the easy and toward the easiest side of the easy; but it is clear that we must hold to what is difficult; everything that is alive holds to it” (Letters to a Young Poet, W.W. Norton & Company, 1934, pg. 41). And earlier this week, over morning coffee and as simply as could be, my husband said, “Good things happen every day, and bad things happen every day. That’s just the way it goes.” So I took a long walk, mulling those thoughts over, both Rilke’s and my husband’s. I have spent most of my life crouching on its rim and hoping nothing bad will happen. That I will be able to get through each day and sigh and say, “Another day has passed. All is well. Thank God.” But of course, all is not well. All is never well. My soul knows it. We all know it. But we pretend, and I cannot help but wonder why, because Jesus told us very plainly, “In this world you will have trouble.” We still seem to want to believe that if we can produce the right prayers and structure our lives just so, we can be the ones to escape trouble. We hope that Jesus’ words are for everyone except us. We try to safeguard our lives from pain. We want to be exempt from suffering. I, for one, take no pleasure in hardship. Just like everyone else, I still have an ember of Eden burning in my spirit. I long for a place that, though I’ve never been, I have somehow always known, a place where there is nothing to fear in the first place. But at the same time, I am starting to consider a strange and liberating thought: What if I can accept that trouble will happen, and frequently? If I let go of my great efforts to circumnavigate hard things, will that actually free me up for… more life? Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul writes a challenging word to the Romans, but it is one that confirms my suspicion: There is a way to embrace all that comes along in life, whether it is the joy we hope for or the suffering that we have formerly feared. He says: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5 NIV). When we are afraid to suffer, we expend all of our energies trying to avoid the inevitable. It makes us small, hardened, and anxious people. But, fascinatingly, it seems that difficulty can expand and strengthen us in ways that nothing else can. God, in his infinite goodness, takes the trouble of this world and, if we are willing and open to it, weaves the colors of perseverance, character, and hope into our spirits. We grow. We transform. We are filled with his Spirit, which has overcome the world. In this way, we come to accept all things and fear no things. In this way, we become truly free to live. Of course, we cannot simply will our own fearlessness into being. But we can surrender our need for control and fear of hardship over to God, and we can ask him, in prayer, to make us more alive, no matter what comes our way today. Here is a prayer to carry with you whenever you begin to feel that old aversion to suffering rising in your chest. Oh Lord, we were not made for suffering. And this world can be so very hard. But you have told us to take heart. You have told us that you have overcome the world, and it seems that this is the key to facing all sorts of trouble. God, when trouble comes my way, today or in the future, teach me how to move through it rather than run away from it. Use it to strengthen my character. Use it to make me more alive. Let me see your glory all throughout it, so that I will not be afraid. Amen. Further Reading:James 1:2-16Romans 5:1-5Romans 8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Corinthians 14:20 challenges believers to pursue spiritual maturity by thinking with wisdom, discernment, and godly understanding. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler explores the difference between childish thinking and mature faith, reminding Christians that age alone does not produce spiritual growth. God calls His people to remain innocent regarding evil while developing the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate a world filled with competing voices, misinformation, and spiritual confusion. Highlights Spiritual maturity requires growing beyond childish patterns of thinking. God calls believers to be innocent toward evil but mature in wisdom. Prayer helps align our thoughts with God's perspective and guidance. The Holy Spirit teaches believers how to think with discernment. Wisdom involves applying God's truth to everyday decisions and challenges. Regular Bible study strengthens our ability to recognize truth and avoid deception. Mature faith responds thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Spiritual growth happens gradually as believers consistently seek God. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: Think Like AdultsBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20, NRS When my late mother was living in a retirement home, she dated a man who also lived there. Women far outnumbered men in Mom’s community, and out of the few men who lived there, Mom’s boyfriend was the only one who could still walk unassisted. Not only that, but he could still drive! Some of the women there were happy for Mom, but many of her neighbors excluded her from events and gossiped about her and her boyfriend. “That’s so immature!” I complained when Mom told me about it. “They’re acting like a bunch of jealous high school girls. I thought they would know better at their age.” Mom just smiled and said something I’ll always remember: “Reaching a certain age doesn’t guarantee reaching maturity.” In 1 Corinthians 14:20, the Bible reminds us that spiritual maturity in the way we think is important. It points out that we should stay far away from sin by being as innocent as infants toward evil. That way, we can stay pure and sensitive to God. But at the same time, this verse urges us to think like adults. Adults are meant to be mature, thinking carefully and wisely. God wants us to use the amazing minds he has given us. He doesn’t want us to accept every idea without examining it, or follow every voice we hear without first considering if it’s credible. We shouldn’t be reacting to situations immaturely. Instead, we should grow spiritually mature by seeking God and developing discernment to recognize what comes from God and what doesn't. When we think like adults, we can ask questions about any situation to help us adopt the perspective God wants us to have on it. Instead of asking what we want, we can ask what God wants, and instead of asking what’s easiest, we can ask what’s right. This kind of thinking grows as we walk with God, and prayer is an important part of that growth. When we pray, we invite God into our thoughts and decisions. Prayer slows us down so we can connect with God’s presence with us. Then, we can listen to whatever God is trying to tell us and perceive those messages more clearly than we could if we weren’t giving God our full attention. As we pray, we can ask God’s Holy Spirit to work within us. Then, we’ll develop the wisdom we need to say and do whatever is best in any situation we face. Wisdom is more than knowledge. Knowledge tells us facts, but wisdom helps us know how to live like God wants us to live. When we pursue wisdom by asking the Holy Spirit to guide our thinking, we can learn how to recognize what’s actually true versus the lies that spread in this fallen world. We can also learn how to make the best choices, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Holy Spirit serves as our teacher throughout this journey. The more the Spirit shows us how to think like adults, the more we learn to stop reacting to situations like children and to start responding to them wisely, by carefully considering our choices. Along the way, we’ll make mistakes, but God is patient with us as we grow. Just like a child slowly matures into adulthood, our mature thinking develops step by step. Each time we read the Bible, pray for guidance, or seek advice from a wise believer, we take another important step toward mature thinking. Maturity matters! Far too many people are becoming confused and deceived by messages spreading in this world from unreliable sources. As we grow in mature thinking, we become stronger in our faith and better able to help other people. We can point the way to what’s really true and give people the real hope they need. So today, let’s ask God to help us think like adults and grow to become spiritually mature in the process. Together, we can keep learning to think with God’s wisdom. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how important it is for you to think with spiritual maturity, reflect on these questions: In what ways do you sometimes approach your faith with childish thinking rather than mature understanding? How can prayer help you develop wisdom and clearer thinking? What voices or influences in your life might distract you from God’s truth? How can reading the Bible regularly strengthen your ability to discern what’s right? What’s one step you can take this week to grow in spiritual maturity? Further Reading:Hebrews 5:14James 1:5Proverbs 2:6Romans 12:2Philippians 1:9-10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 69:32 offers hope for believers navigating seasons of pain, discouragement, and spiritual confusion. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how emotional wounds, anxiety, and difficult circumstances can sometimes lead us to question God's presence and goodness. Drawing from the life of David, she reminds readers that faith is not the absence of struggle but the continual choice to bring our fears, doubts, and burdens into God's presence rather than relying solely on our own strength. Highlights Emotional wounds and difficult circumstances can lead believers to question God's goodness. David's example shows the importance of turning to God honestly during seasons of pain. Self-reliance often increases discouragement rather than alleviating it. God's presence brings renewed joy, peace, and spiritual strength. Biblical joy is rooted in God's faithfulness, not changing circumstances. The joy of the Lord provides strength for weary and overwhelmed hearts. Prayer, worship, and time in God's presence help restore hope. Christ offers sustaining grace when we lack the strength to carry our burdens alone. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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 the Wounds We Suffer Cause Us to Doubt GodBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! Psalm 69:32 NIV Lately, I’ve felt bruised and discouraged. I’m trying to honor God, but sometimes find it confusing, particularly in some complicated and highly consequential situations. Unlike David, the ancient Israel king who wrote today’s verse and the surrounding chapter, I’m not facing anything life-threatening. No one is hunting me down to kill me. No one is trying to destroy my dreams or my career. But I’ve been feeling under attack, just the same—by my thoughts, my pain, and numerous confusing complications that can make life feel so challenging. When I land in this place, I’m tempted to respond in various unhealthy ways. Often, my first reaction is self-reliance. This typically makes my circumstances worse while also increasing any sense of inadequacy or hopelessness I feel. Eventually, however, I respond to the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit and seek God in my pain and overwhelm. It is then, in His presence, that my heart starts to revive as His light and life fill my soul. Perhaps this is what Scripture references in Psalm 16. In this passage, also written by David, we read: I keep my eyes always on the Lord.With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;my body also will rest secure,You make known to me the path of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand (vs 8-9, 11, NIV). Joy and peace come through proximity to Christ and aligning ourselves with His truth. And that joy gives us strength (Neh. 8:10). David seemed to understand this. Although a victorious warrior, many times over, who demonstrated great wisdom and restraint, Scripture rarely, if ever, paints him as self-reliant. And while he often openly expressed his pain and his fear, unfiltered, he never remained stuck in despair. Not because he didn’t struggle or quickly overcame his struggles. Rather, he found the strength to rise above the chaos raging around and within him by deliberately and consistently turning to God. And resting in the Lord’s loving embrace. Intersecting Life & Faith: Does your life feel heavy? Is your mind presently bombarded with one anxious or painful thought after another? If so, I get it. I’ve been there and am certain I will land in that place yet again. Those seasons can wear us down emotionally and physically, stealing our sleep, clarity, and peace. But we don’t have to remain stuck in our pain or navigate it alone. God bids us to come to Him, as David did, and find in Him the strength to remain standing when our knees feel ready to give way. As Nehemiah 8:10 so clearly proclaims, the joy of the Lord is our strength. That doesn’t mean we must deny our pain or suppress it behind a forced, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah.” It doesn’t mean laughter will always overpower our tears. Biblical joy isn’t the surface-level, circumstantial emotion with which we often equate it. True joy, biblical joy, is the deep, abiding assurance that God is with us, working in us, and orchestrating everything we encounter for our good and His glory. Phrased another way, biblical joy is an enduring awareness of Christ’s grace. Knowing that we are lovingly held, faithfully led, and eternally blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms displaces our despair with hope and revives our souls. Candy and caffeine might give us a mid-afternoon pickup, but only Christ can sustain us when we’ve lost the strength to stand on our own. Perhaps this is, in part, what God means when He promises to replace our weakness with His supernatural strength. What might that look like for you, in this present season? How might turning your heart toward the Lord in your fear and pain help alleviate the burden weighing on your soul, allowing you to walk just a little lighter? Allowing you to maintain confident hope that a better day will indeed come? If you’re in a dark and challenging season, perhaps find a quiet place to connect with the Lord. Turn on some praise music, light a nice-smelling candle, and simply sit with your Father. Ask Him to help you sense His presence, and rest in His embrace for as long as necessary, trusting Him to infuse your innermost being with His joy, peace, and strength. If this resonated with you, you might also find this Faith Over Fear podcast episode helpful: Taking Every Thought Captive: Breaking Free From the Lies That Hold Us. Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:5 Romans 12:1-2 Psalm 94:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ephesians 4:15 calls Christians to speak the truth in love, balancing grace and honesty in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. In this devotional, Michelle Lazurek explores the challenging but necessary role of biblical accountability within Christian relationships. While our culture often discourages correction and equates love with acceptance alone, Scripture teaches that genuine love sometimes requires difficult conversations that encourage repentance, growth, and spiritual maturity. Highlights Ephesians 4:15 teaches believers to speak truth with love and grace. Biblical accountability helps Christians grow in spiritual maturity. Difficult conversations can reveal deeper heart issues that need healing. Jesus modeled both compassion and truth throughout His ministry. Loving correction is meant to restore, not condemn. The Holy Spirit often uses trusted believers to bring conviction and growth. Avoiding hard conversations can hinder spiritual development. Healthy Christian relationships require both honesty and humility. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: Love Others, Speak TruthBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15 Who are you to judge me? This question came from a loved one who felt convicted about an action she had taken. When this person posted social media pictures that depicted her in a less-than-flattering light, I boldly spoke truth into her life. I let her know that the way she portrayed herself on social media was the way people would categorize her, even if she didn't always behave that way. Additionally, as someone who claimed to be a Christian, she needed to be an example in every situation, including social situations where pictures could be taken. In response to the above question, she became defensive and began arguing. However, as we began to argue, I noticed her thinking began to change. At one point, she started crying. When I asked her what was making her cry, she told me what was really going on in her life. Social media posts are merely a symptom of a much deeper problem. Once she humbled herself, we prayed together. We were also able to brainstorm solutions to her problems. I gave her some concrete advice, then told her I would check in with her later. I didn't want to have to confront her about what I saw on social media. In fact, it would have been much easier for me to sweep it under the rug and pretend it didn't exist. But staying silent, rather than boldly challenging her to change her behavior, would have done her an injustice. While many people think of Jesus as a gentle, kind man who hugged everyone and gave them what they wanted, nothing could be further from the truth. He spoke harsh words to many people, most of whom were Pharisees, a religious group. For many years, I questioned why Jesus would say such harsh things, such as calling them a brood of vipers. I realized that Jesus, who was closely associated with the Holy Spirit, had to make an exception. Jesus did what was right for everyone and never put himself, or any desire for the approval of man, ahead of what he was called to do. Jesus used harsh words with the Pharisees, hoping that their hardened hearts would soften and they would turn back to God. Confession and repentance are key to changing our behavior. However, we can't always see the flaws in our character. We need other people, who know us better than we know ourselves, to speak hard truths into our lives. These hard truths, when we reflect and analyze them, come from a place of love. Even if a person doesn't want to hear what's being said, it doesn't mean it doesn't need to be said. It merely means that the person is feeling conviction of the Holy Spirit. In the verse above, Paul understood that speaking the truth in love to one another would help the body of Christ grow into mature believers. Sweeping things under the rug and avoiding hurt feelings led to immaturity and a failure to thrive spiritually. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to speak hard truths in love to each other. Even in this culture where people don't want to be judged, that judgment, when properly placed, can lead someone to the cross. When someone is led to the cross and their heart is genuine, the Holy Spirit can convict them, and they can turn their lives back to him. Although it may seem better, and even easier, to be silent in the name of being kind, kindness isn’t always what people need. When people are blind to their own destructive behaviors, those who love them enough to speak hard truths into their lives will aid them in repentance and devotion to the Savior. Father, let us be people who speak the truth and love one another. Help us to do so with boldness and conviction. Let us not bind ourselves to the world’s ways so that we do not judge. Rather, we need to lovingly speak the truth to others in the hope that they will turn their lives back to you. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Has there been a time when you had to speak hard truths in love to someone? How did they respond? Was their response appropriate? Further Reading:Ephesians 4:29 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Philippians 2:14-15 challenges believers to live with gratitude instead of grumbling, reflecting the character of Christ in a world often marked by negativity, complaints, and division. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how complaining and arguing are more than bad habits—they reveal deeper heart issues that God desires to transform. Whether frustration arises from difficult circumstances, strained relationships, or everyday inconveniences, Scripture calls Christians to respond with thankfulness, humility, and trust in God's goodness. Highlights Complaining often reveals deeper issues of discontentment and unbelief. Philippians 2:14-15 calls believers to live without grumbling or arguing. Gratitude helps cultivate contentment and trust in God's sovereignty. God cares not only about our actions but also about the attitude of our hearts. Disagreements can be handled with humility, grace, and a desire for unity. A thankful spirit helps Christians stand out as lights in a dark world. Daily time in Scripture renews the mind and combats negativity. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to respond with gratitude instead of complaints. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: A Heart Full of Gratitude Instead of Grumbling By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15, ESV). When it comes to sin in our lives, sometimes we attempt to overlook or give excuses for our behavior if we feel like our actions are justified because of our circumstances. For example, when I am sleep deprived, my flesh thinks it perfectly acceptable for me to deal out a hefty dose of sarcasm to my seven-year-old who has asked me the same question twelve times before my morning coffee or to murmur under my breath that I can’t believe my husband left his glass of milk from the night before on the floor again and, of course, the toddler just dumped it all over the living room right on cue. But those actions do not glorify God, and they are rooted in sin. If I am a child of God, His Spirit will bring conviction to my heart with His word because it is my heart that needs attention and change. When I’m tempted to complain, which we are all naturally prone to every single day, this passage from Philippians 2 comes to mind to bring truth to my heart: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:14-15, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: As God’s children, we are not to grumble. We must remember that, ultimately, grumbling is complaining against the sovereign God of the universe and saying He isn’t good, which is sinful. When we complain, we should repent, reset our minds by thinking on things above, and rejoice and give thanks to God for His graciousness towards us. There are new mercies available to us every single morning. Perhaps it would be a beneficial habit to create a daily list of things that you are grateful for to help cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude. Despite hardships and inconveniences in our lives and relationships, we are called to rejoice and find our joy in Christ. It all comes down to the attitude and posture of our hearts. How about your attitude when you disagree with someone, or they have offended you? When you are in a disagreement with someone, do you want to be right more than you want to pursue unity with that person? Do you allow a bad attitude to drag you into unnecessary arguments or even gossip to complain to someone else instead of going directly to the person you are annoyed or upset with? Disagreements are inevitable, but most of all, God cares about our attitude during disagreements and doesn’t want us to be swept up in foolish arguments constantly. We can disagree with others without being disagreeable or prideful. If we are entangled in senseless disputing and complaining, the world has trouble seeing the light of Christ in our lives. We see in verse 15 of Philippians 2 that the Lord wants Christ followers to shine bright in a culture full of darkness. Our lives are to be a brilliant beacon of light in the darkness as we stand as God’s children against the wickedness of the world. “…that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Philippians 2:15, ESV). One way we can protect ourselves against complaining and empower our hearts to shine bright for Christ is to be diligent to cling daily to the Word of life so that we can thrust it into a dark world. The Word of God helps us to renew our minds so we can cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and stand out in the world, pointing others to the hope that we know in Jesus. In addition to our daily time in the Word, we must abide in the Vine by communing with Him daily. We can call upon the name of the Lord to cry out for help when we are tempted to complain and grumble. He is our ever-present help in times of need and is faithful to strengthen us. Further Reading: Psalm 107 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Peter 4:8 reminds believers that Christ-centered love has the power to strengthen relationships and extend grace in the face of human weakness. In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores how selfishness and sin often create conflict in marriages, families, friendships, and church communities. From the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis to the challenges Christians face today, Scripture reveals that broken relationships are a result of sin, but God's love provides the pathway to forgiveness, healing, and restoration. Highlights Sin and selfishness often create conflict in relationships. Adam and Eve's story reveals how disobedience impacts both human and divine relationships. God's love provides redemption where sin creates division. Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate example of love covering a multitude of sins. Forgiveness reflects the grace God has extended to us. Christians are called to pursue peace whenever possible. Humility and mercy can help restore strained relationships. Loving others deeply requires relying on God's strength and example. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: Love One AnotherBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Relationships of all kinds can be a challenge. The Bible says God created us for community, for family, for friendships, yet often the dynamics involved in these connections can be incredibly complicated. If relationships are the design of the Lord for our lives, why do they seem so incredibly difficult to navigate? The answer… one single word… sin. At the root of all sin is selfishness. It is the desire and longing for “what I want” above all else, and often, those decisions can be harmful to those around us. They can also be harmful to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, we see the first choice of sin – of selfishness. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it,” (Genesis 3:6, NIV). Though God clearly said Adam and Eve were not to eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden, they felt otherwise. The couple desired to take what the Lord advised them to abstain from; they intentionally chose their own way. They chose themselves. But their choices didn’t just affect them individually; they affected their relationship with one another. As soon as their decision was revealed, the first marital argument ensued, including everyone’s favorite, “the blame game.” Their unity was negatively impacted as a result of their choices. Additionally, their relationship with the Lord was also altered by their pursuit of self. Those consequences were much more significant than a marital tiff, as they were cast out of the garden, could no longer reside within the physical presence of God, would later experience mortal death, and the legacy of sin they initiated would pass on from generation to generation. Sin and selfishness caused some major long-term ripples in this scenario, but thankfully, that is not the end of their story or ours. Love covered a multitude of sins. The Heavenly Father made provision for Adam and Eve in the form of a sacrifice to cover their sin and then gave the ultimate sacrifice of His One and Only Son to forever redeem us all from the penalty of transgression. It is because of this great love that was offered to us first, while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8), that we are called to love one another through the failings, disagreements, and hurt feelings. It can feel so incredibly unfair when we are called to forgive the wrongdoings of others, but how different it looks when we are the offender in need of pardon. While every situation is different and there are circumstances where forgiveness needs to be applied, but not necessarily reconciliation at that moment, God’s call to us is clear. “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” (Rom. 12:18, NIV). Though our emotions can get stirred up when “iron sharpens iron” in our relationships, and there are disagreements and deep hurts, the Lord has called us to love one another. It is amazing how quickly a heated situation is diffused when love and humility are applied. May we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and extend mercy and grace to those who have wronged us - for love covers a multitude of sin. Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you struggling with disagreements or discord within your relationships? Is there a particular person or scenario that is particularly painful? Perhaps you are the offender in the situation and long for forgiveness from those you have harmed. Regardless of where you find yourself, may I encourage you, maybe even challenge you, to take a moment and reflect on how God’s unending grace and mercy have been applied to your life. Ask yourself, how has He covered a multitude of your sins? If you are willing, jot down a list of the moments when it was evident the Lord extended forgiveness to you. In light of His great love, ask the Lord to soften your heart towards those who have harmed you. I pray you follow in His footsteps and learn how to lead with love. Further Reading:Romans 12:9-21Romans 5:1-11Romans 5:5-5:14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 31:7 offers a powerful reminder that God sees our struggles, understands our pain, and cares deeply for our souls. In this devotional, Lauren Fletcher explores the comforting truth that God is not distant from our suffering. Through the stories of Leah and Hagar, Scripture reveals a compassionate God who notices those who feel overlooked, unloved, forgotten, or alone. Even when we cannot find the words to pray, God remains attentive to our circumstances and actively works on our behalf. Highlights God sees our struggles, even when no one else notices. Leah's story demonstrates God's compassion toward the overlooked and unloved. Hagar's encounter with God reveals Him as El Roi, "the God who sees me." God's care is not dependent on us having the perfect words to pray. Scripture consistently shows God moving on behalf of those who are hurting. The Lord meets people in seasons of loneliness, rejection, and distress. God's awareness of our pain is evidence of His deep love for us. Believers can trust that they are never forgotten or abandoned by God. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? 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: He Sees Us By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” - Psalm 31:7 This month, my church has been participating in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. As I was praying one morning, I came across a sweet passage of scripture. In the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, God meets Leah in a very personal way. Though she was the first wife of Jacob, Rachel was the one he wanted and worked for. Genesis 29 says, “When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive. So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, ‘The LORD has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me’” (Genesis 29:31-32). It touched my heart that the LORD saw Leah’s circumstances and moved. She did not pray and ask, she did not cry out for God’s help. He just saw what she was going through and acted. How amazing that God sees what’s going on with us and will act on our behalf, even when we do not ask. Have you ever had a circumstance like this in your life, where God has moved, even before you were able to ask? The story continues, “She soon became pregnant again and gave birth to another son. She named him Simeon, for she said, ‘The LORD heard that I was unloved and has given me another son’” (Genesis 29:33). I love how Leah recognizes God has seen and heard her situation. She acknowledges Him in this. Intersecting Faith & Life: There’s another important passage in the scriptures where we learn that God sees us. A beloved name of God is El Roi. This name is given to Him by Sarai's (Sarah’s) servant, Hagar, in Genesis 16, in the wilderness (Genesis 16:7). The LORD had told Abram that he would have descendants, that he would have a son. Abram trusted the LORD in this (Genesis 15:4-6). “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, ‘The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.’ And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal” (Genesis 16:1-2). After Hagar became pregnant, she did not treat Sarai well (Genesis 16:4). The scripture says, “Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur” (Genesis 16:6b-7). Hagar was met in her distress, in her place of difficulty. She was seen. “Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me.’ She also said, ‘Have I truly seen the One who sees me?’” (Genesis 16:13). Hagar was not forgotten. She was sought out by the Lord. Something we can take away from these scriptures, these stories of how God worked in these women’s lives, is that if He sees them, He sees us. He will work on our behalf when we ask, but also when we don’t. He sees, and He works on our behalf because He loves us. It is this same love that caused the LORD, who saw the troubles of the Israelites in Egypt, to be moved to deliver them (Exodus 3-4). Exodus 4:31 says, “Then the people of Israel were convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.” Doesn’t this just touch your heart? How wonderful and loving the Lord is. He knows what’s going on with you. He sees, and He cares. He will help you, because He loves you. Even if you haven’t been able to ask, don’t worry. He sees us. Further Reading: Psalm 56:8 Genesis 29 Exodus 3-4 Genesis 16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 offers a countercultural approach to Christian living in a noisy, distracted world. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler explores how living a quiet life can strengthen faith, reduce stress, and create a powerful witness for Christ. While modern culture often rewards constant visibility, strong opinions, and endless activity, Scripture encourages believers to pursue peace, focus on their God-given responsibilities, and find contentment in faithfully serving God through everyday work. Highlights God calls believers to make it their ambition to lead a quiet life. A quiet life helps create space for peace, focus, and spiritual growth. Social media and constant noise can distract us from what matters most. Minding our own business allows us to invest more deeply in real relationships. Everyday work can become an act of worship when done for God's glory. Faithful, peaceful living often earns the respect of others. Our worth comes from being God's beloved children, not from public attention. Living quietly creates opportunities to reflect Christ in a loud world. Join the Conversation What is one area of your life that feels especially noisy or distracting right now? How can you create more space for quiet, focus, and deeper connection with God 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: How to Live a Quiet Life in a Loud WorldBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 The benefits of being quiet often show up in well-being research I work with at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Leading a quiet life can be useful for stress relief, focus, creativity, and more. When we’re quiet, our minds can process and reflect on the constant stream of information coming at us every day. That can prevent us from becoming overwhelmed and help us discover what matters most. The constant barrage of messages competing for our attention reminds us that we live in a very loud world. Our society celebrates the people who shout their opinions – even about people and situations they don’t know personally. If we’re not trying to push others to pay attention to us, it can feel like we’re falling behind. But these verses from 1 Thessalonians show us that living quietly is a much wiser choice. It’s fascinating that the word “ambition” is connected with “a quiet life.” Usually, when we think of ambition, we think of getting noticed by other people. But God encourages us to be ambitious by minding our own business rather than trying to get other people’s attention. Minding our own business is challenging in this loud world. Our social media urges us to be monitoring other people’s lives and to keep updating them on our lives, whether or not they actually care. It also urges us to judge what’s happening in the world and to shout out our opinions on those situations, even if we haven’t studied them well enough to have informed opinions. But 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 describes another kind of ambition. We can be ambitious by making better choices, despite how society is pressuring us. We can stop wasting our time and energy by reclaiming our attention and choosing to invest it in what matters most – our relationships with God and the people we know personally, in real life. These Bible verses encourage us to work with our hands. There’s something sacred about using the hands God gave us to do our work. Whether we’re typing on computer keyboards, serving meals, fixing cars, performing surgery, or any other one of countless types of jobs, we use our hands somehow. Focusing on the work we do with our hands grounds us and reminds us that God created us to be productive and to contribute to our world. We can find fulfillment from doing our best at work. When we focus on doing the task in front of us with excellence and integrity, we can find a sense of purpose that doesn’t need a “like” or a “share” to be valid. Working with our hands while doing our best for God turns our daily chores and professional duties into a form of quiet worship. When we do so, we can win the respect of those around us. Other people are watching how we live. In this loud world that’s full of drama, people who are hardworking and peaceful stand out. Our quiet lives become powerful testimonies that show others our security comes from something much deeper than the latest trend. Living quietly also leads us to a healthy independence. When we work diligently and live simply, we’re able to bless others instead of burdening them unnecessarily. Living a quiet life doesn’t prevent us from speaking up. We can, and should, speak up against evil and share the Gospel whenever God leads us to do so. But living quietly does mean that we stop trying to prove our worth by calling out for attention and simply resting with confidence in our identities as God’s beloved children. In this fallen world, where too many people are shouting at each other, we can ambitiously choose a better lifestyle of quiet work and love. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to live a quiet life in a loud world, reflect on these questions: What’s one “loud” part of your life (social media, television, etc.) that you can quiet down this week to find more peace? How does the idea of minding your own business challenge you right now? In what ways can you see working with your hands on your daily tasks as a way to worship God? Why do you think society can make you feel guilty for seeking a simpler life? Who is one person you know just outside your inner circles of friends and family – someone like a neighbor or a coworker – who might be positively impacted by seeing you faithfully live a quiet life? Further Reading:Psalm 46:10Isaiah 30:151 Timothy 2:1-2Ecclesiastes 4:6Matthew 6:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Genesis 1:31 reveals a powerful truth about God's character: He is a God of order, purpose, and intentional design. In this devotional, Deidre Braley explores what it means to be created in the image of God and how His orderly nature is reflected throughout creation. From the boundaries He established in the natural world to the systems that allow life to flourish, God demonstrates that order is not restrictive—it is life-giving. As believers, we are called to reflect His character by bringing peace, clarity, and purpose into the spaces we influence. Highlights God’s creation reveals His nature as a God of order and purpose. Being made in God’s image means reflecting His character in everyday life. Order creates space for people, relationships, and communities to thrive. Stewarding our homes and possessions can be an act of worship. Healthy systems and organization help good work flourish. Peacemaking reflects God’s heart and brings stability to relationships. Christians are called to bring clarity and hope into chaotic situations. Small acts of intentionality can create lasting impact in our daily lives. Join the Conversation Where do you sense God calling you to bring greater order, peace, or purpose into your life? Have you experienced how creating healthy rhythms and boundaries has helped you grow spiritually? 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 it Means to Be Made in the Image of an Orderly God By Deidre Braley Bible Reading: God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. - Genesis 1:31 NIV Marie Kondo is known as one of the world’s most beloved tidying experts, and one day she convinced me that the path to inner peace would be to pull all of the clothes out of my closet and throw them on my bed to be analyzed, one by one. I had just watched the first episode of her show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, in which she teaches her proteges to ask this question: When I touch this item, does it spark joy? If the answer is yes, then the item gets to stay. If the answer is no, the directive is to thank the item for its service and then bid it adieu. Even if this sounds a little woo-woo, I have to say that after I had removed a great many joyless items from my wardrobe and reorganized the rest of my clothes back into the closet, I felt an internal sigh of relief. I did feel more joyful. I felt as though a burden had lifted, as though a weight I’d been unwittingly carrying around for years was suddenly gone. In 1872, John Wesley preached, “Cleanliness is, indeed, next to godliness,” and though he was talking specifically about the way a person dressed and cared for their appearance, I think he was pressing on a deeper spiritual truth, too. Cleanliness is the visual representation of order, and our Creator is, as evidenced by creation, a God of order. If you look carefully at the creation story, you will notice that God did not just bring all things into being—he also gave them each a designated spot, a boundary for existence, a specific space in which to thrive. He separated the light from the darkness, giving both their time to reign, as day and night. He gave each plant one specific fruit to bear. He told the sea how far it could go and then said, “No more.” Biblical scholar Rachel Smith describes God’s work in a way that Marie Kondo would approve of: “It (the world) was designed to run well and to be a well-ordered environment for its occupants. This is the sense of good in the creation account. Everything God created He declared good because it acted within its purpose and provided benefits” (Rest Assured: What the Creation Story Was Intended to Reveal About Trusting God, pg. 62-63). Intersecting Faith & Life: What does it mean to bear God’s image? It means to care about the things he cares about, and to reflect his character out into the world. And one of the things that God cares about is order, which creates space for life to thrive. When we enter into chaos and bring disorder back into equilibrium, we are doing the work of God. Here are some practical areas where we might do that today. In our physical spaces Declutter one area of your home. Choose a junk drawer, a closet, or a bedroom. Remove everything, and only put back what serves a purpose or, per the advice of Marie Kondo, brings joy. Give each item a designated space, and then, if you can, bring a little extra beauty to that area. Organize by color. Add flowers. Freshen with a scented sachet. Is there a time of day that feels particularly chaotic? Create a ritual to help it go more smoothly. If morning times are hectic, for example, pre-set your coffee pot the night before. Lay out your clothes. Wake up ten minutes earlier. Light a candle while you eat breakfast. See how these adjustments bring a sense of peace to what used to feel overwhelming. In our workplaces Administration may not be glamorous, but it is essential for bringing order. If you have the gift of administration—that is, organizing information, communication, and actions into systems that run smoothly—put it into practice in your workplace. Good structures help good work to thrive. Be a problem solver. If you see that something is not working and have an idea for how to fix it, say something. Be someone who steps into situations and brings clarity and excellence. In our communities Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). In our communities, bringing order looks like bringing peace—to relationships, to organizations, to broken systems. When we step into disordered situations or strained relationships in our neighborhoods or even global communities, we are reflecting God’s image by bringing equilibrium. This could look as simple as serving on the PTA and being a voice of calm and reason when the meetings get heated, or it could look like serving in outreach ministries to provide for the real, everyday needs of neighbors. Further Reading: Genesis 1:1-31 Rest Assured: What the Creation Story Was Intended to Reveal About Trusting God by Rachel Booth Smith Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James 3:1 offers a sobering reminder that church leaders, pastors, and Bible teachers are held to a higher standard because of their responsibility to teach God’s Word. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores the growing concern over moral failures among Christian leaders and why believers should respond with prayer rather than cynicism. As false teaching, spiritual compromise, and public scandals continue to impact the church, Christians are called to support and pray for faithful pastors who shepherd God’s people with integrity and biblical conviction. Highlights James 3:1 reveals the serious responsibility carried by Bible teachers and pastors. Church leaders are held to a higher standard because they influence others spiritually. Moral failures in ministry should lead believers to prayer, not cynicism. False teaching can create confusion and spiritual harm within the church. Faithful pastors need consistent prayer and support from their congregations. Sound biblical teaching protects believers from deception. Church leaders face unique spiritual attacks and temptations. Christians can strengthen their local church by praying for those who shepherd and teach. Join the Conversation How has a faithful pastor, elder, or Bible teacher impacted your spiritual growth? What are practical ways believers can encourage and pray for church leaders facing the challenges of ministry? 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 High Standard of Church Leaders By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV). It seems that over the last couple of years, there has been much exposure and shaking in the church regarding leaders who have fallen or gotten caught in scandal and lies. When the news of another pastor’s moral failure makes its way into the public eye, is your first reaction one of sarcasm and jadedness, or does it cause you to weep and hit your knees in prayer? It seems easier to get angry or grow cynical when those in the pulpit fall into grave sin and disappoint those who have attributed much of their spiritual growth from their teaching. Instead of wagging our fingers or shaking our heads in disappointment, it should truly break our hearts when leaders in the church fall. There is a stern warning found in the book of James that should cause us pause and reflect upon the great and weighty responsibility that pastors carry as teachers of God’s Word: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV). This verse begins a chapter in the book of James that focuses on the importance of the tongue and its ability to either bring encouragement and growth or hostility and destruction. We will all be held accountable for the words we speak, but for those who teach the Bible, there is a higher standard. With a higher standard comes a stronger judgment from God. This should motivate us to pray for teachers, especially those who pastor our own local church. Intersecting Faith & Life: In America (and perhaps even around the world, thanks to television and social media), the gospel of Jesus Christ has become extremely muddied by false teaching full of false gospels, New Age/occult/pagan practices, lying signs and wonders, and distractions from worldly desires that are all leading many to false Christs. For almost half of our marriage, my husband and I were among those believers who were believing lies from the result of the twisting of scripture and emotional, mental, and spiritual manipulation from leaders in ministry whom we trusted. By God’s grace, we were rescued from this deception and now attend a sound and Biblical church that has been such a blessing to our family. Every week, the elders preach the Word of God with such conviction and clarity, and are unashamed about the gospel. Although we finally feel “safe,” we know that these men of God are susceptible to the same temptations as we are, and instead of growing comfortable or letting our guard down, we must fiercely pray for the men in our lives who teach God’s Holy Word because Satan has put a giant target on their backs. The enemy knows how much damage can be done to the Body of Christ if God’s Word is abused or distorted, but the same is true for the carriers of that message; A teacher’s life is held to a higher standard because the Lord uses teachers to help us understand who He is. The weighty responsibility and calling of bringing truth to the sheep of God is one no one should have to bear alone. Let us shoulder Kingdom responsibility with our elders by making it a priority to daily pray for the teachers and pastors who have much influence on our spiritual well-being. In the age we live in, we can know personal details of public figures very quickly and easily. It seems there is always a new Christian leader who has given in to fleshly temptation and taken advantage of the trust of their sheep. When you discover this shocking news of another moral failing, are you tempted to harden your heart or grow cynical towards the church? It should cause us heartache and wake us up to the reality that the enemy wants to cause destruction among God’s people. These moral failings cause distrust among sheep, but they also hurt our witness to the world when they see the hypocrisy and corruption within the visible church. We must ask the Lord to give us a burden to pray for church leaders, but more importantly, the leaders of our very own church who have given their lives to shepherd souls and teach others about God and His ways. We are called to make disciples and need to be equipped by God’s Word to do that. God has called teachers and pastors to a higher standard to equip the Body for the work of the ministry by teaching us what God’s Word says. May we be quick to lift them up every day, knowing the seriousness of their high calling as teachers of God’s Holy Word, and thank the Lord for their role in your life personally, as someone who keeps watch over your soul. Further Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Titus 1:7-9 1 Peter 5:1-4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds believers that God’s plans are far greater than anything we can imagine, even during seasons of grief, loss, and uncertainty. In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on the pain of losing her mother and the struggle of complex grief while pointing readers back to the hope found in God’s promises. Through Scripture and personal testimony, this Christian encouragement reminds us that God is still working even when life feels heavy and painful. Highlights God’s plans are greater than anything we can fully imagine. Grief and loss do not cancel God’s purpose for your life. 1 Corinthians 2:9 offers hope during painful seasons. God welcomes us to bring our sorrow and pain to Him. Complex grief can feel overwhelming, but God remains near. Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works through suffering. Pain can become part of a testimony that encourages others. Trusting God allows hope to grow even in heartbreak. Join the Conversation How has God carried you through seasons of grief or disappointment? What helps you continue trusting His plans even when life feels uncertain? 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: God Has Wonderful Plans in Store for YouBy: Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Over the past year, I have come across many social media posts noting that 2016 was 10 years ago. My friends have shared posts reflecting upon their lives a decade ago; how much they have changed, what they have accomplished, and how much happier they are now. While it is great to see my friends flourishing in life, my heart breaks every time I am reminded of 2016. 2016 was the year my mom passed away. Every time I see the “decade challenge” or “decade glow-up,” I am once again crushed with the reality that my mom has been gone for ten years. Some days, it feels like she has been gone for only a few weeks, and other days, it feels like she has been gone for a century. The pain of her absence has only increased over the years. Upon restarting therapy, I discovered I have complex grief. Complex grief is different from regular grief because the latter does not endure for years; instead, there is an ending point, and you are able to make peace with the death of your loved one. However, with complex grief, it is impossible for you to move forward; you are paralyzed by their death, and you feel like your life has ended. Complex grief is remarkably common if you were dependent on the person who passed away. Perhaps you are walking through a similar season; a loved one passed away, and you are overcome with dread, grief, and pain. Rest at the foot of the cross and find solace in the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30). He will never make you feel guilty for mourning the loss of your loved one. Whether it's been a few days or a few decades, God understands the pain you are experiencing today. Intersecting Faith & Life: During these times, it is important to reflect upon our future with Christ. Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Although we may be struggling now, this darkness will not endure forever. God has wonderful plans for our lives – plans that we may not even know about yet. Rather than fearing the worst, trust God. No mind in all history has articulated the plans God has for those who love Him. As His followers, we can surrender our pain, grief, and agony to Him. God will bring light back into our lives, surround us with His love, and show us the plans He has for our lives. Lean into God’s amazing work today and trust Him with the process (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your grief may continue for the rest of your life, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy the wonderful plans God has for you. He may even use this present pain to encourage you to help others, such as supporting those who have also lost loved ones, building up the family of God, or praying for those who are in end-of-life care. The plans He has for you are amazing; do not give up now, your life has just begun. Are you ready to take hold of the wonderful plans God has for your life? What do you think God has in store for you? Further Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 Proverbs 16:9 Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Isaiah 46:11 reminds believers that God always fulfills His promises and accomplishes His plans in perfect timing. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler encourages Christians to trust God even during seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and unanswered prayers. Whether facing career decisions, personal struggles, or closed doors, believers can find peace knowing that God is always working behind the scenes. His faithfulness never fails, and His promises remain true regardless of circumstances. Highlights God always fulfills what He promises in His perfect timing. Isaiah 46:11 reveals the power and certainty of God’s plans. Waiting seasons can strengthen faith and dependence on God. Fear and striving often create unnecessary stress and anxiety. Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works all things for good. Jesus is the ultimate proof of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Trusting God brings peace even before circumstances change. Join the Conversation What promise from God are you currently holding onto during this season of waiting? How has God shown His faithfulness to you in moments when you doubted the outcome? 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: God Will Do What He SaysBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“... What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.” – Isaiah 46:11, NIV Years ago, I faced a lot of competition for a particular job I wanted. It was so competitive that I wondered whether or not I should even try. But after I prayed about whether I should go for it, I got a strong sense of peace and confidence about doing so. It was a long process! I had to develop a complex creative presentation and go through several interviews with various groups of people. Along the way, I doubted whether or not I could really get the job. I put myself through a lot of unnecessary stress worrying about the outcome. Finally, though, I turned my worries into prayers. After praying regularly about the job, I sensed that God would make a way for me to get it. Sure enough, God did open the door to that job for me. If I had trusted that God would bring that about after I’d prayed the first time, I would have saved myself all that stress I didn’t actually have to go through while waiting. In Isaiah 46:11, God assures us that he really will do what he says he’ll do in our lives. If God has spoken a truth over your life – such as that he loves you, that he’ll never leave you, or that he’ll meet all of your needs – you can really count on God doing that. It’s something you can be sure God will do! If God planned it, he is currently doing the work behind the scenes to make it happen. Just because you can’t see the result yet, because it’s not yet God’s timing for it to happen, doesn’t mean God has abandoned his work on it for you. This verse has real authority behind it. God tells us clearly that he will bring about what he says and that he will do what he has planned. The focus is entirely on God’s power, and God has unlimited power to do whatever he chooses to do. We never have to worry that God won’t be able to keep his promises to us. No matter what, God always keeps his promises. We can also be sure that none of our mistakes will ruin God’s work in our lives. God tells us in Romans 8:28 that all things will work together for our good. God can take all of our broken pieces and incorporate them into the plans he established for us before we were even born. No matter what, God will continue to work to accomplish good purposes for our lives. Jesus is the ultimate proof that what God says in Isaiah 46:11 is true. Thousands of years before Jesus was born, God said he would send a Savior. But as people waited for that to happen, generation after generation passed. People started to doubt that God would really do what he said he would do. At just the right time, though, God brought about just what he had planned and said he would do. Jesus came to Earth at exactly the best time in history to save our world from sin. Since God was faithful to fulfill the massive promise of sending us a Savior, you can trust God to fulfill the promises he has made to you personally. You can stop exhausting yourself trying to force doors open or worrying that you’ve been forgotten. You can breathe. God always tells the truth. If God said it, it’s coming. If he planned it, it’s happening. Your job isn’t to make it happen; your job is to trust the One who is already doing it. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you can trust God to do what he says he will do, reflect on these questions: What’s one promise you’re currently waiting for God to fulfill? In what ways are you currently tempted to doubt God’s promises while you wait, and how can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness regularly? Looking back, when has God brought about a plan in your life that you once thought was impossible? Are you exhausted from trying to force a result in your own strength rather than trusting God’s timing? When you think about how God always tells the truth and how he never fails, how does that change your level of peace? Further Reading:Numbers 23:19Joshua 21:45Philippians 1:6Psalm 33:11Hebrews 10:23 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Isaiah 55:8-12 offers powerful encouragement for Christians struggling with disappointment, uncertainty, or unanswered prayers. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin reminds believers that true joy is found not in perfect circumstances, but in trusting God’s higher wisdom, faithful timing, and unchanging character. Even when life feels confusing or painful, Scripture assures us that God is always working with purpose, and His promises never return empty. Learning to trust God’s plan instead of relying on our own understanding leads to lasting peace, spiritual strength, and deeper faith. Highlights Isaiah 55 teaches that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. True joy is not dependent on circumstances, but on trusting God. God’s promises and plans never fail or return empty. Believers can experience peace even when they do not understand God’s timing. Joy grows when we surrender control and place our trust in the Lord. God remains loving, faithful, and sovereign through every season. Join the Conversation What situation in your life feels difficult to trust God with right now? How can surrendering control help you experience greater joy and peace in this season? Continue the conversation and share your thoughts 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 Promise of Joy By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “For you will go out with joyAnd be led in peace;The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you,And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12 NASB) Could you use some joy in your life right now? Have circumstances discouraged you, causing you to wonder where God is or why He allows what He does? It’s difficult, at times, to understand God, but according to Scripture, His thoughts are not like ours, and His ways are not like ours either. The Bible says we’re foolish to think we can ever fully understand the mind and ways of God. We can tend to think we have Him figured out, and then He seems to act out of character by allowing something that we don’t understand. But, my friend, God is always consistent with Who He is – loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, and faithful to the ends of the earth. So, if it seems like God is disappointing you, failing you, or abandoning you, you must not have the whole picture yet. And spoiler alert: you might not see the whole picture this side of heaven. It occurred to me as I was reading through Isaiah 55:8-12 that God was not only telling His people, through the prophet Isaiah, to trust His ways and His timing, but He was giving them the formula for joy. He wasn’t just saying, “Joy will someday be yours as you trust Me.” He was saying joy was a result of understanding Who He is and that His ways are sometimes unexplainable. In Isaiah 55:8-11, God offers these encouraging, comforting, and (for me, they were life-changing) words: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” NASB). Those four verses of Scripture assure us that even though we don’t always understand God’s thoughts and His ways, He is still God and He can still bring something good out of what He is allowing. And therefore, as we trust His ways and His timing, we can “go out with joy.” Even when we can’t see it all yet. Joy isn’t automatic. And joy certainly isn’t connected to our circumstances. Rather, joy is the result of understanding that God’s ways are so far above our own. God was telling His people, in verses 8-11, that His thoughts were not just different than theirs, but higher than theirs, and His ways were better than theirs, fuller than theirs, accomplishing so much more than theirs. And therefore, joy was theirs as they accepted that God’s ways and timing are different, but so much better. And He can be trusted. The wonderful thing about this promise of joy in Isaiah 55:12 is that it follows that comforting passage, assuring us that God’s ways are not like our own. He doesn’t mess up. He doesn’t miss a thing. And He is always working on our behalf, as we trust and honor Him. Intersecting Faith & Life: Can you trust His ways, my friend, regardless of your circumstances? In addition to this comfort in Isaiah 55:8-12, we are assured in Psalm 18:30 that all God’s ways are perfect. And in addition to His perfect methods and timing, “He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Trust this God whose ways are higher, better, and more eternal than yours. And experience the joy that comes from being able to say, “I don’t understand. But my trust is in Him.” Further Reading:Psalm 121 For more on trusting God with your whole heart, see my newest 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.

Jesus consistently modeled dependence on the Father through prayer, obedience, and service. He came not to be served, but to serve others, ultimately giving His life for humanity. In the same way, believers are called to deny themselves daily, not through their own strength, but through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Through trials, hardships, and acts of service, God uses surrender to refine faith and produce spiritual maturity. This devotional reminds readers that sanctification is a lifelong process. Though dying to self is difficult, it leads to deeper fellowship with Christ, greater spiritual growth, and the abundant life Jesus promises to those who follow Him faithfully. Highlights Philippians 3:10 reveals Paul’s desire to become more like Christ through surrender. Following Jesus requires daily humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Selflessness in everyday life reflects Christ’s servant-hearted example. Jesus modeled dependence on the Father through prayer and submission. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to deny the flesh and choose God’s way. Trials and hardships can become opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctification. True life is found when believers surrender their lives fully to Christ. 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: We Must Die Daily By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). As a mom and wife, I am given countless opportunities to set aside my own wants and to sacrifice my love, time, and attention to my husband and children's needs. Pouring yourself out like that on a daily basis can sometimes be physically exhausting; I find myself praying for supernatural strength often! Yet, at the end of the day, even though I am tempted to wonder where my “me time” is, my heart is always full. This is when I begin to see more clearly what the Apostle Paul meant when he said: “I die daily.” The Biblical principle of dying to yourself has always been true, but I didn’t always live it or even understand it. Becoming a stay-at-home mom has challenged me in more ways than I can count in the area of putting others before myself, and I am always learning and finding that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow Him. That was Paul’s mission in life – to imitate Christ. And it is what he and the rest of the apostles literally gave their lives to preach to the world through their words and actions. We may not ever get the honor to literally die for Jesus Christ because of our faith in Him, but by God’s grace, we can imitate His selflessness every day. The apostle Paul emphasizes his great desire to join Christ in His suffering and become like Christ in his daily dying of self: “…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, ESV). Intersecting Faith and Life: To be able to imitate Christ and enjoy this kind of fellowship with Him, we must look to Jesus as our example. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, He still leaned upon God the Father for everything He said and did while He walked this earth. Jesus would rise early to pray and seek God for His will for the day. In addition to seeking God in prayer, Jesus obediently submitted Himself to the will of the Father, even unto death. Each day, we are faced with the temptation to satisfy our flesh and go outside the boundaries of God’s perfect will. We discover what that will is when we read the Bible and study it for ourselves to learn God’s ways. We are not perfect, but thankfully, Jesus was, and because of His sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit as born-again believers. The characteristics of Jesus’ death should be the characteristics of our lives: humility, sacrifice, and glory to God through disciple-making. Ultimately, Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others (Mark 10:45). Jesus ministered to thousands upon thousands of people during His time here on earth. John 22 tells us that if all the things Jesus did were written down, the entire world could not contain the books that would be written! Dying daily definitely isn’t easy, but it is worth it because Jesus promises us that whoever loses his life will find it and find it abundantly (Matthew 10:39, John 10:10)! But remember, we cannot die daily in our own strength, friends. The Holy Spirit is who empowers us to choose God’s way through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). With each passing day, by God’s grace, we mature and cultivate a life worth dying for, a life found in Christ alone! Living like Christ’s dying is a continual process of humility and sacrifice. May God empower us to die daily and choose others above ourselves. Our flesh wants nothing to do with denying it of anything. We don’t want to experience suffering. But it is in those moments of dying to self that you become more like Christ. What are the difficulties and trials you are currently facing? Ask the Lord to help you embrace those trials and sufferings so that you may grow closer to Him. Let us seek to look like Christ’s dying by learning how to be humble and sacrificial. Instead of resisting those difficult times, ask the Lord to help you to find great opportunities for sanctification to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus and lean into His grace through the trial. Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 Luke 9:23-27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Drawing from Asaph’s transparent confession in Psalm 73:2-3, this reflection explores how unresolved hurt and constant focus on injustice can slowly lead us toward disillusionment. Like Asaph, many believers struggle when they see harmful people thriving while their own wounds deepen. Yet the turning point in the psalm comes when Asaph intentionally enters God’s sanctuary and regains an eternal perspective. In God’s presence, he remembers that earthly success is temporary, but God’s love, justice, and guidance are eternal. This devotional encourages Christians to stop carrying pain alone and instead seek refuge in the Lord. God does not dismiss our hurt or ignore injustice. He sees every wound, strengthens weary hearts, and offers healing to those who draw near to Him. Even when circumstances remain difficult, His presence steadies us and renews our faith. Highlights Psalm 73 honestly addresses discouragement over injustice and evil. Comparing our suffering to others’ success can lead to bitterness and despair. Rumination and isolation often pull us further away from God’s peace. Asaph found clarity only after intentionally entering God’s presence. God offers refuge, healing, and perspective in seasons of pain. Justice may seem delayed, but God remains faithful and sovereign. Drawing near to God strengthens faith and quiets fear. 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 We Feel Discouraged by the Evil in Our WorldBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;I had nearly lost my foothold.For I envied the arrogantwhen I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - Psalm 73:2-3 (NIV) Some time ago, I met with a sweet woman trying to heal from some deep emotional wounds. Because of past harm, she struggled to trust others and feel safe in relationships. Relatively new in her faith and transformation journey, she was just beginning to make sense of her emotions and inner world. As her understanding grew, so did her anger. This multiplied when she learned the person who’d most harmed her had slandered her to others, causing some to misjudge her and others to withdraw completely. She felt like she would never break free from her pain and bitterness. Worse, her offender didn’t seem to suffer any consequences for her actions. The person actually seemed to be thriving. Have you been there? Watching someone else treat others with ruthless cruelty, and not only get away with it, but benefit from your pain and the wreckage they caused? We can all probably think of situations in which injustice left us deeply wounded, wondering why God allowed us to experience such pain. We’ve also probably watched others seem to get away with horrendous behavior, while our suffering only increases. This was precisely how Asaph, the royal musician who penned Psalm 73, felt. We don’t know when he wrote this passage. But if this is the same Asaph who served during the time of King David, he may have been watching the betrayal David experienced at the hands of his son. Or perhaps the wickedness he refers to hits closer to home. His words might also stem from a more existential reflection on considering the world at large. At times, it does seem like the wealthy, powerful, and unscrupulous thrive, with little worries or pain, while we fall into one crisis after another. And in those seasons when someone else’s success seems to mock our pain, it’s easy to question the heart, promises, and plans of God. Unfortunately, if we cease tending to our souls, our sorrow can turn to disillusionment and eventually bitterness. Our inner angst can turn us from, rather than to, the One who knows us fully, loves us deeply, and is always working on our behalf. When we sense ourselves tiptoeing toward disillusionment and despair, we can follow Asaph’s example, as revealed in verses 16-17. Initially, he attempted to make sense of his circumstances on his own (v. 16). This only increased his inner angst. But then, in the next verse, we read: “… till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (NIV). He intentionally turned to God. I don’t know how far he needed to travel to reach the Temple. But this required effort and determination. It also meant setting aside whatever other tasks he wanted to complete that day. When we’re hurting, frightened, or struggling with doubt, it’s easy to get stuck in our heads as we rehearse all the evils we’ve experienced or seen. The more we ruminate on what feels hard and uncertain, the more powerless and discouraged, and potentially, even abandoned, we feel. And our mind rarely remains focused on the inciting incident. Often, one negative thought leads to another, then another, until we’re overwhelmed. And like I said earlier, unmitigated introspection can pull us further from God, which only increases our fear or despair. But the converse occurs, as well. When we turn to God, seek His presence, and authentically engage with Him, He meets us in the intensity of our emotions and speaks clarity to our confusion, truth to our doubts, and surrounds us with His love. Did you catch how the Lord did this for Asaph? In God’s sanctuary, the place in which His presence dwelt, He gained faith-building understanding. Yes, the wicked seemed to thrive without any concerns or consequences. But justice would come, and Asaph would experience God’s goodness. Notice how he ended his poetic prayer. In verses 23-26, we read: Yet I am always with you;you hold me by my right hand.You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will take me into glory.Whom have I in heaven but you?And earth has nothing I desire besides you.My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heartand my portion forever. And then, in verse 28: But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; Intersecting Life & Faith: I don’t know what you’re going through currently, what feels heavy and unfair and unjust. But I do know God sees you, loves you, and is for you. He won’t abandon you in your pain, nor will He allow the wicked to thrive forever. He brings justice, healing, hope, and refuge. If you’re feeling disillusioned by someone else’s sinful behavior, bring your emotions, unfiltered, to God and trust Him to meet and to heal you there. To shield and uphold you in His love. Before you sign off, if this episode hit a tender place in your soul and you’re struggling to make sense of some relational patterns that are leading to more anxiety than joy, visit the Faith Over Fear podcast to listen to my conversation with Jennifer Renee Watson on the threads of people pleasing and how to gain the confidence to tend to your soul—when others try to beat you down. That episode is titled "When People Take Advantage of Your Kindness: Biblical Help for People Pleasing." Further Reading: Psalm 37:1-7 Romans 12:19 Psalm 94:1-3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your personal testimony is powerful evidence that Jesus is alive and still transforming lives today. In this encouraging devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on 1 Corinthians 15:6 and the 500 witnesses who saw the resurrected Jesus—reminding believers that authentic faith stories still matter. Christians don’t need to be theologians or pastors to share the Gospel; they simply need to honestly share how Jesus has worked in their lives. Through relatable storytelling and biblical encouragement, this devotional challenges believers to overcome fear, embrace authenticity, and confidently witness to others about God’s faithfulness. Whether through answered prayer, peace during hardship, or everyday moments of hope, your story can help others discover the living presence of Jesus Christ. Highlights Why your personal testimony carries spiritual impact The significance of the 500 witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection How authenticity builds credibility when sharing faith Why Christians don’t need all the answers to witness effectively Overcoming fear and hesitation when talking about Jesus Simple ways to share the hope of Christ in everyday conversations How your story can encourage others to seek God personally 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: Your Witness MattersBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” – 1 Corinthians 15:6, NIV When I was first learning about journalism – as an editor for my high school’s newspaper – I read a story that my fellow student Scott submitted and marveled at all the great quotes he had included. But none of those quotes featured names. They were all followed by the phrase “one student said.” So, I asked Scott to attribute the quotes. It was then that he revealed the “one student” was himself! I had to explain to him that he couldn’t just make up the quotes he wanted to feature in the story. Scott learned about the importance of authenticity and credibility that day, and I had to laugh that he had even considered we might run his story without proper attribution. I love reading the Bible’s stories of Jesus’ appearances to many different people after his resurrection. One of my favorite reports is in 1 Corinthians 15:6, which mentions that the resurrected Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at once – and that many of those people were still living at the time this verse was written, so those who read it could seek them out and hear their own stories of witnessing Jesus personally. All of those witnesses together offer credible evidence that Jesus really was resurrected from the dead and visited many people afterward. You are also a witness to the fact that Jesus is alive. While you didn’t see him appear physically during biblical times, you’ve seen Jesus at work in your life. You’ve experienced how Jesus answered your prayers in all sorts of ways, such as by sending you guidance, giving you peace, or encouraging you. By sharing your stories of witnessing Jesus’ work in your life, you can help other people discover that Jesus is still living and active. Sometimes you may hesitate to share your stories because you’re afraid someone will ask a hard theological question you can‘t answer. But look back at that group of 500 people. They weren’t experts; they were witnesses. A witness’s job isn’t to be the judge, the jury, or the lawyer. A witness’s only job is to say: “This is what I saw, and this is what happened to me.” When you dare to share honest stories about how Jesus meets you in your struggles, you give others permission to be honest, too. Your authenticity can inspire others to walk closer to Jesus themselves. This verse mentions that most of those 500 witnesses were “still living.” This was an open invitation for skeptics to go and investigate by talking to them directly about their experiences with the resurrected Jesus. Today, you are the “still living” proof for the people in your own life. You’re the witness in your office, in your gym, in your family group chat, and wherever else you can share your stories of Jesus at work in your life. Jesus wants you to share his Gospel message in fresh ways whenever you have opportunities to do so. Just sharing simple ways that Jesus has given you hope lately or answered a specific prayer to help you can make a significant positive difference in other people’s lives. You don’t have to give people a sermon. Just witness authentically how Jesus is working in your life. No one else can tell your stories of what Jesus is doing in your life. If you stay silent, some credible reports of God’s goodness stay hidden. But if you witness to others about how you’ve seen Jesus, you can point many people toward hope. So, go ahead and share what you’ve seen. You never know whose life might be changed by your witness! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how important it is for you to share your authentic stories of faith in God, reflect on these questions: When was a time you saw Jesus at work in your life that you haven’t yet shared with anyone? What’s the biggest fear that holds you back from talking about your faith with others? How can you overcome that fear, with God’s help? Who in your life right now needs to hear you witness about the hope that Jesus offers? How can you share a story with that person about how Jesus has given you hope? How does the idea of being a witness – who just says what you’ve seen – put less pressure on you than being a teacher or preacher? What credible evidence can people see that shows them Jesus is alive and active in your life right now? Further Reading:Acts 1:81 Peter 3:15Psalm 107:2Revelation 12:11Mark 5:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s timing is always better than our own, even when delays feel frustrating or confusing. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin shares a powerful real-life story about wanting new flooring and home upgrades, only to discover later that God’s “wait” protected her family from unnecessary expense and prepared the way for something far better. Rooted in Bible teaching from Gospel of Matthew 7:11, this message reminds believers that God lovingly gives good gifts to His children—often in ways we never expect. Through water damage, construction messes, and an unexpected remodel, God revealed His wisdom, provision, and perfect timing. This devotional encourages Christians to surrender their own timelines, trust God in the waiting, and believe He can bring beauty out of chaos when we choose obedience over impatience. Highlights Why waiting on God can protect us from unnecessary hardship The importance of listening to godly counsel and spiritual leadership How delays can become unexpected blessings God’s ability to restore beauty from life’s messes and disruptions Trusting God’s timing instead of forcing our own plans A reminder that God’s “no” or “wait” often leads to something better Finding peace through obedience, patience, and prayer 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: God Always Knows BestBy Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) How many times do you and I have something on our minds, or on our wish lists, that we fail to ask God for, and we just rush ahead and try to get it for ourselves? I remember when my daughter and I got in our heads that we wanted to replace our carpet downstairs with wood laminate flooring. We believed it would be better for my husband, who suffered allergies now and then from our beloved cat, Mowgli. And we so wanted the upgrade to get rid of our old, smelly carpet. We also wanted to update the overall look of our condo, so we went to a home improvement store and admired granite and marble countertops that could replace the old tile and grungy grout in our kitchen. The cost of the countertops was so high, though, that we figured we didn’t truly need them. So, my daughter and I decided to just push hard for the new flooring. Yet, my husband insisted that we wait. “We don’t know if we might end up paying taxes this year,” he said, “so let’s wait until after April.” “But we have the money in savings,” I countered. “And you’d love it, Dad,” my daughter chimed in. Yet my husband was insistent. "I'm just not feeling at peace about it,” he said. “Please wait and trust me on this.” I was so convinced we should have that flooring, I whined about it to God in prayer the next morning. It was very clear what God was saying to my heart during my prayer time: Listen to your husband. Follow his lead. I didn’t bother arguing with God. He usually won’t budge on things. So, I waited it out and forgot about the flooring. Until a few months later, when we discovered wet carpet from a slab leak underneath our kitchen floor and entryway! The insurance company was called. Dryers were put in our living room to dry out the floors and help mitigate what they hoped wouldn’t turn into mold. Then, contractors came and rerouted our water lines from the ground into the walls of our condo. The place was an absolute mess. But part of the remodel included not only replacing the carpet in the living room and entry way and up the stairs, but the option to include flooring instead at less of a cost than the carpet, leaving excess funds to replace our countertops, which had to be redone after a tile broke when the contractors were repairing the lower cupboards underneath the countertops. Over the next few months, we ended up with all-new wood flooring downstairs, beautiful new granite countertops, and a kitchen repaint at practically no expense to us. Had I rushed ahead and not waited on my husband and God for that wood flooring, we would’ve paid a few thousand dollars for it, only to have it all ripped up a month later and reinstalled again after the leak. By waiting when my husband said, “Let’s wait,” and by listening to God when He said, “Listen to your husband,” we didn’t pay anything except a small deductible for what turned out to be a $15,000 remodel of the downstairs in our home. Intersecting Faith & Life: How many times might God have something far better for us than what was on our own wish list and timeline? Trust Him for what He wants to do in your life in His way and in His time. Trust Him in the messes, like slab leaks, reconstruction, and water damage repair. He has a way of restoring and bringing beauty out of the chaos. And as Matthew 7:11 says, He loves to give gifts to His children who not only ask Him, but wait upon Him. Thank You, Lord, that You can accomplish far more when I pray about a situation and wait upon You than I can when I argue or try to work things out for myself. Lord, You always know best, and I truly want Your best, not my idea of what’s best. Teach me to wait upon Your plan and Your timing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Further Reading: Psalm 84:11 For daily help and inspiration to wait upon God, see Cindi McMenamin’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.

The Holy Spirit still speaks, guides, comforts, and anchors believers in truth today. In this devotional on listening to the Holy Spirit, Michelle Lazurek reflects on a frightening health scare that led her into fear, anxiety, and catastrophic thinking—until God’s gentle voice broke through the lies. Rooted in Psalms 37:23, this message reminds us that God establishes the steps of those who delight in Him and that the Holy Spirit helps believers discern truth in difficult seasons. Through personal testimony and biblical encouragement, this devotional explores spiritual discernment, obedience, and learning to recognize God’s voice amid fear and uncertainty. It highlights how Scripture, prayer, and Christian community help believers test what they hear and grow more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. As we mature spiritually, the Holy Spirit becomes not only our Comforter but also the One who silences lies and strengthens our identity in Christ. Highlights The Holy Spirit often speaks peace into moments filled with fear and confusion. God’s voice will always align with Scripture and His character. Spiritual maturity grows through consistent prayer, obedience, and time in God’s Word. Fear and negative thinking lose power when replaced with biblical truth. Christian community helps believers discern and confirm God’s leading. God—not circumstances or diagnoses—holds authority over our lives and future. Listening to the Holy Spirit requires intentional stillness and spiritual attentiveness. 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: Listen to the Holy SpiritBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” - Psalm 37:23 A couple of years ago, I started a new medication. This medication had side effects, one of which was nausea, and I had a lot of it. In addition, I felt it was affecting my throat, as I kept feeling a lump there. Because I have had hypothyroidism for many years, my doctor wanted to check to see if it was causing harm to my thyroid, and she wanted to see if it was cancer. She ordered an ultrasound to check it. No cancer! But the test results revealed I probably had an autoimmune disease that had gone undiagnosed for some time. This was difficult news to hear, to say the least. After I visited with the doctor, I got into my car and drove to the grocery store. Just as I was getting into the car after getting some groceries, I hit my head on the rearview mirror. I bawled my eyes out for the next half hour in my car. A myriad of thoughts ran through my head: I won’t live long enough to see my kids grow up or their grandkids. God didn’t care about my health. God didn’t care about me. All I had done was for nothing. After I had my emotional meltdown, I went back into the store. Walking down the aisle, I sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart: “I tell you when you’re done. Doctors don’t tell you when you are done, I tell you when you are done.” Immediately, all those lies that filled my head were gone. Because I regularly practice listening for the Holy Spirit, I was in tune and aware enough of how God speaks to me that when He spoke, I knew it was Him. I not only knew from my previous encounters with the Spirit, but also being anchored in God’s word, that when I tested the words I heard, they aligned with Scripture. Those words inspired me not to give up. I changed my diet and tweaked my exercise routine. I started taking supplements, upped my water intake—anything I could do to live as healthily as possible. If you are unsure whether you are hearing from the Holy Spirit, ask yourself these questions: As you read Scripture, does a verse speak to your soul in a way it hasn’t before (especially if you’ve read the scripture before)? Do you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you during your prayer time? If he does, write down what you believe he is saying. If you have experienced either of these things, test what you are hearing with others you trust (they can be in your church or not). Community is key to sharpening your ability to hear from the Holy Spirit. When we mature in our spiritual walks, we rely more on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's voice becomes clearer to us the more we listen to it and obey what it says. Not only is it important to listen to the Holy Spirit, but it also helps to dispel the lies that Satan plants in our minds. Just as I believed the lie that my life was over simply because of a doctor's diagnosis, the Holy Spirit had more to say to me on that subject. The minute I heard those words in the spirit, all those lies disappeared. I was able to replace the truth of the above verse with the lies that my life would be cut short. Are you someone who hears from the Holy Spirit? Have you had encounters like this where the words you hear from him align with Scripture, changing not only your life but the lives of those who hear them? Vow to be more attuned to the spirit. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you in ways that only you will understand. When you hear those words, be obedient to do as they say. When we align our minds and hearts with the Holy Spirit, we solidify our identity in Christ and can respond to the still, small voice in our lives. Father, let us listen to you. Make your voice unmistakable in our lives. Let us be people who are known to obey you rather than the lies in our minds. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you heard from the Holy Spirit? What did he say? Were you obedient to what you heard? Further Reading: John 14:26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 78:2 reminds believers of the importance of remembering and recounting God’s faithfulness through every generation. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how seasons of chaos, uncertainty, fear, and hardship can tempt Christians to lose sight of God’s power, provision, and promises. When life feels overwhelming, believers often try to regain control on their own, yet Scripture continually points back to the faithfulness of God as the true foundation for peace and stability. This devotional highlights how the Israelites repeatedly witnessed God’s miraculous provision and deliverance, yet often forgot His faithfulness when new challenges arose. Through intentional reflection and remembrance, Christians can strengthen their faith, overcome fear, and build deeper trust in God’s character. Remembering God’s past faithfulness becomes a powerful way to steady the heart, encourage future generations, and remain anchored in hope during uncertain times. Highlights Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens faith during difficult seasons. Fear and anxiety often grow when believers forget God’s past provision. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to reflect on His works and promises. The Israelites struggled because they continually forgot God’s deliverance. God remains faithful even when His people are fearful or weak in faith. Reflecting on God’s past provision helps believers trust Him in present trials. Intentional remembrance builds peace, hope, and spiritual endurance. 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 Remembering God’s Faithfulness Rebuilds Your FaithBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I will open my mouth with a parable;I will utter hidden things, things from of old. —Psalm 78:2 Lately, life has felt heavy and chaotic, hasn’t it? Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning backward, upside down, and inside out, and frankly, there’s not much I can do about it. I can’t fix our economy or prevent the next recession. I can’t undo the division and polarization plaguing our nation. I can’t solve my loved one’s problems or prevent their pain. And when everything hits simultaneously, or my hardship continues for any length of time, I temporarily lose sight of the power, promises, and love of Christ. Such forgetfulness is dangerous in times of crisis, because it tempts me to rely on myself and seek control. But I’ve created enough messes to know the foolishness of any so-called solutions not provided by Christ. Thankfully, He never leaves me to navigate life’s challenges alone. I watched Him resurrect my marriage when it seemed dead. He’s provided for us in miraculous ways and guided us through confusion and uncertainty. My life has become a living testimony of His grace. A grace that, when remembered and reflected upon, deepens my faith, strengthens my obedience, and purifies my love for the One who never leaves my side. I see this strategic interaction all throughout Scripture. We humans excel at falling into messes; the Lord excels at pulling us out and setting us on a new, brighter, freer path. This is the message Asaph, the prophet and royal musician who penned Psalm 78, conveyed. He wanted the Israelites to consider God’s faithfulness to His often faithless and rebellious people. He asked them to listen, and then to repeat the lessons he taught, as a way to encourage their souls, yes. But also to build faith into the next generation. To help insulate them from falling into the same self-defeating traps as the older generation (vs 6-8). Scripture records some of the most shocking examples in Exodus, a historical narrative recounting the people’s liberation from slavery and oppression and journey to the Promised Land. They should’ve completed this 200 to 400-mile trek within ten days, a few weeks max. But when it came time to enter their new, God-given land, they refused, out of fear. This, after having witnessed the Lord’s miraculous intervention numerous times. Consider how their story began—an entire population, held captive, powerless, for centuries. They had no recourse, no voice, and likely assumed things would never get better. How could they, a weak and beaten-down people group, possibly break free from the most powerful ruler in the ancient world at that time? That’s also why God’s rescue would’ve made such an impact. He infused hope into a seemingly hopeless situation, proving His power over the most oppressive and established systems and history’s most vicious tyrants. But then, soon after their liberation, they found themselves trapped again, this time with a large body of water on one side and a skilled, armed, and trained military advancing on the other. Understandably, the people panicked. They deemed their circumstances hopeless. But again, God came through, parted the water so they could pass across on dry ground, then swept their cruel abusers into the sea. Again and again, God’s people found themselves in dire situations. And again and again, God came through, proving His love. Demonstrating His attentive care. In each instance, He presented them with an opportunity to deepen their faith, build greater trust in their Maker, and establish a more secure connection with Him. Sadly, they never seemed to accept His beautiful invitation—because they refused to learn from their past. Instead, they remained reactive, fearful, anxious, and in repeated chaos with themselves, one another, and their Lord. Asaph challenged the later generations to consider their ancestors’ self-defeating patterns so that they could learn to live differently, with more faith and less fear. And he did so by highlighting God’s faithfulness, often displayed when His people behaved most faithlessly. Intersecting Life & Faith: Each day, God offers us the same lesson. He invites us to engage in intentional reflection, where we periodically pause to recall evidence of His love and examples of His care. This remembering strengthens our faith and our attachment to our Savior. As we consistently draw closer to Him, listen for His life parables, and fortify our souls with truth, He steadies us. He enables us to stand firm, immovable, regardless of how shaky the ground beneath us feels. How might intentionally remembering God’s power, promises, presence, and provision increase your faith and peace and decrease your anxiety for whatever difficulties you might face? Perhaps journal on one instance each day. In a year’s time, you’ll have 365 accounts of His faithful care for you and those you love. Further Reading:Joshua 4:6-7Psalm 105:1-5Psalm 145:4-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 reminds believers that true fulfillment is not found in possessions, status, or comparison, but in godliness with contentment. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how social media comparison can quietly stir envy, dissatisfaction, and restlessness in the heart. Constant exposure to curated lifestyles and picture-perfect moments can tempt Christians to believe they are lacking something God has withheld from them. This devotional encourages believers to guard their hearts against comparison and refocus their attention on Christ rather than worldly standards. Scripture reminds Christians that God faithfully provides what they truly need, and lasting peace comes from trusting His provision and sovereignty. Through gratitude, repentance, and renewing the mind with God’s Word, believers can experience the joy and freedom of godly contentment instead of chasing temporary fulfillment through comparison and materialism. Highlights Godliness with contentment brings lasting spiritual gain. Social media comparison can fuel envy, jealousy, and dissatisfaction. Comparison often reveals deeper struggles with trust and gratitude. True fulfillment is found in Christ, not worldly success or appearances. God faithfully provides what His children truly need. Renewing the mind with Scripture helps guard the heart from discontentment. Gratitude and faith lead to greater peace, joy, and contentment. 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 Great Gain of Godly Contentment By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). Has interaction on social media ever created a heaviness in your heart, perhaps leading you to compare yourself to others? In my life, I seem to get this cloud that forms over me when I scroll certain social media influencers' profiles. You know, the ones from somewhere in the Midwest with a thriving business, beautiful children, Magnolia-inspired farmhouse decor covering the pristine photos of their adorable home...and the lighting! Perfect lighting in these pictures… every single one of them! Absolutely stunning natural light in these posts! And I want to imitate it, but not because I am inspired, but because, quite frankly, I am jealous of these strangers on the internet! The cloud that looms over my head is this heaviness that I need to make my life look like this. I start to think I need what they have, and a feeling of "not enough" starts to creep up in my heart. Recently, the Lord has been showing me through this restlessness how discontented I have become through social media, and that is something I am working through with the Holy Spirit on how I can guard my heart from these types of entanglements that bring distraction and discontentment. My eyes have drifted upon lesser things, and it has affected my heart in a great way. Comparison that leads to envy and jealousy has been a trap of the enemy since creation. The motive behind Adam and Eve’s disobedience was comparison, which led to covetousness, which led to pride, which led to selfishness, which led to ungratefulness for what God had already provided (all rooted in fear). Are you in fear? Then you are not in faith, believing God at His Word and fully trusting Him that He has given you exactly what you need. Anything that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). When we compare ourselves with another, we are saying we would do a better job planning out our lives than our Creator, the sovereign Most High, acting like Satan who fell and caused Adam and Eve to fall. Whoa, that is a dangerous place to be! When we are wrestling with these heart issues and sin, we often need a perspective shift, and this won’t come from social media, but the Word of God is what will bring clarity when our minds and hearts become clouded with worldliness that causes us to become jealous of others. The Apostle Paul reminds his spiritual son Timothy in his first letter to him to keep his mind on eternal and spiritual matters: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Our Heavenly Father ensures that birds are fed, surely, He will take care of us! If we have food and clothing, we truly don’t need anything else; All else is comfort and gifts from our Father. Any material blessing beyond food and clothing that the Lord graces us with should cause us to worship and rejoice in thankfulness for His rich mercy and love towards us as His children. We are all guilty of comparing our lives to someone else’s at some point and allowing it to spark jealousy. Where have your eyes wandered that may be creating jealousy? The only way out is to repent and renew your mind with the Word of God. Instead of fixating on others’ lives, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and His Word. If you cling to Him and abide in Him, you will remain full of His love, joy, and peace- the only things that will bring true fulfillment and contentment. You won’t want anything other than what He has given you; His perfect, eternal promises and tender, Fatherly care for you will be more than enough. Let’s lift our gaze and thank Him for what He has already so richly provided for us in Christ Jesus. Further Reading: Philippians 4:11-13 Matthew 6:25-34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Romans 7:18-19 highlights the inner struggle every believer faces between sinful desires and the desire to honor God. In this devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown challenges Christians to honestly evaluate whether they may be sabotaging their own spiritual growth, relationships, or progress in life. Rather than always blaming circumstances or other people, believers are encouraged to practice self-awareness, humility, and accountability as they confront patterns of unhealthy thinking and behavior. This devotional reminds readers that spiritual maturity begins with honest reflection and repentance. The Apostle Paul openly acknowledged his battle with sin, showing believers the importance of recognizing personal weaknesses instead of excusing them. Through humility, accountability, and dependence on God, Christians can stop getting in their own way and begin pursuing the righteous life God calls them to live. Highlights Romans 7 reveals the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit. Self-awareness is the first step toward personal and spiritual growth. Pride can prevent believers from recognizing harmful behaviors. Accountability helps sharpen and strengthen Christian character. Excusing sinful habits leads to self-sabotage and spiritual stagnation. Humility allows believers to receive correction and grow in wisdom. God calls Christians to actively confront and reject sinful patterns. 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: Are You Getting in Your Own Way? By Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading:“For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.” (Romans 7:18-19, CSB) There’s a certain question we should ask ourselves every now and again: Am I getting in my own way? When we don’t get the outcomes we want in life, blaming our circumstances and other people comes naturally enough. What doesn’t happen as frequently as it should is looking at the man in the mirror. Recently, I remember talking to a fellow young man about our desire for marriage. Well, we went out to lunch with women from our church. Something we both wanted. For one reason or another, this getting-to-know-you experience led him to talk about an extremely embarrassing incident. Now, who in their right mind would share that on a first date? Or take, for instance, a buddy of mine who is encountering deep financial strain. The more anyone tries to encourage him, the more he pushes back with a 'woe-is-me' attitude. He seems to want more negativity to fuel what he already exhibits. These guys are not alone. I’ve battled with my own negative thinking and dwelling. Perhaps you, too, are sabotaging your own success. So, ask yourself, “Am I getting in my own way?” Intersecting Faith & Life: After you ask yourself this important question, the answer should be yes. If not, the following steps are especially for you. Build self-awareness. The reason Paul was able to write those particular verses in Romans is that he developed some measure of self-awareness. He may not have completely understood why he behaved the way he did, aside from citing his sinful nature, but he understood something was wrong and wrote about it. He acknowledged the problem, and acknowledgment is the first step to finding a solution. If you want to build self-awareness in your own life, spend some time pausing and reflecting. Yes, this does mean sitting with your thoughts and not your phone. Question yourself about why you do certain things and not others. The better you know yourself, the more you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Develop humility. Humility is underrated and uncommon. So many of us think we have it, yet fail to recognize just how prideful we are. A good way to measure this virtue is to observe how you handle people who disagree with you. Not just the non-believers, but those people you perceive as less (or more) Christian than you. Have they ever proven you wrong about something? When did that last happen? Is it good that you haven’t been wrong since? Have people around you to call you out. Having agreement is nice, but if iron is to sharpen iron, then disagreement is essential. Encouraging one another is nice, but we can do so at the expense of others. Instead of seeking to appease those around us, let’s hold each other accountable and do our best to help others reflect Christ. If you know you’re a sinner, act like it. Some of us will openly call ourselves sinners in the abstract on any given Sunday, but on other days of the week, we justify our sinful behavior. People know that they practice poor communication, but don’t change it. Overeat but don’t change it. Say that they’re lazy, but don’t change it. Does God take sin seriously? If you say yes, don’t say, "He made you that way." Recognize that He hates sin, and try your best to hate it as well. Hate the self-sabotage and do something righteous instead. Further Reading (and Listening): “Wanna Be Happy?” by Kirk Franklin Galatians 5:17 James 1:14-15 Matthew 26:41 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week we are featuring an episode from "On The Ground with Samaritan's Purse". Guest Marina Nobiling, director of national programs at the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office, sheds light on the current cultural and spiritual climate of Germany and talked about the ongoing Samaritan’s Purse projects in the country. There is an immense need for the Gospel to be preached in Germany and for Bible-believing churches to step up and lead. Resources: • Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness. https://ontheground.samaritanspurse.org/podcast/fighting-spiritual-battles-human-trafficking-in-berlin “We want to stand for the Gospel. We want to stand for Jesus … And we want to show in our programs and projects what it's like to be with Him; to be living with Jesus.” –Marina Nobiling Before coming to Christ, Marina said she was not merely neutral towards God, she was an enemy. Marina was in bondage—she battled an eating disorder and anxiety for years to the point of planning to take her own life. But when Marina had an encounter with the Lord, everything changed. “And I had a voice in my head: ‘I want you to live. And you can do it with my help’ … Itwas beyond any doubt clear. That's Jesus. My whole life I had the wrong thinking. That's not true. God exists.” – Marina Nobiling Marina went from believing that the Gospel was an old superstition to knocking on the door of the nearest church, asking to be baptized. She was on fire for God. Marina now takes this compassion to the streets of Berlin, ministering to women who are trapped in prostitution. She remembers what it was like to be in bondage and desires for others like her to be free; to be transformed by the love of Christ. Life can be hard, and Marina still struggles, but she has something to turn to that cannot be shaken: God’s Word. Marina created a “first aid kit” with Psalms and Scriptures that speak to her when she is fighting lies or feeling weighed down by fears. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:1, reminds her that she belongs to the Lord—nothing can take that away. “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1, ESV If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visitSamaritansPurse.org. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nehemiah 8:9-10 reveals a powerful truth for believers struggling with regret, guilt, and shame: God’s grace is stronger than our failures. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how shame often traps Christians in cycles of self-condemnation, replaying past mistakes and fearing they will never truly change. Yet God does not call His children to remain crushed beneath shame. Instead, He invites them to receive His forgiveness, walk in restoration, and find strength through His joy. Using the story of Israel’s return from exile, this devotional highlights how the people grieved over the consequences of their sin while also experiencing the overwhelming grace and provision of God. Though the rubble of brokenness remained, God wanted His people to rebuild from a place of hope rather than condemnation. In the same way, believers today can trust that God is patiently healing, transforming, and restoring them through His grace. Highlights Shame often keeps believers trapped in cycles of fear and self-condemnation. Self-awareness is an important step toward healing and spiritual growth. God’s grace meets believers in the middle of their brokenness and failures. Nehemiah 8 reminds us that “the joy of the Lord” is our strength. Biblical joy comes from knowing God is present, forgiving, and restoring. God does not want His children rebuilding their lives from shame. Healing and transformation often happen gradually through God’s grace. 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 Grace Breaks the Cycle of ShameBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:9-10 Do you ever lie in bed, replaying your every unkind word or hurtful deed from the day? Do memories of past sins and regrets seize your mind and steal your peace? Do you find yourself looking back with sorrow at the damage your unfiltered words, angry outbursts, or triggered responses caused, longing for a do-over, but also fearful that you’ll forever fall into these unhelpful patterns? You’re not alone. People often state that the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. There’s truth to that, likely because we so long to live and love like Jesus. Yet, we often fall short, and not for lack of trying. The other day, I sat with a friend broken by a relational conflict she feared would irrevocably fracture the connection she’d been working to build. Her voice quivered as she said, “I don’t know why I act this way. In the moment, my perspective feels valid, and all I can see is how the other person hurt me. And suddenly, I question their character and intent. Self-isolating thoughts start playing through my mind, like, “She doesn’t really care about you.” “She wants something from you.” “He thinks you’re too much.” “You’re annoying him.” “She’s judging you.” “Why work through this when she’s just going to bail on the relationship anyway?” My friend’s hunched shoulders and the dark shadows beneath her eyes gave evidence to her sleepless night and the heavy weight of shame she carried. A tear slid down her cheek. With a deep breath, she brushed it away. “But then, later,” she said, “I see that I overreacted and made things worse. I see the pattern, but I don’t know how to break it.” Have you been there? The journey toward wholeness and holiness is rarely comfortable or quick. Yes, God holds the power to transform us with a whisper or glance. In my experience, however, He molds my soul gradually, alerting me to an issue, allowing me to see the fallout of my choices, to grieve my brokenness and sin, before He reveals the steps toward victory. Speaking from experience, I shared a statement that encouraged me when I was just beginning my healing journey. “Self-awareness is the first step to change. You can’t heal what you don’t see or won’t acknowledge.” Listening, my friend gave a slight nod and offered a half-laugh, half-huff. “Ignorance is bliss?” she asked. To which I replied, “Temporarily, perhaps. But it’s often when we’re staring at the rubble we’ve helped create that we’re most able to see, and rest in, God’s all-encompassing grace. To gain strength from His grace.” That’s the message today’s passage conveys. Seventy years after what scholars call the Babylonian exile, an event caused by ancient Israel’s long-standing spiritual rebellion, the Lord brought them back to their homeland to rebuild what their sin had destroyed. He sent them with His abundant provision—gold, silver, animals, priests to lead their faith, and numerous workers to repair Jerusalem’s walls and their sacred temple. Scripture tells us that: “The whole company numbered 42,360, besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 245 men and women singers. There were 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys” (Ezra 2:66, NIV). In short, the Lord showered them with blessings and tangible evidence of His favor. And they celebrated. They celebrated the work He enabled them to do, the provisions He provided, and the forgiveness He granted. But this didn’t erase the grief they felt at all that had been lost. The Scripture their religious leaders read brought praise… and a deep awareness of their sin and all it had cost. Seeing their weeping, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Lord’s priests spoke today’s passage, encouraging them to receive and find joy in God’s grace. Biblical joy goes much deeper than a temporary emotion based on our circumstances. It’s the deep awareness of God’s grace—knowing He’s with us, transforming us, rewriting our story, and working all things, our greatest failures included, for our good and His glory. This might not fix the damage we’ve caused. The ancient Israelites still had to clear away the rubble that once formed their homeland, to rebuild the fractured walls and restore the destroyed temple. But God wanted them to do so as His beloved, empowered, and absolved children, not from a place of shame. Shame is exhausting, heavy, and defeating. Grace brings hope, joy, and strength. It lifts the burdens we carry and plants us more firmly in God’s firm yet gentle embrace. Intersecting Life & Faith: I sometimes wonder if shame functions as a defense mechanism or a subconscious fail-safe. Is there a part of us that believes our inner critic protects us from future harm by keeping our unwanted behaviors in check? It’s also a powerful tool of the enemy strategically lobbed to hold us captive. Regardless, through Christ, we always have a way out. Our sins don’t repel Him; instead, He draws close, with arms open wide—nailed to the cross. We honor the sacrifice He made by learning to receive, in our innermost wounded places, the forgiveness for which He paid such a high price. That takes time, healing, prayer, and regularly connecting with Him; sitting in His presence. But the more we do so, take in His truth, and rest in His love, the weaker our shame, the greater our joy, and the more enduring our strength. If you battle shame over a present struggle or past sins, express this to God, and ask Him to break your shame. Then, keep your soul oriented to Him, your spiritual ears attuned to His voice, and your figurative feet ready to follow, trusting Him to lead you step by step, in His perfect timing. Further Reading:2 Corinthians 7:910Isaiah 57:14-15Habakkuk 3:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Galatians 6:7-8 reminds believers that every word, action, and habit plants seeds that will eventually produce a harvest. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler uses a personal gardening story to illustrate the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping. Just as planting the wrong cucumber seeds led to an unexpected bitter harvest, the choices Christians make each day shape the direction and outcome of their lives and relationships. This devotional encourages believers to carefully examine the seeds they are planting through their speech, attitudes, priorities, and daily decisions. Seeds of selfishness, bitterness, and careless behavior eventually produce painful consequences, while seeds planted through the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead to peace, kindness, spiritual growth, and life-giving relationships. God calls His people to intentionally plant seeds that reflect His character and trust Him for a fruitful harvest in His perfect timing. Highlights Every word and action plants seeds that will eventually grow. Galatians 6 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. Careless words can produce bitterness and damaged relationships. Habits and priorities shape the future harvest of our lives. Planting for selfish gain leads to regret and devastation. Planting through the Holy Spirit produces peace, kindness, and self-control. Spiritual growth often happens slowly before visible fruit appears. 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 Kind of Seeds Will You Plant?By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit.” – Galatians 6:7-8, CEB When I first started gardening, the first seed packets I bought were for cucumbers. Our family enjoyed eating cucumbers, and I’d heard that cucumbers were easy to grow. Buying a bunch of cucumber seeds and planting them seemed to be a “no-brainer” decision in the spring. But in the summer, when our cucumbers appeared, I was shocked to see that they didn’t look – or taste – like anything I expected. Instead of the smooth and sweet cucumbers I’d hoped to slice up for our salads, I’d grown what seemed to be cucumber monsters. They were huge, covered in sharp spikes. Biting into their thick, spiky skin was challenging, and when we did, we got a bitter taste that was quite simply gross! It turned out that I’d planted a variety of cucumbers that were usually made into pickles before being eaten – not even close to the variety I usually bought from the grocery store to eat fresh. I wish I had paid more attention to exactly what kind of seeds I planted. Seeds always grow into something. That’s exactly what the Bible points out in Galatians 6:7-8, which compares people’s words and actions to seeds. The choices we all make every day are planting something that will grow to become something that we – and God – either like or don’t like. You plant seeds with your words. The way you speak to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, or even yourself matters. Harsh, careless words plant seeds of pain that can distance you from people. Gentle, encouraging words plant seeds of trust that can lead to closer relationships. You may think a careless comment is small and unimportant, but seeds don’t look impressive at first either. Over time, though, they grow into something much bigger. You also plant seeds with your actions. The priorities you set and the habits you practice day by day will all grow into results you’ll eventually see. If you consistently choose whatever works best for you without considering the other people in your life, you’re planting seeds for your own benefit, just like this Bible passage describes. Those seeds may promise you easy results, but they often grow into situations that leave you feeling bitterness and regret. On the other hand, if you seek God’s guidance for your decisions, you’re planting for the benefit of the Spirit. Those choices may not be easy. In fact, they can be challenging to make. But God promises that the choices you make along with him will lead to good results. There’s often a gap between planting and harvesting. That gap can fool you. During that time, you might start to think that it doesn’t matter what you say or do, because you can’t yet see anything bad happening from your choices. But growth is happening under the surface. Roots are forming, and a direction is being set. So, pay attention now to the words and actions you’re choosing. Just like with the cucumbers, it’s much easier to choose the right seeds at the beginning than to deal with a bitter harvest later. Before you speak, you can pause and think about what might grow from your words. Before you act, you can consider what might grow from what you decide to do. When you “plant for the benefit of the Spirit,” you line yourself up with God’s life-giving work. You can then start to see fruit like peace, patience, kindness, and self-control growing in you and around you. As a result, your life will taste less bitter, and you can taste the goodness God wants you to enjoy. Today – and every day – you have a choice. You’re holding seed packets in your hands that will grow into something, depending on the words and actions you choose. So, choose carefully. Ask God to help you plant what leads to life. Then trust that, in time, the harvest will come and you’ll see that your decisions were worth making. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider what you want to grow in your life, reflect on these questions: What kinds of seeds have you been planting recently with your words and actions? Are there any habits in your life that might lead to a bitter harvest if they continue? Where do you sense God inviting you to plant for the benefit of the Spirit instead of yourself? What’s a conversation or situation coming up where you can choose to plant better seeds now than you have in the past? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to plant the best seeds now for a good future harvest in a relationship with someone you love? Further Reading:Hosea 10:12James 3:18Galatians 5:22-23Matthew 12:34Proverbs 18:21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Genesis 2:18 reveals an important truth about God’s design for humanity: we were created for community. In this devotional, Laura Bailey explores the beauty and difficulty of relationships, especially within Christian friendships and church communities. While human relationships can be messy, painful, and disappointing, God never intended believers to walk through life alone. From the very beginning, God established companionship and community as part of His good design for His people. This devotional reminds Christians that although conflict, hurt, and misunderstanding are inevitable in relationships, isolation is not the answer. Throughout Scripture, from Adam and Eve to the early church in Acts, God consistently calls His people to worship, grow, encourage, and persevere together. Community strengthens faith, provides accountability, and reflects the love of Christ as believers extend grace and forgiveness to one another despite imperfections. Highlights God created people to live in relationship and community. Genesis 2:18 shows that isolation was never part of God’s design. Christian friendships and church relationships can sometimes be painful and messy. Believers are called to extend grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Community provides encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. The early church thrived through worship and life together. Walking away from Christian community is not God’s solution to hurt. 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: Created for Community By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” - Genesis 2:18 NIVI could tell by the slump in my daughter’s shoulders as she walked towards the car that something was wrong. The slamming of the vehicle door, accompanied by an aggressive sigh, confirmed my suspicions. While it is not unusual for my middle school daughter to offer little to our conversation on our ride home, today, it was radio silent. As I turned into the driveway, I told her we weren't going inside until we talked about what was going on. “I am done with friends! I am better off alone!” she exclaimed. My momma’s heart immediately dropped. For many years, we avoided friendship drama, but I knew sooner or later it would weasel its way into our lives. As she regaled the events of the day, I nodded my head in solidarity, held her in my arms, and tried to offer ( to no avail, raising a middle school daughter is tough!) words of comfort. Holding back tears, she asked, “Mom, why would they act this way? They are supposed to be my friends, my Christian friends.” Whew – while the surface-level answer is not complicated to diagnose, the root cause of conflict is a bit harder to digest. I think we’ve all been there. I am 40 years old, and I still ask the same question. Relationships are complicated, no matter what stage of life you're in. The reality is that our relationships with other believers are, unfortunately, some of the most difficult. And, if I am honest, I’ve had the same sentiment as my daughter, “I don’t need these people, I am better off alone.” Especially when it comes to the church. Likely, you don’t need to be convinced of the messiness of worshiping with saints who act more like sinners. Like most things, it is easier for us to focus on the negative aspects of our churches than on the positives. During the season I mentioned above, while there were people in the church walls who caused me affliction, there were also members who brought me great joy, comfort, and encouragement. While I don’t excuse the harm caused by fellow Christians, I must also acknowledge that I’ve intentionally and unintentionally inflicted hurt on my church family, too. And just as I hoped they’d give me the opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation, I need to do the same. As we say in the south, “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Simply put, mess and all, life is better together.We see in Genesis 1 that God declares His creation “good” (Genesis 1:25). However, when He created man, He proclaims humanity is “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Humans are the climax of the creation story, the most cherished possession of the Lord. Created in God’s image, we are the reflection of our Creator, and it’s not just good, but very good. However, God looks at Adam's singleness and declares, “it is not good for man to be alone ( Genesis 2:18). What was God’s solution: a companion, an Ezer in the original Hebrew, a helpmate for Adam. With Adam and Eve’s union, we see the first example of human community; however, the idea of living in a group is prevalent throughout Scripture, as exemplified by the Jewish Nation, a people set apart by God. (Exodus 19:3-6) While they had an individual responsibility to keep these commands, God is addressing the collective body of the Israelites. Think of it as a built-in accountability. God wanted the Israelites to understand that they needed each other, not just to meet their physical needs, or make life easier, but to strengthen and encourage one another in the faith. Then, in the New Testament, we see examples of early Christians gathered in community in Acts 2:1-4 and Acts 2:42-47. Christians gathered while the Spirit rested on them individually; corporately, they worshiped and praised the Lord. And the early church grew because of its strong ties to living in community and corporate worship.As tempting as it might be to abandon corporate worship, walking away from community worship is not the answer. God created humans for community; we need each other. Let’s embrace the imperfect body of believers as we stand united in the perfectness of Christ.Intersecting Faith & Life:Have you experienced the messiness of human relationships? How does knowing God created you for community help you to forgive offenses and embrace imperfect people with grace and love?Further Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25 What Does the Bible Say About Love in Action? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Romans 8:33-35 offers powerful reassurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God through Jesus Christ. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on how struggles, suffering, illness, anxiety, and difficult seasons can sometimes make Christians question God’s love and presence. Yet Romans 8 reminds believers that God’s love is not dependent on circumstances. Even in hardship, Jesus is interceding for His people, and no trial, fear, or challenge can remove them from His care. This devotional encourages Christians to remain grounded in Scripture and to continually return to God’s Word for truth and hope. While life in a fallen world includes pain and suffering, believers can trust that God has not abandoned them. His love remains constant through every battle, and His promises provide strength, comfort, and peace in seasons of uncertainty and struggle. Highlights Romans 8 declares that nothing can separate believers from God’s love. Jesus Christ continually intercedes for His people. Difficult seasons do not mean God has abandoned us. Suffering and hardship are part of living in a fallen world. Daily time in Scripture strengthens faith and renews perspective. God’s love remains constant through illness, anxiety, and hardship. Believers can find hope and security in God’s unchanging promises. 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: Nothing Can Separate Us from GodBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35). Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible because it speaks to God’s love for us. Whenever I'm struggling to know my worth, I turn to Romans 8, and it helps me feel more optimistic. There is power in the Word of God, and it can change our entire lives. However, these changes will not occur unless we read the Bible every day. This is why it is important for us to spend time in the Word daily. It is not enough to only listen to the Bible on Sunday mornings. Having a relationship with Jesus means we study the Bible each day, talk with Him in prayer, and apply His teachings in our lives. By doing these things, Christ will disciple us, and we will grow in our relationship with Him. Over the past year, I have often wondered whether God truly loves me. I see everyone else living joyful lives while I am struggling every day. My brain reasons that if God did love and care about me, I would be in a better situation than I am right now. I wouldn't have numerous medical health issues, mental health struggles, financial issues, or constant worries about the future. Once I sat down and surrendered everything to the Lord, I was led once again back to Romans 8. This chapter brought me back to a true understanding of God and who He is, rather than what my brain had created Him to be. God is not picking on me, nor is He causing these terrible things to happen. Instead, all the issues I'm having are just part of living in a fallen world. Rather than believing the lie that life will always be full of pain, grief, and sorrow, God has helped me to see that better things are coming. Even if these things don't happen overnight, they will come in the future. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35). Paul tells us plainly in this passage that God is the One who justifies, and nobody can condemn us because we belong to Him. Jesus died for us to live, and He is constantly interceding for us. Nothing in all creation or any trouble can separate us from the love of Christ. Paul mentions that hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword will not separate us from the love of Christ. This tells us that our present season of suffering does not separate us from the love of Christ. Our physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and life challenges are nothing compared to the love of God. God knows these struggles exist in this world, but He will never leave us to face them alone. We are always on God’s mind, and He is always surrounding us with His love, care, and protection. Try to start noticing the little ways His love is shining through in your life. Have you ever felt your troubles have separated you from God? Why did you think this? How does it feel to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God? What are some ways you remind yourself of God’s love when times are hard? Further Reading: Romans 8:36-39 Psalm 23:1-6 Psalm 86:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 121:2-6 reminds believers that God never stops watching over His children. In this devotional, Alexis A. Goring uses the modern “Do Not Disturb” feature on smartphones as a powerful contrast to God’s constant availability. While people often silence notifications to protect their peace and focus, God never places limits on access to His presence. He never sleeps, grows tired, or becomes too busy to hear the prayers of His people. This devotional offers encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or hesitant to approach God. Unlike human relationships that may feel distant or unavailable, God remains attentive, compassionate, and near at every moment. He lovingly invites believers to bring every burden, fear, mistake, and prayer before Him. Through His endless grace and faithful presence, Christians can find comfort knowing they are never disturbing God when they seek His help. Highlights God never puts His children on “Do Not Disturb.” Psalm 121 reveals God as our constant protector and helper. God never sleeps or grows weary in caring for His people. Prayer gives believers direct access to God anytime and anywhere. God bends near to listen compassionately to His children. Believers do not need to fear bringing struggles or failures to God. God’s love is personal, attentive, and unending. 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: Do Not Disturb By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” - Psalm 121:2-6 (NIV) Recently, I started implementing the “Do Not Disturb” feature on my phone. This has proven to be a game-changer. Now, from my bedtime until early morning, no text alerts, notifications, or calls can interrupt my peace and quiet as I sleep. I love this luxury so much that I now often activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature during the daytime when I am awake but busy and don’t want anything or anyone to interrupt my workflow. Thanks to this feature, I can have a level of peace and quiet whenever I want. When people try to text or call me during this time, they see a note on their phone that I am not to be disturbed. Granted, I am always willing to read and reply to texts and return phone calls as soon as my schedule allows. But knowing that I can concentrate on my work without too many interruptions brings me great relief. Lately, I was thinking about this, and my thoughts led to God as I realized He never puts a “Do Not Disturb” sign on His door. He has an open-door policy for all His children here on Earth. God loves us with all His Heart. He readily makes Himself available to listen to us and help us literally any time of the day or night. The Bible says He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He never sleeps (Psalm 121:3-4), and He always has time for us. This Almighty God has a whole universe to run, yet He cares so much about our life here on Earth that He “bends down to listen” (Psalm 116:2) to our every prayer. Let me tell you the significance of that verse: When I worked as a schoolteacher, my more experienced mentor told me that when one of my students was in trouble, I should bend down to listen to her and address the issue. She told me this because even when this child was standing tall, she was barely taller than my waist because she was in her early school years. By bending down, I, as her teacher, was able to meet her on her level and make eye contact. This helped her feel at ease and safe to tell me about what she did because instead of looking up at me, she could see me on her eye level. It is much less intimidating than a grown adult authority figure towering over her because that can make her feel too scared to tell me what happened, especially if she was in the wrong. God has more authority than a human teacher. Yet He is gentle with us but strong when needed. The Bible says God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Depending on where we are in our faith walk with Jesus Christ, we might see God as an intimidating authority figure who towers over us with His majesty and strong frame. This might make us fearful. But the Bible says God doesn’t want us to be afraid. He loves us unconditionally, and He will always bend down to help us and restore us when we are in the wrong, repent of our sins, and ask Him to forgive us. God doesn’t think we are disturbing Him when we bring our pain, problems, and mistakes to Him as we seek His help. He is never too busy when it comes to us. Isn’t it good to know that the Creator of the Universe loves us that much? And that is only the tip of the iceberg because His compassion for humankind runs deep. We will never understand the depth of God’s Love for us (Ephesians 3:18-19). In closing, I’d like for you to listen to this song, “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury. It is about God’s endless love for us. And listen to this other song, “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Song of Reflection #1: “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE Song of Reflection #2: “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/DWydssGbUBc?si=zlg1X2ZrFqqu-l6T Intersecting Faith and Life: What do you think about God’s never-ending love for you? Further Reading:1 John 5:14-15Jeremiah 33:3Matthew 28:18Psalm 34:17Psalm 66:18-19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Whether it’s relationships, dreams, plans, or unanswered prayers, God invites His children not only to release control but to confidently trust His heart and His timing. This devotional encourages Christians to stop living in fear over what God might do with their surrendered lives and instead rest in His faithfulness. God is not withholding good from His children. Even when doors close or circumstances disappoint, He is still working for His glory and our ultimate good. Trusting God means believing that His plans are better than our own and finding peace in His presence, even in uncertainty. Highlights Surrender is a daily choice, but trust must follow surrender. Believers often struggle with taking back what they’ve already given to God. Fear of losing control can make trusting God difficult. God’s closed doors may actually be acts of protection and grace. Philippians 4:19 reminds us God faithfully provides what we truly need. Pain and uncertainty can deepen intimacy and dependence on God. Psalm 37 calls believers to trust God, remain faithful, and delight in Him. 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: Trusting God with What You Have Already Surrendered By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:3-6 ESV) Have you ever prayed, “Lord, help me to surrender?” We all have things we need to surrender daily to the Lord. Our hopes and dreams for the future, our plans, our calling, relationships, and the list goes on. I’ve been in a season where my continual prayer has been one of surrender, which isn’t necessarily wrong. As I said, the prayer of surrender and the heart that gives everything to Jesus must be renewed day by day. Surrender is a daily choice to give it to Him. A few months ago, I was walking around our yard after work, as I often do to clear my mind. I found the same words leaving my lips that I’ve prayed for months, maybe even the past year or two: “Lord, help me surrender.” And then, I froze. It was almost like God whispered to my spirit, “You have surrendered. Now do you trust Me with what You’ve surrendered?” I stopped in my tracks. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. To be honest, I’d never thought of it that way before. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not implying that surrender is a one-and-done deal. It’s a process. I’m also not saying that surrender and trust don’t go hand-in-hand. They absolutely do. But like little children asked to yield a favorite toy to an adult for reasons they don’t yet understand, once they have taken that leap of faith and placed it in their parent’s hand, the “act” is finished. Now, they must trust the parents’ hearts with what matters most to them. They have already surrendered, but now they must trust. We’re like little children more than we realize. What if once we release into the Father’s hand, we are called to stop reaching back for what we’ve let go of? I find that’s one of the hardest parts for me. I’ve admitted to myself that sometimes, I struggle to trust God and want to take it back into my own hands. Why? He hasn’t proven Himself untrustworthy. I know He isn’t going to fail me. But if I’m honest, I think it’s because deep down, I want something so badly that I fear losing it. I fear God will ask me to give it up, that things won’t go my way, or I won’t get what I want. God will always provide what I need, even if it’s not what I think I want. Philippians 4:19 (ESV) reminds us that “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” I’ve seen it in my lifetime and again. Why would I doubt Him now? If He closes a door, then perhaps it’s protection. You ever heard the phrase “rejection is God’s protection”? Yep. So have I. And as much as I hate to admit it, it is often true. When God closes a door we thought we were meant to walk through, we can be tempted to become angry at God. We can wonder why He did that. We can feel like we deserve [fill-in-the-blank]. But the truth is, every good thing comes from above and is a gift of grace we could never earn (James 1:17). Yes, but God loves to give good gifts to His children. Not just good gifts but the best for us (Matthew 7:11). It may not look like the gifts He chooses to bless someone else with, but that’s okay. It doesn’t have to. It will be the best for us. And you know something else? God desires fellowship with us. I have found many times in my own life that God will allow things that will draw me to Him. Those things force me to rely on Him, to trust His plan, or to choose to worship Him even in a valley. He didn’t force us to Himself, but in those moments, He gives a choice: we can either allow the pain to pull us towards God or push Him away. Intersecting Faith & Life Recently, I wrestled with anger towards God. I knew I didn’t want to be angry, and I was angry at myself for even feeling that way. I knew God had a plan, and I wanted to trust Him. In the dark of night, I finally whispered to Him: “God, please write my story in the way that brings You the most glory.” I can’t explain it, but after that night, I’ve had peace regarding that specific situation in my life. I realized that Psalm 37:3-6 isn’t just about committing my way to the Lord. It was also about trusting Him once I did. We are called to trust in the Lord, do good, dwell where He has placed us, and be faithful in even the small things. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts, which is ultimately a relationship and fellowship with Him. It’s so hard sometimes, but there is such beauty and freedom in committing our ways to the Lord, trusting in Him, and watching Him write our stories in ways only He can. And I know that no matter what happens, no matter what pain or unpleasant situations come up in my life, God will be there. And if He uses the pain to draw me to Him and to use in glorifying Himself and calling others to Him, then by His strength alone, I can say, “Bring it on.” If the pain is the path to His presence, then I count it all joy. It’s worth it. Pray with me: Dear Father, thank You for being patient with me, for being a loving Father whose heart I can trust even when I don’t understand Your plan. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to take back what I’ve already surrendered to You, and for the moments I’ve let what I want cloud my view of what You have for me. Today, I’m not just surrendering my plans. I choose to trust You with what is already in Your hands. Help me to leave my story in Your hands, knowing that if You are writing it, it will be for my ultimate good and Your greatest glory. I am Yours. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Proverbs 18:10 reminds believers that true security is found not in human strength or earthly protection, but in the presence and power of God. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on a frightening experience in Washington, D.C., where heightened police activity and danger created anxiety rather than peace. Yet in the middle of uncertainty, prayer shifted her focus from fear to God’s protection and brought a deep sense of peace. This devotional encourages Christians to run to God first whenever fear, uncertainty, or danger arise. Like the fortified towers in biblical times, God’s presence provides refuge, strength, and safety for His people. While difficult circumstances may not immediately disappear, believers can trust that God remains sovereign, powerful, and near in every situation. Through prayer, we gain access to the only security that never fails. Highlights God is the ultimate source of safety and protection. Earthly security often cannot provide lasting peace. Prayer connects believers directly to God’s unlimited power. Proverbs 18:10 compares God’s name to a fortified tower. Running to God means trusting Him in fearful situations. God’s peace can calm anxiety even when circumstances remain difficult. Believers can confidently rely on God’s presence during uncertainty and danger. 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: Run to God for Security By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10, NIV While my husband Russ and I drove home from watching the musical “1776” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., we were surprised to see that many of the streets we had planned to take were blocked by a massive police presence. We found ourselves caught in a maze of detours trying to get around the White House. The more we drove, the more alarmed we became. Police officers were everywhere, racing by in cruisers with sirens blaring and red and blue lights flashing. They were also standing outside, with their guns in full view, talking urgently on radios. I checked the news on my phone while Russ drove, and discovered that a man armed with guns and knives had breached security at the Washington Hilton and opened fire during the White House correspondents’ dinner. That was the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan had been wounded in an act of violence decades before. Earlier in history, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in the same theater where we had just seen the show. Despite all the armed officers surrounding us, I didn’t feel protected. Instead, the abundance of weapons and the high-speed maneuvers made me feel insecure and unsafe. So, I prayed for protection – for us in our car, for all the officers and people at the correspondents’ dinner, and for everyone else in the area. Then I felt a strong sense of peace settle on me. I finally felt secure because I knew I could trust God for my ultimate safety, and I experienced God’s peace. Proverbs 18:10 points out that calling on God’s name through prayer is a powerful way to find safety. It compares God to a fortified tower we can run to. In biblical times, fortified towers were at the core of a city’s defense. Those towers were built with thick stones and placed on the highest ground. When an enemy invaded, the people would abandon their vulnerable houses and run to the tower for protection. The verse says the “name of the Lord” is like a strong tower. When we run to God by calling on his name through prayer, we’re connecting with the source of all power! There is no limit to God’s power. So, God is much stronger than any dangerous situation we’ll ever face in this fallen world. You can run to God’s protection anytime and anywhere you need it, just by calling on God’s name when you pray. When you’re facing scary circumstances in your life – like an alarming health diagnosis or conflict in a relationship that’s important to you – you may feel trapped in a dangerous place, as I did in Washington, D.C. that night. But when you pray, you can run through the doors of God’s protection. Notice that the verse says “the righteous run to it and are safe.” That doesn’t mean that the danger around you will stop. But God, who is much more powerful than the danger, will be present with you right in the middle of danger. All you have to do is call on the name of the Lord, and God will answer your prayer by helping you. God gives you the ultimate security. It doesn’t depend on how many police officers are in your neighborhood or how many locks are on your door. God’s security is based on the reality that God has unlimited power, so nothing can break through his protective barriers. Whenever you feel unsafe, run to God in prayer just like you would run to a strong tower for protection. Then you’ll find the security that only God can give you! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to run to God for security, reflect on these questions: When you feel afraid or anxious, what’s the very first thing you usually do to try to feel safe? Why do you think human security (like money, locks, or even the police) sometimes fails to give us true peace of mind? What does it mean to you to run to God’s name in the middle of a challenging or dangerous situation? When has God answered your prayers for protection in the past? How did you experience God’s peace in those situations? What circumstances are you facing right now where you need God’s protection? Further Reading: Psalm 46:1 Psalm 61:3 Psalm 91:2 2 Samuel 22:3 Nahum 1:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Proverbs 14:29 teaches that patience reflects wisdom and understanding, while quick-tempered reactions often lead to regret and foolishness. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker shares her personal struggle with impatience, anxiety, and the desire for control, revealing how God helped her gradually cultivate patience through growth, flexibility, prayer, and dependence on Him. This devotional reminds believers that patience is not developed overnight but is part of spiritual maturity and the fruit of the Spirit. Through prayer, intentional thinking, and trusting God in frustrating moments, Christians can learn to respond with peace rather than anger. Whether facing delays, unmet expectations, or everyday inconveniences, God faithfully helps His children grow in patience as they rely on His strength and guidance. Highlights Patience often develops through difficult and frustrating seasons. Anxiety and the desire for control can contribute to impatience. God strengthens believers when they turn to Him during stressful moments. Filling waiting seasons with productive or meaningful activities can help cultivate patience. Proverbs 14:29 connects patience with wisdom and understanding. Quick-tempered reactions often damage our witness and relationships. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that grows over time through dependence on God. 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 PatienceBy: Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). Patience is something most of us have struggled with at various times in our lives. As a teen, I remember struggling immensely with patience as I was obsessed with routines. If something didn’t go as planned, I would get stressed. I now know this was due to an underlying anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But back then, I had no idea. My lack of patience and desire for order made life challenging for my entire family. My mom was worried about my behavior and spoke with me about my concerning behaviors. She told me that I needed to learn to be flexible because life is not set in stone. We cannot expect everything to happen exactly as it did yesterday. My mom wanted to ensure I understood that patience was required to be flexible, and it was something I was going to have to work on. While I continued to struggle with patience and flexibility as a teen, I have now cultivated these skills as an adult. Although my mom never saw all her wise words and hard work come to fruition in my life, I am eternally grateful for her help. I am now able to be patient, flexible, and roll with the punches. While some things can still bother me, such as being stuck in traffic or waiting in a lengthy line, most things don’t anymore. I can fill my time with other things while I wait, and I can talk with the Lord in prayer when I’m struggling. In truth, we can easily snuff out impatience by talking with the Lord. He will give us guidance and strengthen our minds when we are at our wits' end. Moreover, it also helps to fill our time with other things. For example, if we are waiting for a doctor’s appointment, we can bring a book or an assignment we need to work on. Think about a book you want to read, a hobby you want to pick up, or a friend you’ve meant to call. Most things take time, but if we fill our time with fun and productive activities, patience will not feel as draining anymore. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). This shows the importance of being patient. Cultivating patience will take time; however, God will help us. As we lean more into Him, apply His teachings in our lives, and rely on Him for strength, we will develop patience each day. Sometimes we might struggle, but this is normal. None of us will master patience overnight, and we will fall short at times. As long as we are trying our best, we are doing right. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, which tells us it will take time to perfect (Galatians 5:22-23). If we are quick-tempered, we are displaying folly. Think about when you saw someone lose their temper. Were they red in the face? What was the tone of their voice? Did they look Christ-like? Addressing these questions will help us avoid future mistakes in our own lives. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). As believers, we need to continue to walk the way of patience and refrain from anger (Psalm 37:8). Those who seek patience will cultivate life, and those who seek anger will find folly. Carefully pray over the matter, talk with Him, and allow Him to direct your path. Why do you think so many of us struggle with patience? By understanding the difference between patience and folly, how will it impact your future actions and behaviors? Further Reading: Psalm 37:7-11 Romans 12:12 Proverbs 15:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Acts 2:42 reminds believers that Christian community is essential for spiritual growth, encouragement, and living out our faith together. In this devotional, Laura Bailey explores the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation in modern culture and contrasts it with the deep fellowship found in the early church. Rooted in Acts 2:42-47, this message highlights how relationships, service, prayer, and shared faith were central to the lives of early believers. This devotional encourages Christians to rediscover the beauty of biblical community through active involvement in the local church. Rather than approaching church casually or consumeristically, believers are called to devote themselves to fellowship, worship, and serving together with a shared mission centered on Christ. True joy and spiritual strength are often found when we move beyond isolation and begin doing life together with other believers. Highlights Loneliness and isolation continue to rise as community declines. The early church modeled deep fellowship, prayer, and shared purpose. Christian community provides relationships, service opportunities, and belonging. Church attendance in Acts was marked by devotion, not convenience. Believers are called to focus on Christ rather than personal preferences. Spiritual growth happens when Christians live life together outside Sunday services. Genuine community strengthens both physical and spiritual well-being. 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: Life Is Better Together By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 NIVIn 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General’s report (Vivek Murthy) found that more than half of U.S. adults feel lonely. He then goes on to say that our nation has a loneliness and isolation epidemic. While loneliness results from a lack of social connection, social isolation is characterized by a lack of time spent with others. A study published in the Harvard Gazette found that loneliness and isolation are typically related. What were the reasons given for the increase in these two areas? The decrease in marriage and church attendance. Or as we know it, as the lack of community. In an interview with Oprah, Vivek Murthy, responding to questions on how to address the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, believes that three factors contribute to these feelings: relationships, service, and community. “When we focus on connecting to something bigger than ourselves, that’s actually when we find joy,” he told Oprah. “It’s why service is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness,” Murthy shares.While Murthy is speaking in general terms, consider these three factors in the context of Acts 2:42-47. Where are there built-in relationships, services, and a sense of community? The local church. It is actually more detrimental to our physical, mental, and spiritual health to live life alone than to be among other people. Let’s look at the context of our key passage, Acts 2:42-47, to better understand the importance of being part of a Christian community. Examine the words used in the above verses; they were devoted, not just attending church when it was convenient or when they were on good terms with the congregation. Their church attendance was a non-negotiable. And lest you think the ancient church was without its problems, the majority of these people were having to learn to get along with people they’d hated for centuries. The majority of the New Testament addresses this group of people, urging them to reconcile, lay aside past hurts and current differences, and move forward in unity, because they are united in Christ. Everyone was filled with awe; they were excited to hear God’s Word and be in the presence of the brothers and sisters in Christ. When was the last time you were genuinely excited about going to church? Did you fully grasp the privilege of openly hearing God’s Word? In the West, especially for those who’ve grown up in the pews, we have lost our spiritual fervor; we are most certainly lacking in zeal. We're coming before God on Sunday mornings (and all the times in between), not out of gratitude, but out of obligation. We’ve become so focused on what the church is not —the numerous ways our preferences go unmet, feelings hurt, pride wounded. We’ve become fixated on the people rather than the Person of Christ we are called to worship. We’ve lost perspective. The believers in Acts were hyper-focused on their purpose as a church. I am confident that there were conflicts as they sought to know God and make God known, but they didn’t allow disagreements to distract, divide, and deter them from their work. They didn’t walk away from the mission of the church because someone inflicted emotional or spiritual pain. They were so outward-focused that they didn’t have time to linger on their inward feelings. They grasped that the church wasn’t about them individually, but rather what they could contribute corporately.Another thing we see in this text is that the early believers weren’t just “church friends.” They didn’t regulate the meeting of the saints to a particular day, time, or location- yet, they were in constant community. In our modern day, we refer to this as 'doing life together'–they found their tribe! And what do we see? The gift of community further blesses Christians who move their relationships outside the walls of the church. They hung out in public, invited each other to their most intimate places — homes — and ate together, fulfilling both their physical needs and their spiritual souls. Their hearts are glad because they are united by a mutual love for the Lord and desire to do His work. Intersecting Life & Faith:Are you involved in a local church community? If you are, great! Consider how you can continue to encourage and engage with the body of believers. If not, take some time this week to visit churches and get plugged in! Further Reading:Proverbs 27:17 10 Reasons You Need Community Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This devotional challenges Christians to move beyond treating faith as just one part of life and instead recognize Christ as life itself. Rooted in Colossians 3 and Psalm 73, it encourages readers to anchor their identity, direction, and contentment in Jesus alone. When disappointment, loneliness, or confusion arise, believers are reminded that God is the one constant who never fails and whose presence brings lasting joy and strength. Highlights Peter’s response to Jesus reveals complete dependence on Christ alone. Disappointment often exposes misplaced priorities and false sources of security. Faith is meant to shape every part of life, not remain compartmentalized. Colossians 3 calls believers to focus on eternal priorities and values. Jesus is not simply part of life—He is our life. God is the only one who will never ultimately disappoint us. Lasting peace, purpose, and joy are found in Christ’s presence. 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 Have Nowhere Else to Go By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to leave also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life’” (John 6:67-68 NASB). After Jesus had said some difficult words for His followers to understand, many of them got up and left. Some probably realized He wasn’t the conquering Messiah-king they had hoped for. Others perhaps got frustrated with not being able to understand Jesus’ words. After many of them left, Jesus asked His remaining twelve disciples if they, too, wanted to leave. That’s when Peter spoke up and boldly proclaimed, “To whom shall we go?” In other words, “We have nowhere else to go.” Have you ever felt like that? I remember the day I felt I had nowhere else to go but to Him. My parents had just split up, and there was no security in my home, in my plans, or in my heart. Today, I look back on that day as the moment in which I took ownership of my faith. The moment in which my bond with Him was sealed, and I realized I had nowhere else to go but to Him. When we grow up learning about Jesus from the time we’re young, or if we’ve walked with Him a while, we can get complacent and put our lives in cruise control and fail to acknowledge His presence, direction, wisdom, guidance, and love every moment of our day. Faith becomes a compartment that is added to the many elements of our life, instead of becoming our whole life. That’s when disappointment can rock us. The apostle Paul opened his letter to the Colossians with instructions for followers if they are truly His: Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory (verses 1-4). If you have been raised with Christ. It appears to be an if/then situation. If we are His and have been transformed by His death and resurrection, we are to keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is. That means we are to keep our minds on our eternal home, have eternal priorities and values, live as if we are here temporarily, and we will soon be in our real home with the Lover of our souls. The verse goes on to say we have died and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. (Our rights, our sense of entitlement, our preferences have died with Christ, and we are hidden, and He (and His character) is evident and on display for the world. Then the next line simply assumes that Christ is not just a part of our life, but is our whole life. Intersecting Faith & Life: When we consider Christ—not a partner or spouse, child, or even a job—as our whole life, we safeguard ourselves from misplaced priorities and frequent disappointment. God is the Only One who will never disappoint us. And I realize that you may believe that in your heart of hearts, but life still hurts. Being vulnerable enough to tell a loved one what you need from them and then coming up empty because they have no idea how to respond can leave us feeling sore to the core. So where do you and I go with that? Our answer must be the same as Peter’s: “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to!” (CEV). I have learned to echo Peter’s words by making Psalm 73:25-26 my life’s motto, as well as the cry of my heart. In the Contemporary English Version, that passage reads: “In heaven I have only you, and on this earth you are all I want. My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever.” In other words, Christ, who is my life. Where do you go when others disappoint? Be already depending on Him, and the disappointments will come less often. What do you do when you begin to lack contentment? Remember who is your life and that in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Where do you turn when you feel directionless or lacking in purpose? To the One who is your life, your compass, your purpose. Lord, may You be the object of my heart, my focus, my direction, my life. You gave up Your life on this earth so I could belong to You forever. I give You my life and desires and realize I have nowhere else to go—but to You. Further Reading:Psalm 84 For help prioritizing your day with Jesus, see Cindi McMenamin’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.

Genesis 16:8 reveals how God uses powerful questions to expose the hidden fears, wounds, and thought patterns shaping our lives. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery reflects on God’s interaction with Hagar and shows how the Lord still asks believers today: “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” These questions are not rooted in condemnation, but in God’s loving desire to guide His children toward healing, wisdom, and peace. Highlights God’s questions often uncover hidden fears, wounds, and insecurities. Genesis 16 shows God intentionally pursuing Hagar in her place of overwhelm. Emotional reactions are often connected to unresolved pain from the past. God invites believers to examine where they’ve come from and where they’re headed. Obedience to God requires trusting His heart, even when the path feels difficult. God’s guidance is rooted in love, provision, and long-term healing. Reflecting honestly with God can lead to greater peace, wisdom, and emotional health. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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 Asks Powerful Probing Questions By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered. (Genesis 16:8, NIV) God’s questions have a way of piercing to the deepest places in our souls—where lies and insecurities often reside undetected. When anxious and overwhelmed, I have a difficult time demonstrating the love and grace of Christ. Add enough challenges and frustrations to my day, and I can become irritable with the people I most love. But I can rarely, if ever, will myself to respond better. Relying on self-control might help momentarily, but eventually, the undealt with gunk in my soul bubbles out and onto those I hold dear. That was how I behaved the night my husband and I checked into our VRBO to escape Nebraska’s bitterly cold winter. We make this journey each January, beginning with a long road trip during which we see as many grandkids as possible. This is always a lovely… and exhausting endeavor that involves hours in our vehicle, standstill traffic, and clamoring in and out of numerous hotels (Our mini-golden doodle was not a fan and alerted us to this by barking all night at other guests roaming the halls. We have since learned that under no circumstances will we allow the hotel clerk to give us a room near the elevators!). By the time we reached our destination, where we planned to remain all month, I felt frazzled, anxious, and struggling to untangle my brain’s swirling mess of have-tos and a series of new problems that felt insurmountable. In short, I didn’t handle the situation well. More accurately, I behaved more like a temper tantrummy toddler without a nap, than the Spirit-empowered reflection of Christ to which I’m called. Initially, this evoked latent shame. Had this occurred a few years ago, I might’ve stayed in that place of self-condemnation. That only would’ve added to my stress. But God is teaching me to go deeper—in myself, and with Him. To move past surface-level attempts at holiness to consider the roots of my reactions, He used today’s verse to do so. The morning after my ungracious response to my very gracious husband, I sensed God’s whisper, “Where have you come from? Where are you going?” He wasn’t asking about my present location. He wanted me to prayerfully consider how past experiences were impacting my present. What wounds distorted my perception and challenged my trust? What lies lurked in my subconscious and wreaked havoc on my present? And, where was I going? First, where did I want to go? Did I want to stay stuck in dysregulated responses, or did I want to become healthier and holier? Did I want to follow God’s lead moment by moment and day by day, in my times of overwhelm, included? These questions evoked others, such as, do I trust the direction in which God is leading me enough to follow? Finally, I sensed Him inviting me to consider where He’s taking me, and this is something He’s been reiterating to me for some time. Often, when obedience feels difficult, He reminds me of His heart and plans for me and those I love. This helps steady me by assuring me that He remains faithfully in control, regardless of how out of control I might feel in that moment. The Lord spoke a similar message to an Egyptian slave named Hagar. If you’re familiar with Old Testament history, you might know her story. Scholars suggest she might’ve been part of the “gifts” given to Abram by the Pharaoh in Genesis 12. This alone must have felt traumatic—to be treated as property, torn from her homeland, and forced to live in servitude with a clan she knew little about. Then, around a decade later, she experienced an abuse that must’ve cut deep into her soul. Sarai gave her to Abram, Sarai’s husband, to impregnate. You can imagine how traumatic this must’ve been, and the bitterness and fear that might’ve invaded her soul. Once she conceived, the tension between her and Sarai became so intense that Hagar fled. Perhaps she intended to return to Egypt. Maybe she simply reacted out of fear and overwhelm, triggering a flight response. Regardless, she soon found herself pregnant, vulnerable, and defenseless in the wilderness. There, beneath the intense Middle Eastern sun, she might’ve died, if not for “the Angel of the Lord”, who many scholars believe was pre-incarnate Jesus. According to Genesis 16:7, He found her—I love that phrasing, as it implies that He intentionally went looking for her. He found her near a spring in the desert beside the road to Shur. And He asked her the same two questions He asked me: Where have you come from and where are you going.” I read this as an invitation for a holy pause. An opportunity for her to re-engage rational thinking and consider where her panicked reaction led her. And where are you going, as in, “Is this the direction you really want to head? Further into the wilderness, to raise your baby alone?” I must acknowledge that this account feels uncomfortable. I don’t like to think that the Lord told her to return to the place in which she’d been abused. But I also see how this was an act of care, love, and provision. By His grace, He brought Hagar back under His covenantal blessing and allowed her to raise her son with direct access to his father, who came to love him deeply. Then, when that child became older, He released him and his mother, again, with His blessing. Intersecting Life & Faith: Unprocessed wounds, fear, and catastrophic thinking can lead to self-sabotaging decisions. When experiencing pain and injustice, often, all we want is relief. But what happens when our desire for relief leads us to greater danger? Thankfully, God meets in our place of overwhelm and invites us to consider where we’ve come from and where we’re going. The more we learn to do so, the greater our peace and the less our shame and regret. And eventually, standing on the other side of obedience, we recognize that God truly knows best. His love was leading the entire time. Further Reading: Genesis 3:9-10 1 Kings 19:3-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ephesians 3:12 reminds believers that through Jesus Christ, we have direct and confident access to God’s presence. This devotional by Whitney Hopler highlights the incredible truth that prayer is not reserved for the spiritually elite or those who “have it all together.” Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, every Christian has VIP access to God anytime, anywhere. Highlights Ephesians 3:12 teaches that believers can approach God boldly through faith in Christ. God’s presence is always available because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Prayer is based on God’s grace, not personal performance or perfection. God invites believers to come honestly with fears, doubts, frustrations, and gratitude. Christians are not distant from God—they are His beloved children. Seeing God as a loving Father changes the way we pray and relate to Him. God listens attentively and desires authentic relationship with His people. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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 Have VIP Access to GodBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” – Ephesians 3:12, NLT When I was a newspaper reporter, my press credentials usually got me access to people at events that the general public couldn’t access. I often found myself in the “VIP section” of whatever event I was covering, so I could talk to the leaders freely. I felt confident that I didn’t have to worry about how I’d contact the people I needed to talk to for each story I wrote. Many times, people wanted to talk with me so much that they pursued me and made themselves available for conversations whenever it worked best for me during the events, despite all of their other responsibilities there. So, I certainly felt like a “very important person” in the VIP sections there. It’s even more incredible that my Creator – God – gives me VIP access to talk with him anytime and anywhere. God does the same for you! God is the ultimate leader. No one has more responsibilities than God, or is busier than God is. But God is willing to pursue us and make himself available for us to talk with whenever and wherever we are. Of course, God isn’t motivated by wanting publicity. God’s motivation is simply that he loves us so much that he wants to communicate with us often. Ephesians 3:12 tells you that because of Christ and your faith in him, you have VIP access to God. Not limited or occasional access, but full access! You can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence right now. You don’t have to wait until you feel more faithful or until you try to clean up a mess in your life. You don’t need to impress God or beg him to let you come to him. Your invitation to access and enjoy God’s presence is Jesus himself. Because of what Jesus has done to pay for your sins and connect you with a holy God, the door is already open, and you’re always welcome to walk through it. Still, you might hesitate to pray because you feel unworthy, distracted, or unsure if God will really hear your prayers and answer them. Maybe you think God is disappointed in you, or that God is too busy dealing with bigger problems to be bothered with your concerns. But Ephesians 3:12 makes it clear that confidence in God’s presence is not about you – it’s about Jesus, who has already opened the door for you to fully access God. VIP access gives you the confidence of knowing you belong in God’s presence. When you trust what God promises you in this verse, you can come to him boldly. God invited you to enjoy VIP access because you’re truly a very important person. You’re one of God’s beloved children, connected to him by Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice as the world’s Savior. You don’t have to hide from God, and you don’t have to perform for God, either. You can come to God just as you are, communicate with God honestly, and enjoy God’s unconditional love for you. God is there for you in the middle of everything you go through in this fallen world. You can ask God your questions, seek God’s strength as you deal with your weaknesses, and share all your thoughts and emotions – even the most difficult ones – with God. When you come to God honestly, he is pleased because he wants to see you respond to his grace and connect with you authentically. VIP access to God changes how you pray. You don’t have to try to clean up your life first. You can talk to God about your fears, your frustrations, and your doubts, as well as your hopes and your gratitude. You have the freedom to pray in whatever ways work best for you. God isn’t grading your prayer; he’s welcoming you into a closer relationship every time you communicate with him. It also changes how you see God. Instead of seeing God as a distant authority figure, you can see that God is your loving Heavenly Father. Instead of wondering if God’s listening to your prayers at all, you can trust that he’s listening carefully. So today, remind yourself that through Jesus, you have VIP access to God. The door is open for you to walk through. Come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. God is ready to meet you anytime and anywhere, just as you are! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider the blessing of having VIP access to God, reflect on these questions: Do you currently approach God with the confidence of a VIP, or do you feel like you’re still waiting for permission to enter God’s presence? What’s one fear or mistake that makes you feel unworthy of God’s attention right now? How can you let that go and come to God anyway? How does knowing that God is never too distant or busy for you change how you plan to communicate with God from now on? Further Reading:Hebrews 4:16Romans 5:1-21 John 5:14James 4:8Psalm 145:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it really mean to crucify the flesh and follow Jesus daily? Romans 8:13 reminds believers that true spiritual life comes through surrendering sinful desires and living by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this devotional, Hannah Benson explores the biblical meaning of “taking up your cross,” showing how God leads us into deeper peace, freedom, and abundant life through daily surrender. Highlights Romans 8:13 teaches that living by the Spirit requires putting sinful desires to death. Jesus modeled surrender in Gethsemane by choosing the Father’s will over His own. Carrying your cross means daily surrendering control, pride, and self-centered desires. Honest prayer and dependence on God are essential in seasons of struggle. Abundant life is found in God’s presence, not in comfortable circumstances. God often asks us to release things we tightly cling to so He can fill us with peace. The Holy Spirit gives believers strength to walk in obedience and freedom. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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 Does Crucifying the Flesh Really Mean? By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13 ESV). What a way to start a devotional. Aren’t devotionals supposed to be uplifting and encouraging? Yes. Aren’t they also supposed to be challenging? Yes. What does this verse mean? Jesus tells us in the Gospels to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23), but what does that actually mean? Most of us don’t have a physical cross we’re called to bear. Jesus’s cross was by no means easy for Him to carry, even though He is the Son of God. He had to humble Himself, even to the point of death. Death by a cross was not only humiliating but the most excruciating death imaginable in those days. Matthew 26:39 (ESV) says: “And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” Yes, Jesus wanted to save humanity and was willing to endure death on a cross if it was the only way. But Gethsemane shows us that as a man, if there had been any other way to accomplish the mission without the agony of the cross, He would have taken it. He chose the nails because there was no other way to save us. Matthew writes that His “soul was very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38b). Luke 22:43, 44 (ESV) includes that as He prayed, “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Have you ever known anyone who has been so stressed or in such great agony that they sweat blood? We can’t even begin to imagine how much Jesus loves us to not only die for us, but to endure the most unimaginable death possible. If He bore the cross for us, can we not bear ours if He asks us? But that doesn’t mean we are called to carry a literal cross. So, what does it mean to “carry our cross” each day and to “put to death the deeds of the body”? It starts with honesty, with ourselves and with God. Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, it’s okay to admit we wish there was another way. Like David in many of the Psalms (Psalm 13 is a great example of this), it’s okay to tell God we’re struggling with anger towards Him. Second, we need to be willing to surrender. As Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39b). Job is another example. He had to surrender everything he didn’t understand, his desire for answers, and recognize that God was in complete control (Job 42:2-3). What about Paul? He begged God to remove the thorn from his flesh, but God responded: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Just as the angel came to strengthen Jesus, we must rely on God’s strength to help us. We cannot rely on our own strength to carry us through. We may want to be angry, and maybe we even think we have a good reason for it. Our flesh will tell us we have a right to hold grudges, that we deserve what we want, and that we need to be the ones in control. Sound familiar? News flash. We were never meant to write the stories of our lives. We may think we want to hold the pen, but that is no way to live. Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Abundant life comes through death and surrender. He tells us in Matthew 16:25 (ESV): “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus wasn’t just talking about physical death here. As believers, we need to die daily to our wants, desires, and even the things that may be good. Anything we desire more than God needs to be put in its proper place in our lives. Intersecting Faith & Life: Sometimes, dying to ourselves might mean sacrificing the very thing we hold dear, what we clench in our fists and refuse to yield. You know what I’m talking about? There have been seasons in my life where the Lord allows something I’d considered good to be removed from my life. Sometimes it’s shocking, and it hurts. Okay, let me rephrase that. Usually, it always hurts. We were never meant to hold the pen or be the director of our story. Only God can do that. In Psalm 81:10 (ESV), God tells the Israelites: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” If we want to experience the abundant life Jesus has for us, then we need to “open our mouths.” If we cling to the past and what we think we want, then we don’t have hearts open to what the Lord has planned. Don’t mistake the word “abundant” for “easy” or a life filled with material goods. The abundance Jesus promises isn’t found in our circumstances. If it were, Paul wouldn’t be able to write about overflowing joy while sitting in prison. While sometimes God does bless us circumstantially, the abundant life He promises us is found in His presence as we draw near to Him.When God gently pries our fingers open, it’s not to leave us empty-handed. It’s to make room for His peace, which is our portion, and His presence, which fills us to overflowing. We need to die to ourselves each and every day. Romans 8:13 tells us that if we put these things to death, we will live. Not merely survive, but truly live. Today, if you’re clenching your fists around something that God is asking you to yield, be honest. Tell Him you don’t want to let go. Tell Him it hurts. And then, by His strength, let it go. Whatever He asks you to surrender will pale in comparison to the abundant life He desires to give you. Pray with me: Dear Father, I’ll be honest. I’m tired of trying to hold the pen. I admit that I’ve been clenching my fists around my plans, my timing, and my “good” things, afraid to let go. Thank You for the unimaginable way You love me and for Your death on the cross so I may live. Please give me the strength I don’t have on my own to put my self-will to death today. I open my hands and my heart to You. Fill the empty spaces with Your peace and help me to trust Your presence is my greatest good. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Honoring mothers is deeply connected to honoring God’s design, care, and provision for our lives. In 1 Timothy 2:15, Scripture highlights the sacred role of motherhood and reminds us that God values faith, love, holiness, and perseverance within it. In a culture that often minimizes motherhood or focuses only on parental imperfections, this devotional calls believers back to a biblical perspective of gratitude, forgiveness, and honor. Highlights God commands us to honor our fathers and mothers as an act of obedience. Motherhood is a sacred calling established by God. Many mothers carry hidden struggles while doing their best to raise their children. Honoring mothers reflects our reverence and obedience toward God. Forgiveness may be necessary in strained mother-child relationships. Scripture emphasizes faith, love, holiness, and perseverance in motherhood. Choosing honor over resentment brings healing and glorifies God. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Honoring God by Honoring Our Mothers By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” - 1Timothy 2:15 It seems like these days many women are resisting the call to motherhood and forgoing having children. At the same time, bitterness towards mothers is also on the rise, with too many adult children resenting their mothers’ noble yet imperfect attempts at mothering, looking at their flaws and weaknesses more than their strengths and sacrifices. But even if the world turns its back on mothers and motherhood, believers in Jesus Christ are called to embrace motherhood and honor their mothers, respecting God’s design and plan for motherhood, and the place of honor He has given them on earth. God cares about how we treat, speak to, and speak about our mothers and mothers-in-law. It matters to Him because, as His family, it reflects on Him how we treat and speak about them. As the Apostle Paul explained in Ephesians 6:2-3, “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” So grave was it under Old Testament law to dishonor one’s mother and father that it brought deathly punishment. “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death” (Exodus 21:17). Even if our mothers have totally failed us, God calls us to forgive them and to recognize the God-ordained sacredness of them carrying us to life in their own bodies. Author and speaker Joyce Meyers shares how her mother failed to protect her growing up from her father’s sexual abuse. In many ways, she found it harder to forgive her mother than her father. Still, in her parents’ later years, God called Joyce to care for them, something she initially resisted. But even for mothers who have totally failed us in life, God calls us to honor Him by honoring them, even if they don’t deserve it. Most women begin motherhood with little to no experience, learning and growing as they go, starting out as greenhorns and discovering along the way how to handle the endless hours of motherhood’s tremendous responsibilities. Too many women enter motherhood with unaddressed and often unknown issues in their own lives, revealing underlying weaknesses and issues they may have no real understanding of or skill to handle. Because it is a trial-and-error sort of relationship, sadly, some mothers feel like failures long before their children grow up and point fingers at their mothering deficiencies. Still, even in their weaknesses and failures, and regardless of their struggles and faults, mothers are treasured and loved by God. We are commanded to honor the position God has given them on the earth. As ons and daughters, God calls us to honor Him by honoring our mothers. Doing so is an act of obedience and glorifies God. Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you honoring your mother this year? What about your mother-in-law? If you’re finding it difficult to do so for various reasons, ask God to help you honor Him by honoring them this Mother’s Day. As well, if you’ve disrespected them in the past, ask for their forgiveness so you can begin anew in your relationship with them. Further Reading: 29 Beautiful Bible Verses About Mothers that Will Honor Mothers in Your Life Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Serving others in the middle of everyday exhaustion reflects the heart of Christ more than many weary moms realize. In The Gospel of Mark 9:35-37, Jesus redefines greatness by calling His followers to become servants of all and by welcoming children with love and honor. For overwhelmed mothers juggling homeschooling, deadlines, laundry, meals, and nonstop interruptions, this passage offers deep encouragement: caring for children is holy work that matters deeply to God. Highlights The Gospel of Mark 9:35-37 reveals that true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in serving others. Motherhood is not separate from serving Jesus—it is one of the ways believers worship Him daily. Welcoming and loving children reflects Christ’s heart and honors God. God’s grace sustains moms through exhaustion, overwhelm, and constant responsibilities. Everyday moments with children create opportunities to share the Gospel naturally. Jesus sees the hidden sacrifices and faithful service of weary mothers. Choosing gratitude over complaint helps realign focus during difficult seasons. Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Encouragement for the Weary Mom By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “And He [Jesus] sat down and called the Twelve [disciples], and He said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all.’ And He took a little child and put him in the center of their group; and taking him in [His] arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever in My name and for My sake accepts and receives and welcomes one such child also accepts and receives and welcomes Me; and whoever so receives Me receives not only Me but Him Who sent Me’” (Mark 9:35-37, AMP). As a mom of four boys, my “quiet time” is not really quiet: it’s full of tiny distractions and interruptions from these little ones. Nap times are quite short, and to-do lists are quite long. My days seem to go by in the blink of an eye, and I’m often left exhausted, only getting the chance to pray “Help me, Lord” in between homeschooling, my writing deadlines, continuous snack requests, laundry loads, and diaper “loads.” Knowing very well that this season in life won’t last forever, I have learned to cast my cares upon the Lord and soak up the few moments I can in the word of God, because it is what I need to realign my focus when I’m tempted to complain. I know that His grace is sufficient, but it is easy for my heart to become overwhelmed. The other day, a passage in Mark 9 met this momma right among the blissful chaos with encouragement: “And He [Jesus] sat down and called the Twelve [disciples], and He said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all.’ And He took a little child and put him in the center of their group; and taking him in [His] arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever in My name and for My sake accepts and receives and welcomes one such child also accepts and receives and welcomes Me; and whoever so receives Me receives not only Me but Him Who sent Me’” (35-37, AMP). Intersecting Faith & Life: By putting my sons and my role as a mom and wife above my desires and my life’s goals, I have been serving Jesus this whole time! And if serving Jesus, worshiping Jesus! And if that wasn’t uplifting enough, Jesus calls out our service to children specifically in verses 36-37. When we welcome our children into our lives and make them feel loved and accepted every day, we are also welcoming them in the name of the Lord Jesus every day. Jesus compares being the servant of all, a high position in the Kingdom of God, to those who welcome children into their lives. What an honor! So to all my tired and overwhelmed mommas out there, take heart! Every time you embrace your child and serve your family, you are embracing Jesus and, even more so, your Heavenly Father, who is not going to leave you to raise your children alone! Let us welcome Him into our blissful chaos as we raise up our children to trust in Him and receive His love into their lives so that they may point others to Him and His Kingdom. Instead of becoming overwhelmed and stressed out, let us look for opportunities to praise God and give thanks that He would give us the privilege of embracing little ones every day. May we have eyes to see opportunities to share the Gospel with our children in everyday moments. God’s grace is available to us to give us the strength when we are feeling overwhelmed and weary. Let us be fervent in laying our lives down for the Lord in all that we say and in everything we do… laundry loads and all. Further Reading: Matthew 18:1-4 Philippians 2:3-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Overcoming anxiety and finding peace starts with training your thoughts through faith, truth, and intentional habits. Psalm 16:7 reveals how God counsels and steadies our hearts—even in the quiet, vulnerable moments of the night when worry tends to rise. This devotional connects faith with the practical reality of how our minds work. Left unchecked, our thoughts often drift toward fear and negativity, especially in overwhelming seasons. But peace isn’t out of reach—it’s cultivated. Through consistent practices like prayer, Scripture, and renewing our thinking, God begins reshaping our inner world. While transformation may feel slow, it’s deeply powerful. As we learn to focus on God’s voice over our fears, we begin building new patterns of peace that steady us in every season. Highlights Our minds naturally drift toward worry without intentional focus Peace is built through consistent, faith-filled thought patterns God’s truth can reshape how we respond to anxiety Spiritual practices and practical tools work together for healing Lasting change takes time—but progress is happening beneath the surface God meets us in our overwhelm and leads us toward freedom 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: Training Our Brains Toward Peace By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7 NIV According to mental health experts, our brains, left untended, drift toward negativity. That’s probably why what-if thinking hits hardest and feels most relentless as we’re trying to drift off to sleep. If you’ve listened to many Faith Over Fear podcast episodes or follow me on social media, you might have heard me talk about my “no-good-horrible-terrible-really-bad year” (that actually lasted for three). It was a season of complete overwhelm that felt never-ending. Initially, I endured intense anxiety nearly from the moment I stepped out of bed until I finally fell asleep. There were some nights when this hyper-alert state, and all the stress chemicals flooding my body, kept me awake for over 48 hours at a time. This went on long enough that I began to fear I’d remain perpetually exhausted and never again experience God’s peace. This felt particularly frustrating because I was actively investing in my spiritual health. I still read my Bible each day, often numerous times—including in the wee hours of the morning when I needed reminders of God’s presence, purposes, and promises. I prayed constantly. I simply practiced sitting with the Lord in silence, placed sticky notes with relevant Scripture throughout the house, and memorized and regularly recited verses declaring Christ’s power and grace. None of those practices seemed to help, or at least, not enough to quiet my overwhelm. I began finding relief once I started actively focusing on retraining my brain through grounding techniques, listening to biblical content throughout the night, and seeking support from a counselor. With the Holy Spirit’s help, intentionality, and consistency, my anxiety steadily decreased. Now, while my amygdala, our brain’s alarm system responsible for fight-or-flight responses, still gets triggered on occasion, those unpleasant bursts feel much fewer and shorter-lasting, with ever-lengthening periods of peace in between. While I highly doubt David, ancient Israel’s second king who wrote today’s verse, understood neuroplasticity (our brain’s ability to grow and change throughout our lives), he seemed to recognize the importance of “taking [his] thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ,” as 2 Corinthians 10:4 encourages. When his circumstances felt hopeless, and his soul weighed down with sorrow and fear, he regularly turned to God, sought His help, and meditated upon His unchanging and immutable truths. “I will praise the Lord who counsels me,” he wrote, indicating a close connection with his heavenly Father in which he actively listened. He also seemed to elevate God’s voice above his overwhelm, a skill that takes practice and determination, and that, apparently, led to the latter part of today’s verse where his heart, so filled with truth, “instructed” him at night—perhaps when he most struggled with fearful thoughts. Intersecting Life &Faith: I’ve experienced chronic anxiety for as long as I can remember. For years, I assumed this was simply my plight, caused by genetics and biochemicals. I didn’t realize how past experiences, including an unpleasant childhood, had trained my brain to remain hyper-alert to threat. (It’s hard, if not impossible, to feel at peace while constantly scanning one’s environment for danger.) I also didn’t understand the ways and speed at which our neural pathways grow and change. I expected grounding techniques, like diaphragm-breathing, to provide instant calm. When that didn’t occur, I assumed those tools simply didn’t work for me. Again, I was simply an anxious person. I now recognize that our thoughts take time to change. According to Dr. Curt Thompson, a Christ-following psychiatrist who studies the brain, our neural pathways, or thought channels, grow at the rate of two millimeters a day. That’s a slow transformation! While that fact might feel discouraging, to me it provided focus and hope. Focus because it helped me comprehend the power of every intentional or automatic thought. In other words, my brain was changing—for better or worse, toward increased peace or fear. This knowledge sparked a determination to do my part, as best as I was able. It also helped explain why this initially felt so hard (and at times, still does). I’d spent a lifetime building and deepening those unhelpful channels. In the Faith Over Fear episode titled “Breaking Negative Patterns: How to Rewire Your Brain for More Peace and Less Anxiety,” Dr. Alan Weissenbacher compared our neural pathways to freeways. Rerouting our thoughts involves dismantling the unhelpful freeway upon which they’ve historically traveled while building new roadways. If today’s devotion resonates with you, perhaps check out that episode. I also invite you to subscribe to my free daily Faith Over Fear emails designed to help you build holy mental highways. Reach out to me through my website if you’d like me to add you. If you struggle with ongoing anxiety, I pray you walk away from today’s discussion with this: You aren’t stuck in your overwhelm. Peace is possible! The Lord, your Prince, or source, of peace will lead you to increased inner tranquility and, dare I say, joy. Perhaps He’ll encourage you to try the steps I shared here. Or, He might guide you differently, in a way uniquely effective for you. But you can trust His heart to see you live in the freedom He purchased through His death on the cross. When anxiety hits, ask Him to show you the healthiest response in that moment, believing He’s helping you dismantle the neural pathways that threaten to enslave you while leading you to your best self and most fulfilling life. Further Reading: Philippians 4:4-8 Isaiah 26:3 John 14:27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Corporate prayer and national repentance have shaped history, and Scripture like Jonah 3:10 reveals how God responds when people turn to Him together. Praying as a nation isn’t symbolic—it’s a powerful, biblical practice that invites God’s mercy, guidance, and restoration. This devotional highlights how God has consistently responded to unified, humble prayer—from the city of Nineveh to moments in American history. When people come together, set aside differences, and seek God collectively, it reflects dependence on Him rather than self-sufficiency. National prayer isn’t about politics or performance—it’s about hearts aligning with God, turning from sin, and trusting Him to lead, heal, and sustain a nation. Just as individuals are called to pray, communities and countries are invited to do the same. Highlights God responds to corporate prayer and genuine repentance Biblical examples show entire cities and nations turning to God together Unity in prayer reflects humility and dependence on God National prayer invites God’s mercy, healing, and direction Spiritual battles require spiritual responses—not just physical solutions Setting aside differences for prayer strengthens collective faith 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: Why Praying As a Nation Matters to God By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.” - Jonah 3:10 As America celebrates 250 years as a nation, some ask, does it matter if our nation prays together on the National Day of Prayer? Does God even pay attention to or hear us when we pray corporately as a nation? The answer is “yes”: it matters to God, and we can be assured of this because the Bible provides plenty of evidence that He often calls us to corporate prayer for a city or a nation. Most of us are familiar with the well-known biblical passage 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As in the story of Jonah and the wicked city of Nineveh, God called for the entire city to pray and repent, and even the animals were included in the city’s prayer, fasting, and repentance. As Jonah 3:4-8 describes, God led an entire city to repentance through corporate prayer: “Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.’ The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish.” In Jonah 3:10, we read of God’s gracious response to their corporate prayer: He relented rather than sending destruction. Likewise, looking back at America’s Founders, we see that they recognized the importance of corporate prayer and that establishing a nation’s future doesn’t just involve fighting a physical battle for victory, but also a spiritual one. They demonstrated this when they officially met and came together for the first time on September 7, 1774, as the Continental Congress of the United States, opening with prayer and the reading of Psalm 35 by Rev. Jacob Duché, which begins with, “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.” This was no easy feat, either, as the outspoken members had to set aside their denominational differences to pray together, uniting members who were Congregationalists, Anglicans, Quakers, Dutch Reformed, Baptists, Lutherans, Puritans, and Presbyterians, coming together to overlook their differences, joining in one accord, praying for a common goal. American Conservative radio talk-show host and writer, Dennis Prager, explains, “Ultimately, they wanted people to be free to practice their religion and relate to God in their own way. They all knew God is the source of liberty.” Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombe points out how historians find in George Washington’s writings and actions during the Revolutionary War that he relied heavily on prayer, believing that with the tremendous odds set against them, victory could only come with God’s help. As well, “The Great Awakening absolutely helped the cause of independence,” writes Newcombe. “Even before the Great Awakening, the ministers, especially the ones from New England, helped shape the thinking of the Colonists as to their God-given rights.” Christian historians believe the spread of “The Great Awakening” across the colonies greatly influenced and strengthened Patriot leaders leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, during which prayer and fasting played a critical role in helping America establish its freedom. In Miracles in American History, author, historian, and speaker William J. Federer writes about the many national calls to prayer leading up to and throughout the formation of the United States of America. Intersecting Faith & Life:Are you planning to join our nation in praying for God’s divine guidance and protection over our country? If not, consider praying with millions of believers across our land who will be praying together during this year’s 250th Anniversary, National Day of Prayer. Further Reading:A Prayer to Take Part in Our Nation’s National Day of Prayer Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A pure heart brings clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with God, as reflected in Psalm 51:10. Spiritual renewal isn’t about restriction—it’s about experiencing the freedom and joy that come from living in alignment with God’s design. This devotional compares spiritual growth to cleaning a home: it may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s necessary for health and peace. When we invite God to remove unhealthy attitudes and behaviors, He doesn’t just clean us up—He renews us from within. Purity isn’t a burden to carry; it’s a gift that allows us to see God more clearly and live with greater focus, stability, and joy in everyday life. Highlights Spiritual “cleaning” is essential for a healthy, thriving faith God actively helps renew your heart—you’re not doing it alone Holiness is a blessing that protects, not a burden that restricts A pure heart leads to clarity, peace, and deeper connection with God Letting go of sin creates space for joy and spiritual growth Consistent renewal builds a steadfast, focused spirit 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 Pure Heart Is a BlessingBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10, NIV Every year when I spring clean my home physically, I ask God to help me do spiritual spring cleaning – to clean up my soul. When I clean my home regularly throughout the year, I also often pray for God’s help to get rid of messy attitudes or behaviors, and to blow the fresh air of renewal into my life. It definitely feels like a chore to do physical cleaning. Getting rid of trash, mopping floors, washing windows, and all the other boring and dirty tasks involved in cleaning a house aren’t pleasant. But they’re necessary for living a physically healthy life. It can also feel like a chore to do spiritual cleaning, because it’s stressful to confess unhealthy attitudes and behaviors and to try to make better choices. However, it’s necessary to be spiritually healthy. Unlike with physical cleaning, I have help from God for spiritual cleaning, and that makes all the difference. I’m grateful that I can always succeed with spiritual cleaning – and even enjoy the process of it – because God is always willing to create more purity in my heart and to renew my spirit. Psalm 51:10 is a powerful prayer we can use to ask God to change our hearts for the better. When we’re willing to let God into the messy corners of our lives, he’ll remove the dirt that’s accumulated there and send us fresh help to grow in holiness. When we think about holiness, we may worry that pursuing it will be a chore that will restrict us from having fun or keep us working hard to reach a standard we can never achieve. But God wants us to live holy lives because doing so is truly good for us, and God will help us every step of the way. God wants us to have pure hearts because purity is a blessing, not a burden. God’s commandments for healthy and holy living are actually loving boundaries that protect us from being harmed by sin. Praying for a pure heart invites God to wipe away the dirt of sin from our souls so we can see God more clearly. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The reward of purity is experiencing God! A pure heart helps us focus on what really matters most, so we’re not stressed and exhausted from being pulled in many different directions. It helps us realize that God’s ways aren’t meant to restrict us, but to free us to live in ways that help us notice and appreciate the wonder of God’s work in our lives every day. By living each day with a pure heart, we can stay focused on God and enjoy the blessings that God is constantly pouring into our lives. Developing a lifestyle of greater purity is like decluttering a messy room. At first, it might feel hard to let go of certain things. But as the room clears, we realize how stressful it really was to deal with so much clutter. We feel more peaceful in the room, because it’s a healthier space. When we let God help us clean up spiritually, we’ll also notice less stress and more peace in our lives. We’ll have the “steadfast spirit” that Psalm 51:10 mentions – a spirit that’s stronger and more focused, so we’re no longer tossed around by every temptation to sin that comes our way. A pure heart is a blessing, not a chore. It’s the gift of a heart at peace, because it’s the way God designed it to be: clean and whole! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how it’s a blessing to have a pure heart, reflect on these questions: When you think of the word “holiness,” does it feel like a heavy burden or a beautiful invitation? Why do you think that is? Is there a specific kind of mess in your life right now (an unhealthy attitude or behavior) that’s making it hard for you to feel close to God? In Psalm 51:10, King David asks God to renew a “steadfast spirit” within him. In what areas of your faith do you feel most inconsistent right now? How can you ask God for help and rely on that help to be more steadfast in those areas? How do you want to change your life overall, with God’s help, to live with greater purity and holiness? What’s one small yet significant change you can start making right now to live with more purity in your heart every day? Further Reading:Matthew 5:8Ezekiel 36:261 John 1:92 Corinthians 5:17Philippians 4:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Biblical contentment isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s constant presence, as seen in Hebrews 13:5. True peace comes from recognizing that God’s goodness surrounds you in every season, not just the easy ones. Highlights Contentment is anchored in God’s presence, not your circumstances God’s promise to never leave you changes how you view hard seasons Discontentment often comes from focusing on what’s missing Gratitude helps reveal the goodness already surrounding you God’s blessings are constant—even when they feel unnoticed Shifting perspective leads to deeper, lasting joy Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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 Can Be Content Anywhere Because God’s Goodness Is Everywhere By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) I wish I were more content. As much on rainy days as the sun-shiny ones. Whether I’m loaded down with work or soaking in my favorite vacation spot. When my bank funds are depleted, as when freshly replenished. But it doesn’t happen that way most of the time. The sad truth is, when life feels a little less comfortable and the days look a little more grim and dim, I really struggle to feel fully satisfied and full of smiles. I hope you’re able to find joy and contentment in each moment of each day. But I have a feeling that you can relate. You likely wish you were a bit happier more often, too. Especially on the hard, heavy, and dreary days. And maybe that’s today. Maybe right now you’re surrounded by a sense of disappointment with what hasn’t happened yet. Discouraged over the way something has gone. Or just feeling more down than usual for no good reason. I get it. I think we all do more than we’d like. But God wants us to know something. He longs for us to know the truth—his truth. And to be content with the truth. That he is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. And that very realization should brighten our perspective of what’s around us. It’s him. With us, in our very midst, at all times. And this truth and promise have great meaning and significance concerning our very circumstances—even the ones that don’t feel so appealing or look so ideal. His presence with us at all times means all of his character and blessings are with us, waiting for us, at all times. Waiting for you and with you, at all times. His love, with you. His peace, with you. His provision, with you. His constant care, his goodness, and his beautiful creation are all with you. And God and his blessings aren’t going anywhere. We just need to notice them. Intersecting Faith & Life: Look around you right now. See the good things, the simple and the small, that he has scattered along the path of your life. And look back. Consider all things past he has done and given as well. Acknowledge that every single blessing was placed perfectly as part of his perfect plan for you. Acknowledge that God's gifts are abundant and always. Acknowledge that he has never left you, that he is with you in this very moment, and that he will not ever leave you. Which means his blessings will never leave you, and you will continue to be blessed no matter the case or condition. Yes, our loving Lord, the God of goodness, gives and gives to each of us without end. You and I, his beloved, are constantly blessed by him. And though there are moments and days when discontentment surrounds us, we can find contentment when we look to him. Because when our eyes are on God, his goodness is revealed, the gifts he’s given are seen, the beauty he’s bestowed is noticed, and we can receive the riches of his glory. Because the truth is, he is with us always, allowing his blessings and goodness to be with us always. And for this, we can be content and grateful, always. Let’s praise him today for his constant presence and swell with contentment and joy that he will never ever leave our side. Thank you, Jesus. If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Living out the Gospel through service, generosity, and everyday obedience reflects the heart of Isaiah 52:7 and shows what it truly means to bring good news. Faith becomes tangible when we meet real needs, demonstrating Christ’s love in practical ways within our communities. Highlights Bringing “good news” includes both sharing truth and meeting practical needs Small acts of obedience can create meaningful, lasting impact Serving others reflects the heart and mission of Jesus Faith is most powerful when it’s lived out, not just spoken Community impact often starts with simple awareness and willingness Generosity can open doors for deeper spiritual conversations Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Bring the Good NewsBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” - Isaiah 52:7 As part of our strategy to become more missional and impact our community, I was tasked with maintaining food donations for our local high school. Although we live in an affluent community, many children attend school without adequate food or resources. Our church took on the responsibility of collecting food donations throughout the year and giving them to its local high school food closet. This way, students can contact their teachers or administrative staff to arrange private food deliveries, so they have enough to take home and maintain food security. During one of the monthly drop-offs, I struggled to bring the full organizational bin of food to the door. I had asked them to get a cart so I could wheel it into the high school. When the teachers opened the door, they were astonished. They were so grateful to have that much food donated to their students. Because they often provided food privately to keep kids from being bullied or made fun of, they could not ask for food donations in the community. They had to rely on people with that type of information to meet the need tangibly. It deeply touched my heart to be able to provide food to the students in that way. Not only was I able to live out my faith with my church, but we also impacted our community through small acts of obedience. By being the tangible hands and feet of Jesus, we were able to bring Jesus into the school system, which typically inhibits religious activity. This reminds us that it is important not only to listen to a sermon and go to church every Sunday, but also to be the hands and feet of Christ. Even the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact on those around us. In what way can you be the hands and feet of Christ? In what way can you bring good news and proclaim peace to those in your community? Can you help by providing a tangible need to someone who needs it? Can you describe the gospel to someone who needs clarification on a Scripture passage? Can you create an environment where people in a small group setting can share deeply and intimately, not only meeting their emotional needs but also becoming equipped to spread the gospel to those who need it most? No matter what you do, seek to serve the Lord in great and mighty ways, both inside your church community and outside of it. Let the message of Jesus be so clear it's unmistakable. People see the light of Jesus more clearly when we lovingly demonstrate gestures that show his love to others. Take a moment to brainstorm ways your church can be the feet of those who bring good news to others in your local community. Maybe it is as simple as donating food to high school students in need. Maybe it's donating a portion of your paycheck each week or month to a nonprofit organization that champions a cause close to your heart. Whatever the case may be, be the people who make a tangible impact on the world. We live in a country where we can freely proclaim the gospel both with our mouths and with our actions. Let us not take this fact for granted. Let us proclaim the gospel frequently before it becomes illegal. Let’s be people so connected to the gospel that we can't help but share the good news with everyone we meet. Let us take actions so great that they positively impact people, and allow them to proclaim, “Your God reigns!” Father, let us be people who love people in practical, tangible ways. Let us be the literal feet of those who bring good news to everyone they meet. Allow the good news to be a message of love, compassion, and empathy for those who are struggling. Through grand and small gestures, let everything we do be done in love. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: What is one practical step you can take today to be the person who brings good news to everyone around you? Further Reading:Isaiah 58:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James 4:2–3 reminds us of a simple but often overlooked truth: sometimes we don’t experience what God offers because we don’t ask for it. In seasons of stress, responsibility, and духов pressure, it’s easy to rely on our own strength instead of turning to God for the grace we desperately need. Yet His grace isn’t limited—it’s available, sufficient, and meant to sustain us daily. Highlights We often miss out because we don’t ask God for what we need God’s grace is available daily—but requires dependence Stress can tempt us to rely on control instead of surrender Right motives matter when bringing requests to God God meets us in weakness, not in self-sufficiency Prayer is the pathway to experiencing sustaining grace His strength becomes evident when we reach our limits Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Diligently Asking for God’s Sustaining Grace By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“…You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:2-3, ESV). When we are taking steps in obedience to God, the resistance to moving forward grows stronger, and it feels like we are treading through mud just to take a step. My husband, Paul, and I have been experiencing this since we started leading a new ministry at our church, while juggling all the rest of our responsibilities, caring for our boys, and our own individual lives. Even though it’s exhausting and sometimes discouraging when things feel so chaotic and stressful, I must remind my heart that our God is stronger and will use whatever seems to be standing against us (especially our own sinful flesh!) to grow and deepen our faith and sanctify us. But this doesn’t mean it isn’t painful or that I am quick to learn how to depend on Him!Personally, I am working on resting in the new mercies of today and being quick to repent and ask for forgiveness. I feel like I have failed a lot in my behavior towards Paul and my boys these last few weeks. I don’t want to blame it on hormones and lack of sleep (although I know this adds fuel to the fire, so to speak). Because God’s grace is available to me. But am I asking for it diligently? Probably not as much as I should.If His grace is truly sufficient (and it is), do I live like I’m dependent upon it daily and praying without ceasing throughout my day? The book of James is a wonderful guide for believers. In chapter 4, we discover that we must protect our hearts from worldly thinking. Often, when we are trying to take control of our lives and not rest in God’s grace and provision daily, we resort to either neglecting God’s ever-present help or asking God with wrong motives:“…You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:2-3, ESV). James 4 merely tells us that if we want something, we should ask God for it rather than resort to sinful means. It stands to reason that there are some things that we will not get unless we ask for them, but if we ask, we will receive them. So, if there is something that we want, we need to ask. Christians should be praying and asking God, especially for His supernatural grace. Intersecting Faith & Life:Instead of trying to control what feels so uncontrollable in our lives and allowing our circumstances to dictate our mood or behavior, let us boldly come to the throne of grace and ask our Father for His unwavering and sustaining grace. He is faithful to provide. We must remember that God’s grace is sufficient and that He is our ever-present help in times of need, but sometimes our actions do not reflect these truths. It’s much easier for us to either complain about our stressful, difficult circumstances or take matters into our own hands to fix or change what seems to be causing us to feel so overwhelmed. We must remember to come to the Lord and ask for His grace when we have reached our limits. The Lord is so faithful to provide all things that we need because He is a gracious Father who cares deeply for His children. Let us approach Him as His child today, boldly and humbly asking for His sustaining and powerful grace to carry us through each challenging moment. He is so faithful in every season, especially in the difficult ones. When you feel weak, remember that it is a good thing- that is precisely when you will experience His power and strength that will sustain you and carry you through it all! Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Hebrews 4:15-16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

John 15:15 reveals a deeply personal truth: Jesus doesn’t just call us followers—He calls us friends. In a world where relationships can feel fragile or conditional, His friendship stands apart. It’s steady, honest, and rooted in love that never withdraws. When loneliness creeps in or connection feels out of reach, we’re reminded that we are never truly alone. Highlights Jesus calls us friends, not just servants His friendship is personal, steady, and unconditional He sees and knows us fully—yet remains present Human relationships may fail, but Jesus never leaves True connection begins with understanding His heart for us He meets our deepest need for acceptance and belonging His presence brings comfort in seasons of loneliness Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Comforted in Our Loneliness by the Friend Who Never LeavesBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. - John 15:15 NIV Do you ever struggle with building and maintaining friendships? Do you long for a relationship that feels so safe, you can express your deepest needs, doubts, sins, and fears? But also find yourself hiding those parts of you, for fear you’ll be rejected and shamed? In our broken world, filled with people who are as broken as us, it can be really hard to find those people able to stay by us in our hardest times and, perhaps, even when we act the ugliest. We all, at times, behave in ways we wish we hadn’t and that, sadly hurt or frustrate others. We will never reach perfection this side of heaven, but that doesn’t mean we’re destined to be alone. If you grew up in an environment where your needs for love, grace, and affection weren’t met, you may have come to believe that there’s something inherently wrong with you. Something that, if others knew or saw or experienced, would drive them away. And while I can’t speak for the people presently in your life—whether or not they have the emotional and spiritual maturity to work through conflict, confusion, and misunderstandings—who have the maturity to stay—I do know One who sees all of you, loves you fully, and has promised to never leave. Jesus is the friend mentioned in Proverbs 18:24 who sticks closer than a brother. When I consider His words in context, in John 15, I’m struck by the timing with which He spoke. This was on the night before His death, during a solemn and deeply painful Passover in which He told His disciples that they’d soon endure some of the most difficult experiences of their lives. Expulsion from their faith community, and all the support and comfort and connection that came with that. Slander and attack by those who viewed their commitment to Jesus as blasphemous, ungodly, and dangerous. And, potentially, death. Hard stuff. Times when they would desperately need to know they weren’t alone and that someone saw them, understood their pain, and walked with them in it. And yes, they had each other, praise God. But that wasn’t, and wouldn’t be enough—no matter how strong their relationships were with one another. They needed a perfect friend. They needed Jesus. And He gave Himself freely—to the point of death. But He didn’t stay dead. He rose from the grave as a powerful reminder that their hardship wouldn’t last forever. Glorious life, abundant and thriving life, was coming. And in the meantime, while they waited for their “faith to become sight” as. Scripture puts it—Jesus waited, fully present, with them. Intersecting Life & Faith: Pause to reflect on today’s verse for a moment, and hear this as the Lord speaking directly to you: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” In other words, Jesus says, to you, I don’t view you as a servant—as someone who’s only role is to listen and obey. Rather, I see you as someone with whom I long to grow closer, and I choose to reveal Myself to you. No secrets. No games. No power plays. Nothing but loyal, tender, steady, and present love. He could’ve used numerous words—and at times He does. Child. One of His dependent and well-cared-for sheep. His beloved. But here, He calls you friend. What might this reveal regarding His heart for you? Regarding His understanding of your deepest needs for connection and acceptance? What does it reveal regarding how He wants to meet you in your present season? To grasp the depth of His message, perhaps consider the qualities you long for in a perfect friend. Someone who’s mentally present and emotionally available in your pain. Someone who sees the best in you, even when you blow it—and who always has your best in mind. No manipulation, strong arming, withdrawal, shaming, criticizing or condemning. Someone who celebrates your wins and comforts you in your losses. Most importantly, someone who remains. That, my friend, is who Jesus wants to be for you. Who Jesus is for you. Further Reading: 1 John 4:16 Psalm 143:8 Isaiah 49:15-16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 reveals a powerful cycle: God comforts us in our pain so we can extend that same comfort to others. He isn’t distant from our struggles—He meets us in them as the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” What we receive in those seasons isn’t just for survival—it’s preparation for impact. Highlights God meets us in our struggles with real comfort and compassion His comfort is meant to flow through us, not stop with us Personal pain can become a source of empathy and connection You don’t need perfect answers—presence and care matter most God redeems कठिन experiences to help others heal Your struggles don’t disqualify you—they often prepare you Sharing your story can bring hope to someone else’s situation Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Pass God’s Comfort AlongBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV Ever since my husband had a kidney transplant years ago, I’ve been grateful to God and to the wonderful man who donated the lifesaving kidney. But the tremendous blessing of a successful transplant comes with a downside: lots of medications to prevent organ rejection – and each of those medications can have serious side effects. Over the years, the stress of dealing with chronic illness has been hard on our marriage, because the stress of health concerns never ends. But I’ve discovered that the more I turn to God for comfort when dealing with this stressful situation, the more I receive comfort from God that I can then pass along to other people who are dealing with chronic illness in their marriages. God even seems to arrange for me to meet people like that sometimes, to create opportunities for us to talk and encourage each other. I don’t enjoy dealing with an unending sickness in my marriage, but I have to admit that doing so has made me a more compassionate person – someone who tries to comfort others whenever I can. What kind of suffering are you going through right now? Whatever it is, you can rely on God to comfort you. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Bible describes God as the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” Comfort is a central part of God’s character. When you’re discouraged, stressed, or exhausted, God cares, and he makes it a priority to comfort you. But these verses don’t stop there. They reveal that God comforts you so you can comfort others. What you receive from God is meant to bless others after it blesses you, as part of the powerful process of God’s love flowing through your life into other people’s lives. That can be challenging, especially when you’re still in pain. You may be tempted just to hold onto comfort once God gives it to you. That’s understandable. Healing takes time. But God gently invites you to see that your own experiences – especially the painful ones – can help others deal with the pain in their own lives. Think about the last time you were comforted by someone else who had gone through a challenge that was similar to one you went through. That person knew what your pain felt like, so he or she probably blessed you powerfully with understanding and encouragement. Just as you’re grateful for the comfort that person shared with you, you can be the reason why someone else who’s hurting is grateful in the future. God never wastes your pain. While God never causes your pain, he does redeem it. The comfort you receive during hard times teaches you empathy. When you allow God to work through those places, your story becomes a source of encouragement for someone else. When you pass God’s comfort along yourself, you won’t have all the answers or be able to say something perfectly wise. But if you just show up without judgment, listen well, and encourage people by telling them how God has comforted you in similar circumstances, God will work through you to do the rest. In the process, the people you share God’s comfort with will find the fresh hope they need! This is especially important to remember if you feel like your struggles disqualify you from helping others. They don’t. Often, they’re actually what qualify you. God’s comfort doesn’t just patch you up and send you on your way. It transforms you into a more compassionate person whom God can work through to shine light into the darkness of this fallen world. So, when you receive comfort from God, don’t rush past it. Let it sink into your soul. Then, when the time is right, let it flow out to others who need to know that God is with them and will help them in their own suffering. Intersecting Faith & Life: How did God comfort you during a hard challenge you went through recently? Do you know anyone right now who’s suffering while dealing with a similar challenge? If so, how can you plan to reach out to comfort that person with what you’ve learned from when God comforted you? What’s one simple way you can share God’s comfort this week with anyone you know is dealing with any kind of painful challenge? How does viewing your struggle as a qualification to help others change your attitude toward your pain? Further Reading: Galatians 6:2Romans 12:15Matthew 5:4Psalm 34:181 Thessalonians 5:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s nearness isn’t just a theological truth—it’s a personal experience that meets us exactly where we are. Deuteronomy 4:7 reminds us that we serve a God who draws close whenever we call on Him. In seasons of uncertainty, waiting, or emotional weight, His presence often becomes more meaningful than the answers we’re seeking. Prayer isn’t only about outcomes—it’s about connection. While we may come to God hoping for clarity or resolution, what He often gives first is Himself. In that nearness, we find peace, strength, and reassurance that we are not alone. Even when circumstances don’t immediately change, His presence steadies us and reminds us that He is already at work. Highlights God is near to us whenever we call on Him His presence often matters more than immediate answers Prayer is an invitation into relationship, not just requests God prepares and strengthens us before we face कठिन moments His nearness brings peace, comfort, and clarity Scripture reveals God’s compassionate and personal nature Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: His Nearness Is What I Needed By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” - Deuteronomy 4:7 I have recently been reading a book by Wendy Blight called Rest for Your Soul. In it, she talks about prayer. She describes a time when she was calling out to God amidst a struggle and didn’t hear from Him: “I had a choice to make. I could believe what I was studying, reading, and learning, or I could allow anger, fear, and doubt to continue ruling my soul. What I came to realize during that time (though it was a decade-long journey) was that God was with me. And over those years, though my circumstances didn’t always change, my courage to stand firm in them rose because I knew I was not alone” (Rest for Your Soul). A few pages later, Wendy writes, “Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He may not fix everything at that moment. In fact, He probably won’t. But it’s an invitation to come and sit with the only One who can give you rest in the middle of the mess” (Rest for Your Soul). What I started to wonder about prayer is if maybe it isn’t about getting an answer from God for a particular need, but about recognizing His Presence and experiencing Him, that prayer is about communication with God. I went through some mental health testing earlier this year. I had been awaiting the results, eager to get the treatment I needed. Yesterday morning, I woke up and read my Bible, as usual. What was different was how present God was with me. Every scripture I read, I felt like God was speaking directly to me, to my heart, like it was just for me. I could hear Him, feel His presence. I was touched and grateful. Later that day, I got part of the news I had been awaiting for weeks. I received my diagnosis. As I processed this, I realized that a reason God had been close that morning is that He knew what I would hear that day—He knew I would hear the results of my testing. He wanted me to know He was there. More than hearing a specific word, what I needed, what I cherished most, was God’s presence, to know He was with me. His nearness is what I needed. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 34. In it, David says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18). God knows when we need Him, and He shows up. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible also shows that when we pray to the Lord, He draws near. In Deuteronomy, it says, “For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7). The Psalmist also writes, “I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:1-2). He listens to our prayers and draws near to us as we pray. He is a personal God. Just like I could feel His nearness as I read the scripture yesterday morning, I could also sense His heart—we can learn more about who He is in that place of nearness. Psalms 103 says, “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (Psalm 103:8). This description of God is found throughout the Bible. David also describes how God is as a Father: “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:13-14). Have you ever had a time when you felt God’s presence so close to you? Did you learn anything in that place of nearness about Him? Something I think about is when I got the initial call to do testing. God was in this. It felt like the answer to a prayer I hadn’t prayed—I had such peace about it. I also think about how the plans fell so perfectly into place for me to go out of town and do the testing. God had been in the whole process, and He continued to be close. Has there been a time in your life when you have walked through a difficult season but sensed the Lord’s Presence with you? What did that feel like? Was He steadying, comforting, or encouraging? In Psalms 34, David writes, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time” (Psalm 34:19). We are righteous through Christ. He will come to help us every time Further Reading: Psalm 145:18 James 4:8 Jeremiah 29:13 Isaiah 7:14 Hebrews 13:5 Deuteronomy 31:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Follow your heart” sounds inspiring—but Proverbs 3:5–6 offers a better path: trust God over your own understanding. Scripture reminds us that the human heart can be unreliable (Jeremiah 17:9), often shaped by emotion, culture, or pride rather than truth. Real clarity comes not from looking inward, but from surrendering fully to the Lord and allowing Him to direct your steps. God doesn’t just redirect our paths—He reshapes our desires. As we stay rooted in His Word, He aligns our hearts with His will, replacing confusion with conviction. Instead of chasing what feels right in the moment, we’re invited to follow the One who sees the full picture and leads with perfect wisdom. Highlights “Follow your heart” is cultural advice, not biblical direction The heart can be deceptive and influenced by emotion or pride True guidance comes from trusting God, not personal understanding God transforms our desires as we seek and obey Him Scripture renews our minds and anchors our decisions in truth Following God leads to clarity, purpose, and alignment with His will Obedience often requires surrendering plans we once held tightly Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Forsaking Following Your Heart By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). Shortly after college graduation, I became a born-again believer in Jesus Christ; I repented of my sin and surrendered my life to Christ, committing to take up my cross and follow Him no matter the cost. Yet I still wanted to pursue my original plan to become an actress in Los Angeles. As a Christian, I believed I was called to be a light in a dark place, so I was supposed to use my talents for Christ in Hollywood. I was receiving mixed messages from trusted believers because they kept telling me to trust God with the plans to pursue my dreams. This just led to more confusion. Trust God with my plan and my heart’s desires? Again and again, the phrase “follow your heart” was echoing through my mind. This phrase seems to be very popular in American culture, even among Christian circles. You can find these three words boldly displayed on T-shirts, on Instagram graphics, and even heralded by some influential professing Christian leaders. “Follow your heart…” - just a harmless motto, right? It sounds really encouraging, doesn’t it? Yes, very encouraging, almost Disney-like, but definitely not Biblical! The Lord spoke these words about the heart through the prophet Jeremiah: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV) As Christians, sometimes we fall into the trap of giving man’s words more weight than the Word of God. I wanted to encourage us to look to the direction found in scripture for those who are God’s children. A very familiar, but powerful passage found in Proverbs gives the believer wisdom: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). Intersecting Faith & Life: If we put our trust in anything or anyone but the Lord, we will constantly be disappointed and led astray from God’s perfect will for our lives. We must trust in the Lord with all of our heart, which should never be filled with more of this world than God’s Word. I’m so thankful that during that time in my life, while I was faced with a major decision, I kept my heart full of God’s Word, which helped me renew my mind so that I was filled with faith to trust God when He began changing my desires to follow and obey Him most of all. One month after I decided not to move to Los Angeles, realizing that pride was actually driving my desire to pursue an acting career, I was introduced to my now-husband, and the rest is His Story. My advice to you, beloved one, is do not follow your heart- follow God instead. He knows what you need more than you do. Trust Him with your entire heart and let him mold it to look more like His. He will never lead you down the wrong path! The culture around us often loudly proclaims how important it is for us to pursue our dreams and destiny by listening to our hearts and following them. But God’s word is very clear: our hearts can often bring confusion, and the only One we can trust to follow is the Lord. If you are born again, God has given you a new heart in Christ, yes, but your flesh is always at war with God’s desires and longs to lead you away from God’s will. We find God’s will in His Word, so we must ask the Lord to help us have a hunger to hide it in our hearts so that we will not sin against Him. God’s word is what renews our minds so that we are able to walk in obedience and look more like Christ to the world, so that they may know that His ways and thoughts are higher and better than man’s. The Lord can help us not to lean upon our own understanding and trust Him above all, not our hearts’ desires. Let us be diligent to ask the Lord to mold our hearts to more closely resemble Jesus. Further Reading: Psalm 143:8-10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God during conflict and injustice isn’t passive—it’s deeply intentional. In Genesis 26:19–22, Isaac faced repeated opposition as others claimed the wells he and his servants dug. Instead of fighting back, he chose to move forward in faith, trusting that God would provide space for him to flourish. His story reveals a powerful truth: God’s plans will prevail, even when others come against us. Highlights Isaac faced repeated conflict but chose trust over striving Not every battle requires a fight—some require faith and surrender God’s provision cannot be blocked by others’ actions Trusting God often means releasing control and resisting retaliation Scripture shows both times to act and times to be still God is faithful to restore, provide, and make room in His timing Even in injustice, God is working for our good and His glory Links & Resources: Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Trusting God's Plans to Prevail When Others Come Against UsBy Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” (Genesis 26:19-22, NIV). Have you ever had someone use your kindness and integrity against you? Or betray you in some way, and you wanted to fight back, but sensed God telling you to trust Him to rectify the situation? For years, I watched my husband endure the painful effects of slander and parental alienation. He was married before me to a woman who was verbally and psychologically abusive. When they divorced, his ex told his children that he’d abandoned them and didn’t love them. Then, once he married me and he and I gave birth to our daughter, his ex told his kids that we were his “replacement family.” While he diligently showed up for them and financially provided for them, that negative narrative became their reality. To say this devastated him would be a huge understatement. And the cruel injustice of it all angered me. I vacillated between feeling frustrated with God for not intervening on my timeline, and trusting that one day He would make things right. That was decades ago, and while my husband, sadly, remains estranged with some of his children, he’s been able to rebuild (and is rebuilding) his relationship with one of his daughters. He’s also been able to connect with three grandchildren, something we’d previously feared might never occur. I reflected upon my husband’s experience and God’s faithfulness this morning as I read Genesis 26. This occurred after Abraham’s death and well into Isaac’s adult years. Like his father before him, he endured what Scripture terms “a severe famine” and moved to an area of Gerar, presumably in search of food and access to water. The Lord, likely alert to the anxiety this would’ve caused, told Isaac not to go to Egypt (with its constant access to the Nile). He also promised to provide for and bless him. This reminds us that God knows precisely how to comfort and strengthen our fearful souls! In the middle of Isaac’s life-or-death crisis, He spoke powerful assurances to his soul. These divine commitments probably allowed him to remain calm and faith-filled later, when the people of the land continually sabotaged or laid claim to the wells his servants dug or reopened. This occurred three times, during which Isaac could’ve fought back. He might even have been successful. Genesis 26 tells us that He became quite rich and powerful (vs. 13, 16). Instead, he simply moved on, and once he reached the place he later called Rehoboth, he dug another well, and “This time there was no dispute over it” (Gen. 26:22b). Recognizing God’s provision, he proclaimed, “At last the LORD has created enough space for us to proper in the land” (Gen. 26:22, NLT). Intersecting Life & Faith: Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying Christ-followers should never advocate for themselves. Throughout Scripture, we see numerous instances when God directs His people to stand firm against evil, advocate for and defend others, or take hold of a blessing He provided. Ancient Israel taking possession of the Promised Land is a perfect example. But there are also times when he invites us to “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). This seems to be how he directed Joseph, introduced in Genesis 37. It also appears to be how He led Isaac in the chapter surrounding today’s passage. Did you catch how God spoke truth and assurance to Isaac before the well events? This reads like He was saying, in essence, “You don’t have to fight and strive for your survival, because I, Almighty God, will bless you.” He says the same to us. He is bigger than any injustice we’ll face or betrayal we’ll endure. He is faithful to protect, defend, and provide for His children. Sometimes, He invites us to play an active role in that protection or provision. Other times, He asks us to trust while He works the situation for our good and His glory, just as He promised in Romans 8:28. Regardless of how He leads, we can trust in His attentive care. He is the God of abundance, who owns all, sees all, and remains sovereign over all. But more than that, He is a God of tender, merciful love who sees our pain, heals our hurts, quiets our fears, and tends to all of our needs, physical, spiritual, and emotional. If you are struggling with a present or past betrayal or injustice, perhaps reflect on and rehearse this passage: Do not fret because of those who are evilor be envious of those who do wrong;for like the grass they will soon wither,like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good;dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:1-4). Further Reading: Psalm 37 Genesis 26:12-25 Genesis 41:37-43; 50:15-20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Acts 8:18–23 gives a sobering look at Simon the Sorcerer—a man drawn to spiritual power but not transformed in heart. His story is a reminder that not everything that looks spiritual is rooted in God. Even today, appearances, influence, and charisma can sometimes mask motives that aren’t aligned with truth. Discernment is essential in a world full of voices claiming authority. Scripture calls believers to test what they hear against God’s Word and to pay attention to fruit, not just presentation. True spiritual leadership reflects humility, repentance, and alignment with Christ—not control, profit, or self-exaltation. Highlights Not everything that appears spiritual is genuinely from God Simon’s story reveals the danger of pursuing power over transformation Discernment requires evaluating teaching against Scripture Jesus teaches that spiritual truth is revealed through “fruit,” not appearance False teaching can be persuasive, charismatic, and still misleading God calls believers to wisdom, testing, and spiritual awareness True faith is marked by humility, repentance, and Christlike character Links & Resources: Have an idea for our newsletter? We want to hear from you! Take our survey below: Take Our Survey! 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: Encountering Modern Day Simon the SorcerersBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’” - Acts 8:18-23 There are many false teachers who distract us from the true Gospel. These individuals tend to be charismatic, confident, and deceptive in their dealings with others. How many megachurch pastors have we seen step down from positions of authority because of scandal? As followers of the Lord, we must be discerning. It takes time, focus, and a close walk with Jesus to recognize wolves dressed as sheep. God will help us discern true followers of the Lord from those who are not. Unfortunately, there are many people who claim to be Christians, only to disown Him through their actions. While we cannot judge someone’s salvation, we can weigh what they say and do against Scripture. Intersecting Faith & Life: Simon practiced sorcery (Acts 8:9). His acts amazed the people, and he often boasted of his greatness. The people of Samaria believed he was someone special, even calling him “the Great Power of God” (Acts 8:10). However, once Philip shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they rejected Simon the Sorcerer and followed Jesus instead (Acts 8:12-13). In Acts 8:18-23, we see the true condition of Simon’s heart. He wanted the same ability to give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom he laid his hands. Peter was angered by Simon’s desire and rebuked him, urging him to repent and turn to the Lord. Simon’s actions revealed that he was “full of bitterness and captive to sin.” There are many leaders within cities, organizations, and companies who are similar to Simon the Sorcerer. Although we are told Simon believed Philip’s message of the Good News of Jesus Christ, he was still influenced by the sin within him (Acts 8:13). His main focus was power. Peter could see through Simon’s duplicity, and we need to ensure we are doing the same. As followers of Christ, we must be aware of those who claim to be believers but peddle the Word of God for profit. We must also be cautious of anyone who professes faith but denies Jesus through their actions. Jesus tells us, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:15-17). Anyone who denies the Lord in their actions or tries to use the Gospel for monetary gain should be rebuked. If they are a true follower of the Lord, they will turn to the Lord in repentance and ask for forgiveness. However, if they continue in their wicked ways, it is right to assume they never knew the Lord. Have you come across anyone who is like Simon the Sorcerer? What are some ways you can become more discerning of leaders and individuals? How can you gauge their heart? Pray with me: Dear Jesus, please give me discernment to know who Your true followers are and who are not. Uncover the Simons in my life. Guide my heart away from false teachers and toward You. Bless me with the confidence to rebuke these individuals, as Peter did, and give me the boldness to stand up for You. In Your Name, I pray, Amen. Further Reading: 2 Peter 2:1-3 1 John 4:1 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s Word is described in Psalm 119:130 as light that brings understanding—and that imagery still holds up today. Just like a flashlight cutting through darkness, Scripture has a way of revealing clarity in places where confusion, uncertainty, or discouragement once lived. And the beautiful part is that this light isn’t reserved for experts or scholars—it’s available to anyone willing to open the page. Spiritual understanding doesn’t usually happen all at once. It unfolds over time as we return to God’s Word consistently and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate what we need in each season. As we read, reflect, and stay teachable, Scripture moves from information to transformation—guiding not just what we know, but how we live. Highlights God’s Word brings light into confusion and spiritual darkness Scripture is meant to be experienced gradually, not mastered instantly The Holy Spirit helps illuminate understanding as we read and reflect Bible reading is a daily spiritual discipline that builds spiritual growth God’s Word transforms us, not just informs us Lifelong learning keeps faith active, humble, and growing God can use both Scripture and other reading to deepen spiritual insight 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: God’s Words Will Enlighten YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130, NIV When I was a child, I loved reading so much that bedtime felt like an interruption. Once the lights were off and the door was closed, I’d pull out a flashlight and keep reading under the covers. I knew I was supposed to be sleeping, but the story always felt more important. I wanted to know what happened next. I wanted to learn. That little beam of light made the pages come alive, even in the dark. Those memories come back to me when I read Psalm 119:130, which describes how God’s words shine a light that gives us understanding. When we read God’s words in the Bible, God’s light shines into the darkness of our lives in this fallen world, and that helps us see what we couldn’t see before. God’s words do this for us even if we’re not experts or scholars. The verse says it gives understanding “to the simple.” That’s good news for all of us. Psalm 119 is all about loving God’s words to us, which Hebrews 4:12 points out are “alive and active”. Over and over, Psalm 119 describes longing for scripture, meditating on it, and finding life in it. This particular verse reminds us that God’s words in the Bible work gradually yet powerfully in our lives. God’s words unfold. They open up over time. God’s light comes into the darkness of our lives in this fallen world as we read them, reflect on them, and apply them. That’s important, because many people feel discouraged when they open the Bible and don’t immediately understand everything. They may worry that they’re not smart enough to understand God’s messages, or that they’re approaching the Bible in the wrong ways. But the Bible was never meant to be mastered in just one reading. It was meant to be read gradually and returned to regularly. Bible reading is an important spiritual discipline that God intends for us to practice every day, just like prayer and meditation. As we allow God’s words in the Bible to sink into our souls day by day, they will unfold in our lives so that we become more enlightened. When we come to the Bible with a desire for God to enlighten us, God’s Holy Spirit will help us understand what we need, when we need it. But learning doesn’t stop with the Bible alone. God also uses other good books and articles to help us grow spiritually. Reading widely can deepen our understanding of God and the world he has created. The key is reading prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Spirit will show us what’s true and what’s helpful for growing closer to God. God loves to teach us through what we read – both through the Bible’s words and through other words that can point us toward him. Reading is an important part of lifelong learning, and being lifelong learners keeps our faith growing by reminding us that God is always bigger than our current understanding. If we stop learning, our faith can become weak. But when we stay curious – focused on God’s words in the Bible and open to growth as the Holy Spirit leads us – we stay teachable. Psalm 119:130 also reminds us that light comes from God’s words, not just information. God wants us to do much more than just collect facts. God wants us to change for the better. So, the words God uses to enlighten us go beyond information to also bring inspiration into our lives. God’s words inspire us by motivating us to move closer to him as we keep learning more. So, if you’re facing the darkness of confusion or discouragement, let God’s words shine a light into your life. Open the Bible and read something. Then ask the Holy Spirit to use that to enlighten you and bring you the wisdom and encouragement you need. When you experience the blessing of God meeting you there, you’ll get inspired to keep reading. Like a child with a flashlight under the covers, you’ll be excited to read and learn from God’s words as much as you can! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how God’s words will enlighten you, reflect on these questions: What role does reading – the Bible, and other books and articles – play in your daily life right now? When have you recently experienced a Bible verse or passage enlightening you with wisdom or encouragement? What keeps you from reading the Bible more regularly, and how can you try to start reading the Bible more? How can you approach other books or articles as learning opportunities, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you? What would it look like for you to become a lifelong learner who’s focused on God’s truth while continuing to seek out fresh information and inspiration? Further Reading:2 Timothy 3:16-17Joshua 1:8Proverbs 2:6Colossians 3:16James 1:5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.