Crosswalk.com Devotional

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.

Wisdom in Scripture is more than intelligence or good decision-making—it’s a way of living rooted in reverence for God. Proverbs 9:10 makes it clear: wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. That “fear” isn’t fear of punishment, but a deep respect and recognition that God is the source of all truth, direction, and understanding. In a fast-paced world where decisions often feel rushed and emotionally driven, wisdom calls us to pause and look upward first. Rather than relying solely on instinct or opinion, God invites us to seek Him directly for guidance. When we intentionally ask for wisdom and make space for the Holy Spirit to lead, we position ourselves to live with greater clarity, peace, and alignment with His will. Highlights Wisdom in the Bible goes beyond knowledge—it’s rooted in reverence for God Proverbs 9:10 defines wisdom as beginning with the fear (reverence) of the Lord God is the ultimate source of discernment and understanding Modern life often pushes us toward rushed, emotion-driven decisions Seeking wisdom requires intentionally pausing and praying before acting Scripture encourages believers to ask God for wisdom confidently Daily dependence on God cultivates spiritual growth and clearer direction 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 Is Wisdom?By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - Prov. 9:10 (NIV) The Bible is full of references to the concept of wisdom. We are exhorted throughout the Word to seek wisdom, to employ it when making decisions, to represent it through our interactions with others, and to prayerfully request an increase of it in our lives. There are entire books in the Bible dedicated to the value of wisdom (Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, to name a few). With all of these references to wisdom in the Word, it is clear the Lord is trying to teach us something, but what? What does wisdom really mean for us in our modern, everyday lives? When we look up the definition of wisdom in the dictionary or a biblical concordance, we can see descriptions such as having good sense or judgment, the ability to discern inner qualities, teachings stemming from ancient knowledge, shrewdness, or prudence. Based on these definitions, true wisdom is more than intellect or knowledge. It is much deeper. It extends far beyond our human limitations, which is why we must look to the supernatural as our source of impartation and increase. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with the idea of possessing and successfully employing wisdom in everyday life. Our lives move at such a fast pace, and whether real or projected, it feels like our choices must be instantaneous rather than carefully considered. Even if I am able to carve out space for thoughtful deliberation, it seems like I rely much more readily on my ever-present, very forward emotions rather than sage discernment when making decisions. Perhaps you struggle with this as well. How then can we attempt to gain and prioritize wisdom? Our key scripture today states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10, NIV). Any search we embark on to gain wisdom must begin with the fear of the Lord. Fear in this passage isn’t being afraid. Rather, it is a sincere reverence and respect for our Creator God. It is an acknowledgment that He is the Alpha and the Omega, beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13); that all things were created by Him and without Him nothing was made (John 1:3). HE is the answer. HE is the source. If we desire to gain greater insight and understanding, we must depend heavily on the Lord. We must look to Him first. This all sounds great, but how can we practically apply this to our lives? By intentionally asking the Lord to grant and increase our wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment,” (NLT). If the smartest thing we can do to gain wisdom is to simply ask for it, then that is the best place to start. The Word promises that if we ask, we shall receive and if we seek, we shall find (Matt. 7:7). The next time you are uncertain of what decision to make or how to proceed forward in an unpredictable scenario, stop and pray. Ask the Lord to grant you His wisdom. Create space for those whispers of the Holy Spirit, and God will provide. He is faithful to do all He has promised. Intersecting Faith & Life: How have you viewed the concept of wisdom in the Word of God? Have you seen it as treasured and valuable? Or do you struggle to believe you can possess such a quality? As shared earlier, I have wrestled with possessing and employing wisdom. However, I fully believe in the truth of God’s Word. If He tells us to seek wisdom and ask for it, then that is exactly what we should do. Understanding this, I started praying for wisdom every morning several years ago. My prayer is simple, nothing fancy. But when I recite this daily prayer, I sense a connection to the Word and God’s desire for me to grow in my faith. It is a small act of obedience that I believe has drawn me closer and more dependent upon the Lord. If you feel led, please join me in this petition today: “Heavenly Father, would you grant my family and me wisdom today? Help us to be present in the natural world, but live and work with Your supernatural wisdom that is beyond this world. Amen.” Further Reading:John 1:1-5Matthew 7:7-11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Spiritual sensitivity often comes down to one simple question: are we truly paying attention to what God is doing around us? Acts 3:2–4 shows Peter and John pausing long enough to see a person in need—and that moment of attention became an opportunity for God’s power to move. When we tune into the Holy Spirit, ordinary moments can turn into divine appointments. In daily life, distractions, routines, and personal agendas can easily drown out God’s promptings. But Scripture consistently shows that God often works through interruptions, not just planned moments. Learning to slow down, notice people, and respond with obedience can open the door for encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth—both for others and for us. Highlights God often speaks through interruptions and unexpected moments Spiritual distraction can cause us to miss meaningful opportunities Peter and John noticed the man and responded with presence and compassion God uses ordinary obedience to create extraordinary impact Discernment requires slowing down and staying spiritually attentive Faith is not just routine—it’s responsive to the Spirit’s leading Small moments of obedience can have lasting spiritual influence 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: Tune Into His SpiritBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John.” - Acts 3:2-4 As a writer, I have the privilege of working from home. But sometimes the TV screen or other distractions can keep me from getting my work done. Sometimes I go to a coffee shop to get it done. Once I get there, I settle into a booth, put in my AirPods, and focus on my work. Most of the time, I'm super productive and get my tasks done for the day. A few years ago, however, I bumped into a friend. It was a woman who had been attending our church for a little while. Although she'd been raised in the faith, she was hesitant about God. I saw her from across the room, unsure what I should do. Should I stop what I was doing, take out my AirPods, and have a conversation centered on God, or should I stay focused, knowing I could get my work done? Although headphones can be a great way to filter out the world's noise and focus on an immediate task, sometimes we crowd out not only God's voice but also the voices of those who need our help. In that situation, I kept my AirPods in, focused on my task, and ignored the opportunity God had placed before me. The woman soon left, and I felt bad. I should have initiated a conversation that could have helped her take a step forward in her spiritual growth. Instead, I focused on the menial tasks I had to get done for the day. Discerning God's voice is never easy. It can be downright difficult to discern God's voice from the world's voices. Even when it is difficult for us to discern what God has for us, it was no different for the disciples. In the passage above, Peter and John were on their way to the temple. They were out to do a good thing—go to church and worship God. But God had other plans for them that day. Because they took time out of their busy day, God chose to show up in a big way in both their lives and the beggar's. The beggar received a great gift that day—healing from God. Although the text does not specify whether the person was a believer, it stands to reason that, given the miraculous power the Holy Spirit showed in that moment, the man was brought one step closer to knowing God more intimately. Because Peter and John took time to look him in the eye, give him dignity and worth, and meet his deepest needs, that man grew closer to God because of it. Do we go through the motions of our faith? Do we put our heads down, tuck our Bibles under our arms, and walk into church each week, hearing great sermons and worshipping to great music, only to leave and focus on the menial tasks of the week? Do we make time to listen for how God might be speaking to us? Take a moment and write down people whom you know God has placed in your path with whom you could have a spiritual conversation this week. It could be an email, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation. Regardless of the way you choose to meet, choose to obey God and see what God wants to do with the people he has placed in your path. Lay aside your agenda and the menial tasks of the week and focus on the good opportunities he may lay before you. Not only will God honor you for honoring him in that way, but you may find you not only witness but perform greater miracles than any of the disciples ever experienced during their ministry on earth. Father, let us be in tune with your spirit. Let us see with your eyes who may be looking to know you better. Let us be the example you call us to be. Let us truly be disciples, sharing our faith so others may be equipped to do the same. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: What is one step you can take to share your faith with someone who doesn’t know God? Can you pray and ask God to reveal a person to you today? Further Reading:John 10:27-28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Worry often builds quietly over time—through life experiences, disappointments, and the growing awareness that not everything is in our control. But Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of a powerful truth: God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. When we truly understand both His power and His deep love for us, it begins to shift how we carry our worries. The real turning point comes when we stop asking if God will show up for us and start trusting that He both can and wants to. Worry loses its grip when we root ourselves in the truth of God’s character—His goodness, His care, and His capability. As we continually return to His Word and surrender our fears, we begin to trade anxiety for peace and control for trust. Highlights Worry often develops gradually through life experiences and uncertainty Even strong believers wrestle with worry—it’s a shared human struggle Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is both willing and able to do more than we imagine Understanding God’s love is key to releasing fear and anxiety Worry is often rooted in fear and a desire for control God’s Word is a powerful tool to combat anxious thoughts Trusting God fully opens the door to greater peace and 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: Give Your Worries to the God Who Gives So Much MoreBy Keri Eichberger Bible Reading: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20) I was once quite the worrier. I’m not sure exactly what the trigger was. But it likely began during my youth as life started to get more real. As I slowly lost the innocent beliefs that everyone is nice, parents always stay married, only old people die, and you don’t get in trouble unless you’re actually guilty. And one life disappointment at a time, I observed mean kids making fun, moms and dads splitting up, classmates getting in fatal car crashes, and people getting punished for things they didn’t do. Hurt happened, heartbreaks began to haunt me, until, without notice, I began living in such a way to protect myself from any pain. Worry was brewing, and I hardly noticed. And sadly, as the years progressed through my teens and early adulthood, so did my life experience. And so did my reality that there was more wrong in the world than my younger years could fathom. And so did the worry. Have you seen worry develop in your life? Have you ever considered yourself a worrier? Or maybe your worry is masked as a tendency to control too much sometimes? Or it might look like becoming consumed with a decision, an upcoming situation or event, or just the unknowns of the future? Or maybe you’ve been an avoider of something or someone, an over-thinker, over-analyzer, or just wondered “what if” too many times. All of this, believe it or not, has worry wrapped all around it. The truth is, we all worry. Even the strongest Christians. But what’s also true: no one wants to worry. The effects of it are awful and are the exact opposite of what we long for most in this life, like peace, joy, and, did I say peace? So how do we stop worrying and find the peace of God we want to hold on to and not let go of? How do we release the unease we feel in our circumstances, the unsettled sense of the undone to-dos, the uncertainty of every decision concerning our families, finances, jobs, and all the unknowns of our futures? How do we release the worry that keeps returning? Regardless of my growing faith, I still struggle with worry. And with the ebbs and flows of life, this is likely you, too. So, to stand strong against the lying enemy of fear—which is no doubt at the root of every worry—I’ve learned the necessity of arming ourselves with the sword of the spirit—the Word of God. And I’ve learned the value of pouring over and over God’s truths. For the longest time, one of my favorite verses has been Ephesians 3:20. I’ve always cherished the truth that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. I’m sure we all do—it’s gloriously wonderful. And yes, God can do more than all we ask or imagine, and yes, we do want him to do just that on our behalf. However, how do we know he wants to? Maybe we can get on board with trusting he can, but how do we know he will? What if he doesn’t want to do something greater than I can imagine in my case? Have you ever wondered this, as I have? Well, I made a beautiful observation that opened my eyes to the truth of this contemplation. I found it in the preceding verses of Ephesians 3:17-19, which say, And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. What I was reading in these verses was how much God loves us. And then, I dove directly into the truth of how much he’s capable of. And these familiar verses swallowed me in the most comforting way. God wants to, and God can. God wants to give us so much because of his boundless love for us. And God can, because of his infinite power in and around us. And once we understand this, in terms of our worry, it should change everything. Intersecting Faith & Life: What we need to do is trust and believe that God loves us and that God is able. Because it’s true. And we need to trust that with our whole hearts. Just imagine for a minute. If you believed with all that you are that God loves you, and that God, not you, in his sovereign power, is able to do so much more than all you could ask or imagine. If you truly believed this, what in the world would you have to worry about? If you truly trusted this, what would you let go of? The fears, the anxiety, the control, the stress. Imagine the peace. And what would you do? Where might you feel free to go? Imagine the joy. Imagine a life with less worry. Imagine a life where you believed and rested deeply in the truth that you are a child of a good, good God. Who will always adore you, help you, care for you, and forever bless you. This is who God is; this is what God does. So you can give all your worries to him. Our good God who will give you so much more than you can possibly imagine. 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.

Weakness isn’t something we naturally celebrate—but Scripture flips that idea on its head. In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, we’re reminded that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, meaning the very areas we try to hide can become the places where His strength is most clearly seen. What feels like a limitation may actually be the beginning of a powerful testimony. Instead of striving to appear strong or self-sufficient, God invites us to depend on Him. Weakness exposes our need—and that’s exactly where grace steps in. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a diagnosis, or an ongoing battle, God can work through it in ways that not only transform us but also encourage others. When we stop resisting our weakness and start surrendering it, we create space for God’s power to move. Highlights Weakness is not a disqualifier—it’s an opportunity for God’s power God’s strength is most visible in areas where we feel insufficient Personal struggles can become meaningful testimonies Dependence on God replaces the pressure to “figure it all out” Paul’s “thorn” reminds us that not every struggle is removed—but it can be redeemed Sharing our journey through weakness can encourage and impact others 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 Weakness May Be Your Testimony By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 I never thought positively about my weaknesses. They were always something I tried diligently to hide, especially as a teenager. As an adult, I’ve had times of embracing them, amongst grace-filled friends. I’ve also had times where I didn’t quite want to mention them (job interview, anyone?) When I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, it hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I was emotional and self-conscious. Severe?, I thought. Though these diagnoses were what my counselors and I suspected, when I had the official word, it took me some time to process. I thought about my life and wondered, what does this mean for my future? It all felt very heavy. I talked with my friends for some support. They said things like, this is just a snapshot of what my symptoms were like at the time of testing, and that in the future, the severity might change. Many of them also said, “That’s not who you are,” and that who I am is who I am in Christ. I am trying to hold onto their words and perspective as I move forward. In light of the diagnoses, what helped me was realizing that God can work in and through my weaknesses, that my weaknesses can become my testimony. I imagined my future and how one day, I could share with others, Yes, I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, but look at what God has done through my life. I finally had hope for the future. Intersecting Faith & Life: In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about his weakness: “…So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b-8) Paul was dealing with something uncomfortable, something he didn’t want, so much so that he brought it before the Lord. Paul continues, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This morning, I was struggling and questioned why the Lord called me to do something that would require His help. It’s as if He helped me to understand—to overcome the difficulty of OCD in my life, I need God’s help. I need to let Him help me, and I need to accept the help He gives me through my counselor. I thought I was supposed to figure it out and try hard. The thing about weaknesses is that we need God. It’s insufficiency in ourselves and finding what we need in Him. We all do and will continue to have weaknesses. What Paul is talking about in this scripture is actually delighting in his weaknesses. Why? Because it’s in our weaknesses that the Lord shows his power. That’s something to rejoice in. Have you ever had a circumstance that was difficult, a weakness that was uncomfortable or you didn’t understand? Have you seen any evidence of God working through it? Invite Him into these spaces. Ask Him to show You how His “power works best in" your own weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) When we share about what God has done in our lives through our weaknesses or in the midst of difficult circumstances, we share our testimony with others. God can be glorified through it, through us. Further Reading: 1 Peter 4:19 Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Uncontrolled anger can quietly damage relationships, distort communication, and pull us away from God’s design for righteous living. James 1:19–20 offers clear, practical wisdom: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Sinful anger isn’t just about emotion—it’s often rooted in pride and self-focus, leading us to say things we don’t mean and hurt the people we care about most. Highlights Unrestrained anger often leads to hurtful words and broken connection Sinful anger is usually rooted in pride and self-centeredness James 1:19–20 calls us to listen first, speak carefully, and slow down anger Interrupting and reacting quickly fuels conflict instead of resolving it The Holy Spirit helps us respond with patience and humility Repentance and forgiveness restore relationships after conflict Growth in handling anger is part of ongoing spiritual maturity 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 Harm of Sinful Anger By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20, ESV). My husband and I have been married for sixteen years, and although we would never admit to “having it all together,” one thing that we have always fought to hold onto is our pursuit to work through our disagreements, however heated they may become, and never go to sleep angry with one another. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we try our best to be quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness. But since we are still on this side of eternity, we are continually being sanctified every day, and sometimes our flesh and pride get in the way of that pursuit for peace, and that was the case in a recent argument that he and I experienced. The two of us became so angry with one another that we continued to go in circles and rehash the argument. I found myself not thinking clearly and saying things that were hurtful towards my husband, things that I did not believe to be true. I would constantly interrupt my husband with what I wanted to say and never let him voice his concerns. In my frustration, I became so exhausted and confused that I didn’t have any energy to continue the conversation. Thankfully, before we drifted off to sleep, we both took some time to calm down and began to apologize for our anger and hurtful words. Knowing anger that is not restrained can often lead to sin, and in this case, it did; we both repented to the Lord and to each other. We can find much instruction and wisdom in the Bible regarding the sin of unrestrained anger. James 1 has some beautiful instruction for us that is a wonderful reminder for our hearts, especially in a marriage relationship: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you notice how our conversations with each other can be tied to the misuse of anger? This is especially true if we are not considering others before ourselves when we want to voice our opinion or concerns. The misuse of anger is called unrighteous anger because it is selfish and prideful in nature. Those who do not think of others when speaking are walking in pride, which can often lead to anger if met with resistance and tension. When anger is unrestrained and rooted in pride, we are not walking righteously before God. We are to be quick to listen before speaking and patient when engaging in a tense discussion. What wise advice for married couples! Anger is sure to occur when two people disagree, but we do not have to give into the temptation to allow that anger to fuel hurtful or hate-filled words towards the other person, sinning against them and, more importantly, sinning against God who calls us to walk in righteousness. We need to prefer others above ourselves in our conversations with one another. May the Lord help us and sanctify us in our marriages and relationships with others. The Word has so much to say on the sin of anger, yet we give in to this temptation all the time when we are challenged in our selfishness. This is especially true in marriage. We must be careful not to allow our pride to lead us into unrestrained anger by lashing out and interrupting in disagreements. The Lord will help you be slow to speak and quick to listen so that anger does not cause you to walk in unrighteous behavior towards your spouse and brothers and sisters in Christ. The Holy Spirit will give you grace to empower you to walk more Christ-like. Further Reading: Ephesians 4:26-27 Proverbs 16:32 Proverbs 29:22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Worry has a way of quietly filling the mind—about the future, finances, work, relationships, and everything in between. In Matthew 6:33–34, Jesus speaks directly into that pressure, not by dismissing our concerns, but by redirecting our focus. Instead of being consumed by tomorrow, He invites us to seek God first today and trust Him with what’s ahead. Freedom from worry isn’t about never feeling anxious thoughts—it’s about learning where to place them. Jesus teaches that life is lived one day at a time, with God as our provider and guide. When we shift our focus from what we can’t control to the One who holds everything together, worry begins to lose its grip. Peace grows when trust becomes our daily response. Highlights Worry is common—but it doesn’t have to control your life Jesus doesn’t shame worry; He redirects our focus Seeking God first reshapes how we handle anxiety about tomorrow Living one day at a time helps reduce mental overwhelm Prayer is a practical way to release anxious thoughts to God Filling your mind with truth helps quiet spiraling thoughts Peace grows when trust in God becomes your default response 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 Desire to Be Free from WorryBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” - Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT) Worry weighs heavily on most of us. Tight deadlines at work, endless tests in college, and difficult financial situations can cause us to worry. To worry is to be human. Although many of us may feel ashamed for worrying, we must remember that it is a part of life. We can trust God and still feel worried about certain circumstances. Worry does not equate to a lack of faith in God. Rather, worry is simply what it is: being afraid or doubtful about what will happen. Worry can completely control our lives if we let it; however, we can also stand up to it. My dad and I are avid walkers, and we often come across many cyclists. What I have noticed about most cyclists is that their biggest concern is speed. Many of them ride with a forward lean, as it helps them become more aerodynamic and enhances their speed. However, there is one cyclist we occasionally see who is different from the others. Rather than being hunched over and focused on speed, he simply rides his bike, plays music from a loudspeaker, and appears to be free from worry: laid back, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be there. As he passed us one day, I told my dad, “I wish I could be that relaxed.” I think most of us feel the same way… to be free from worry and to genuinely enjoy the little things in life. While I’m sure this cyclist has worries at times, he also seems to know when to let them go and focus on what brings him joy. This is something we should aim to do in our own lives. While our worries may not disappear, we can learn to set them apart from other areas of our lives. The first step in easing these worries is to turn to God in prayer and reading the Bible. Intersecting Faith & Life: Jesus tells us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:33-34, NLT). Rather than endlessly worrying about what is to come, we need to surrender these worries to God (1 Peter 5:7). As the Lord says, we are to focus on the Kingdom of God and live in obedience to Him. This means focusing on the present and faithfully living out God’s teachings found in Scripture. If we choose the path of worry, it will be difficult to stay focused on God. Worry can cause us to spiral further. Yet it can be eased by talking with God. Tell Him why you are worried. Be honest with Him. He will never downplay your concerns or treat them as unimportant. It is also helpful to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8-9). Fixing our minds on these things can help quiet our worries. Instead of dwelling on the concerns of today or tomorrow, reflect on the beauty around you—the trees, a joyful call from a friend, or a warm hug from a loved one. Pray to God whenever worry rises in your heart. Let’s go to Him together: Dear God, I want to be free from worry. You know how worry creeps into my mind every day. At times, it feels like it could drown me. Help me to rise above the worry and to reflect upon Your Son’s words. Guide my heart after Your Kingdom and to live for You. Remove my anxious, worried heart and replace it with a steadfast, unwavering heart. Thank You for listening to my prayers, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen. What are your most common worries? How can you apply Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33-34 to your life? Further Reading: Psalm 55:22 Proverbs 12:25 Matthew 11:28-30 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Struggling with anxiety as a Christian can feel confusing—especially when verses like John 14:1 tell us not to let our hearts be troubled. But Jesus’ response to anxiety isn’t harsh correction—it’s compassionate invitation. In moments of fear and overwhelm, He offers peace, not pressure. His words weren’t spoken to shame anxious hearts but to comfort them, reminding us that trust in Him is the pathway to lasting peace. True peace isn’t something we manufacture through perfect prayers or flawless faith—it’s something we receive from Jesus. Biblical peace goes deeper than calm emotions; it’s a sense of wholeness and security rooted in His presence. As we consistently turn to Him—through prayer, Scripture, and honest surrender—He begins to reshape our thoughts and quiet our fears. It may not happen instantly, but over time, His peace grows stronger than our anxiety. Highlights Jesus responds to anxiety with compassion, not condemnation “Do not be troubled” is an invitation to trust, not a harsh command Peace comes from Christ—not from striving or self-effort Anxiety often persists when we expect instant healing Spiritual practices help us receive the peace we already have in Christ Honest prayer invites God to reveal what may be hindering our peace Trusting Jesus more deeply leads to greater, lasting peace 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 Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” - John 14:1 NIV As someone with a long history of anxiety, I used to feel guilt and condemnation when I read today’s verse and others like it. I knew Scripture told me, in numerous places, not to fear. I understood the importance of “taking my thoughts captive. I also recognized that I’d remain stuck in my overwhelm and whatever habitual battle I faced unless I allowed the Lord to transform me as I intentionally renewed my mind with God’s unchanging truth. Yet, I consistently found myself enslaved to my spinning anxious thoughts that felt far too strong to counter or correct. My problem was two-fold. First, I expected instant healing and freedom. I thought if I said the right prayers, memorized enough Scripture, and chose to yield my circumstances to Christ, bam! He’d instantly erase all the lies and doubts fueling my fears and flood my brain and soul with His promises—which, of course, would stick, indefinitely. Second, I misread Jesus’ invitation to trust as a harsh command that brought Him frustration when not lived out. But our Savior is gentle and humble in heart and longs to provide rest, not guilt and shame, to our souls (Matthew 11:28). When I read John 14 through that lens, I see Christ’s words as tender reassurance spoken from a place of compassionate awareness that fearful times lie ahead. The context of today’s verse supports this. If you’re familiar with the events surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, you might recognize the circumstances surrounding His words. On the night before His death, He gathered His disciples in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. During this sacred meal, He predicted several unsettling things: He’d soon leave, and they couldn’t come. One of them would betray Him, they’d all abandon Him in His most painful moment, and Peter would deny three times that he even knew Him. But notice how Jesus bookended this difficult information. He began the chapter with today’s verse, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled but instead to trust in Him. Then, in verse 27, He repeated this with additional details when He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Intersecting Life & Faith: Peace. Biblically speaking, this word, eiréné in the original Greek, goes deeper than emotional tranquility. It signifies wholeness, well-being, and things as they should be. And notice, this soul-state comes from Him, not our frantic efforts to change or heal ourselves. Yes, we must do our part by consistently turning to Him through prayer, Bible reading, silent meditation, and practicing other spiritual disciplines. Scripture also encourages us to learn how to rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit more consistently and to do our best to obey, however He leads. Sometimes, this requires prayerfully considering ways we might be actively blocking or hindering our ability to receive Christ’s peace. Notice the phrasing in Colossians 3:15: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (NIV, emphasis mine). This seems to indicate that we already possess His peace but haven’t given it full reign for some reason. Perhaps we’re held captive to an addiction that leads to regretful behavior and damaged relationships, and the inner angst both scenarios create. Or, maybe we’re spending far more time reading fear-mongering clickbait articles than we are truth. Or we might feel reluctant to take medication that our brain needs to function optimally. Most, if not all, of us also tend to experience some degree of self-deception. Because of this, I’ve found it helpful to pray Psalm 139:23-24, which reads: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (NIV). The New American Standard Bible phrases the last line in this passage this way: … see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Understand, I don’t pray this from a place of guilt or shame. Rather, I’m asking the One who knows me better than I know myself and sees the most hidden places in my soul to reveal those things within me that hinder my freedom. This is a request He loves to answer because it positions me for the deep transformation I need to experience the “beyond-expectations” thriving life He promised in John 10:10. Because only the Prince of Peace holds the power to calm and strengthen my wounded and fearful soul. He longs to do the same for you. The more you connect with, listen to, learn from, and follow Him, the easier it becomes to “believe in Him,” as today’s verse invites you to do. And the more we believe in Him—trusting His power, promises, and heart—the greater our peace. Further Reading:Philippians 4:6-81 Peter 5:7Psalm 4:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling prompted to reconnect with an old friend but held back by fear or awkwardness? 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives us power, love, and self-discipline—not fear—especially when it comes to relationships He may be stirring in our hearts. When someone from your past keeps coming to mind, it might not be random—it could be God gently nudging you toward restoration, encouragement, or even closure. Reaching out doesn’t require a perfect plan or flawless words. God simply asks for your willingness to take the first step. Whether the outcome is a renewed friendship or just a moment of peace, God is present in the process. As you trust Him with both the courage to act and the results that follow, you’ll find freedom from fear and confidence in knowing He’s working through every connection in your life. Highlights God prompts connection—people coming to mind may not be случайно Fear often holds us back, but it doesn’t come from God God equips you with power, love, and self-discipline to take action You don’t need the perfect words—just a simple, honest reach-out Reconnection may bring healing, restoration, or closure You’re responsible for obedience, not the outcome God works through relationships in meaningful ways 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 Help You Reconnect with an Old FriendBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV It had been years since I’d seen my friend Pam when I started to think of her again. She kept coming to mind, but I kept hesitating to reach out to her, because I thought it might be awkward to try to catch up after all the time that had passed since I got married, she stayed single, and we drifted apart. One day, I prayed about it, and the Holy Spirit seemed to be encouraging me to contact her. I called the number I had for Pam, only to find that it was no longer valid. But that Sunday when I went up to the altar for Communion at church, there in the Communion line with me was Pam! She had recently moved back to my area and joined my church, without even knowing that was where I currently worshipped. But God’s Spirit had made a way for us to meet and reconnect! Have you ever had an old friend suddenly come to mind? You might not know why that person you’ve lost touch with has popped into your thoughts, but the memory lingers. You may have mixed feelings about it – excitement to try to reconnect, but fear that too much time has gone by to really be friends again. Fear can take over and stop you from reaching out to your old friend. You may have a whole bunch of fear-based excuses for not trying to reconnect, like it’s been too long, or it’ll be too awkward, or that your former friend probably doesn’t want to hear from you. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds you that God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. So, the hesitation you feel doesn’t come from God. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God gives you power, love, and self-discipline. When fear tells you to stay silent, God offers you courage to move forward despite feeling afraid. If you’re thinking a lot about an old friend, it may not be random. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gently but persistently encourages you to reconnect. Relationships are important to God. He often works through connections between people. Reaching out might be an important part of God’s work in both of your lives! You’ll still likely feel afraid because of the uncertainty of what will happen when you do reach out. But God will give you the courage you need to act even when you feel unsure. You don’t have to plan the perfect message or know how the conversation will go. You don’t have to fix the past or explain everything that went wrong. You can start by just sending a simple text or email that says something like: “Hi, you’ve been on my mind lately. I hope you’re doing well.” That’s it. God can work with that. You may be worried about rejection or silence. That’s understandable. But remember, God never asks you to control how someone responds. He only invites you to trust him with the process. When you step out in faith, you’re placing the results in God’s hands. No matter how your old friend responds, God is still at work in both of your lives. Reconnecting with an old friend can also stir up past pain. You may remember misunderstandings or conflicts that caused the friendship to end. If that’s the case, ask God to guide you before you reach out. God can help you approach the situation with honesty and humility, and God can also help you forgive and ask for forgiveness. Just like God gives you grace and mercy, you can give your old friend grace and mercy so you both can move forward well. It’s also possible that reconnecting won’t lead to a restored friendship, and that’s okay. Sometimes the purpose is just peace and closure for both of you. Trust that God knows what this connection is meant to be, and just follow where God leads you. As you think about reaching out, pray and ask God to fight anxiety for you. Ask God’s Spirit to prepare both you and your old friend, and to give you the right words to reach out. Then contact your old friend, and rely on the courage God will give you. God will handle all the rest. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to ask God for help, like courage to reconnect with old friends, reflect on these questions: Who is an old friend who has been on your mind lately? What’s currently keeping you from reaching out to him or her? Which gift from God – power, love, or self-discipline – do you need the most to reach out to your old friend? Are you willing to leave the results of reconnecting in God’s hands? Further Reading:1 John 4:18Hebrews 10:24Romans 12:18Philippians 4:6-7Proverbs 3:5-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you have ever felt trapped by your body, your limits or a season you didn’t choose, thisconversation will meet you where you are. In this bonus episode from The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Dr. Dan Wallace, one of the world’s leading Greek scholars and a lifelong student of the New Testament. Dan is best known for his work in textual criticism and for founding the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, which has helped digitize thousands of ancient biblical manuscriptsaround the world. But this conversation centers on a chapter of his life that few people know. After contracting encephalitis, Dan lost much of his strength, mobility and even his grasp ofGreek, the language he had devoted his life to studying and teaching. He shares what it waslike to relearn Greek from scratch, using the very textbook he had written himself, whilenavigating years of uncertainty, pain and physical limitations. This is not a technical discussion and not a polished testimony. It is an honest conversationabout chronic illness, suffering without clear answers and what faith looks like when progress isslow and control is gone. Together, they talk about what Scripture actually teaches aboutsuffering, how endurance is formed over time and why God’s presence often shows up throughpeople rather than quick solutions. If you are carrying pain, fatigue or unanswered questions, this episode offers clarity withoutclichés and hope without pretending everything is fine. Learn more about Dr. Dan Wallace:The Center for the Study of New Testament ManuscriptsGreek Grammar Beyond the Basics The Unbound Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Tony Evans about what it means to livefree of what binds us, including fear, pressure, shame and the need to perform strength. Newepisodes release weekly. For more of The Unbound Podcast, follow Dr. Tony Evans on YouTube The Unbound PodcastSenior Producer & Creative Director: Heather HairTechnical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stepping into a new season of life can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and even intimidating—but Jeremiah 1:4-8 reminds us that God calls and equips us long before we feel ready. When you're entering a season of change, it’s easy to focus on your limitations, asking “Am I enough?” or “Do I have what it takes?” Yet God’s response is clear: don’t let your “I’m only…” define you—His calling is greater than your doubts. Growth rarely comes with a clear roadmap. Instead of giving us all the answers upfront, God invites us to trust Him one step at a time. Whether you're graduating, starting something new, or simply navigating an unexpected transition, your role isn’t to have everything figured out—it’s to be available and obedient where you are. As you release control and surrender your plans, you’ll begin to see that God’s purpose unfolds in the process, not all at once. Highlights Seasons of change often bring both excitement and fear Feeling unqualified is normal—but not a disqualifier God calls you before you feel ready or capable Your “I’m only…” mindset can limit what God wants to do through you You don’t need the full plan—just the next step of obedience God equips you with everything needed for your calling Trusting God’s timing leads to clarity and growth Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You’re Entering a Season of Change By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord’” (Jeremiah 1:4-8 ESV). I remember when I graduated from high school. I was homeschooled my entire life, so when it was time for me to graduate, we joined a bunch of other homeschooling families and their high school seniors so we could walk across the stage and receive our diplomas from our parents. I don’t know how to describe that moment. I was leaving my childhood behind. Stepping into adulthood. And yet, on the other hand, almost nothing would change. Instead of going to college, I would get a job. But I still planned to live at home. Yet I still felt this sense of apprehensive excitement. What did the future hold? I had so many dreams for the future. I knew God had called me to write for Him, but what would that look like? What about the passion burning within me since I was a little girl—to somehow be involved in the film industry, making movies for Jesus? Can you relate? Whether you’re graduating this year or simply stepping into a new season, change can be both scary and exciting. As a new graduate, I felt in some ways like the prophet Jeremiah when God called him. Inadequate. I’m pretty sure I used the “I’m only a youth” line—or something similar—as I prayed in the years leading up to my high-school graduation. We can all feel small at times. People thought that when I graduated, I had my life figured out. Or more figured out than most. I knew God wanted me to write books and that I wasn’t going to college—at least at that point. While I couldn’t deny the feeling that writing books was only a portion of what God wanted me to do, I didn’t know what else He wanted me to do. The truth is, from the time I was young, I wanted to change the world for Jesus—but I didn’t know how. I felt so small. How could I reach the world for Jesus from home? Over time, God showed me that I didn’t need to figure out the “how” but to surrender it to Him. More important than me knowing the “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of it all, God wanted my heart to be available and for me to serve Him where He had me. I’d always sensed travel of some kind might be in my future, but working regularly from home didn’t feel like it could leave a significant impact on the world. I didn’t figure it out overnight. I would still say I don’t have it “all figured out.” Do we ever? From the time I graduated until now, God has given me a fuller idea of what He wants me to pursue in this season, but it took time. And I’m sure He will continue to show me what He wants me to do. I’ve found that when we stop fighting God to hold on to a life we imagine for ourselves, God opens our hands to receive the life He has planned for us. In case you thought Jeremiah was the only one, look at the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 (ESV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” If God calls us to go somewhere, we go. But even if He calls us to stay, loving God, loving others, and sharing His Word starts exactly where we are. Intersecting Faith & Life: God doesn’t want us to be afraid. Like Jeremiah, we too are called by God. He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Ps. 139:13-16). He consecrated us and appointed us for His plan (2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 2:10). He has a purpose for our lives! We also may argue with God and say, “I am only [fill-in-the-blank].” But God often doesn’t call whom the world expects (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV). He gave Samson strength (Judges 16). He gave Moses words (Exodus 4:10-12). He gives us exactly what we need for the task He has placed before us. When we say, “I am only [fill-in-the-blank],” we are looking at what’s in front of us. But we often forget that while we can’t always see the full picture, God can. God’s “all sufficiency” (2 Corinthians 9:8) isn’t dependent on where we live, our age, or any of our circumstances. We are merely called to be obedient and allow the Lord to use us where we are. What is the “only” you are worried about today? Give it to Jesus. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV). Allow that to soak in. His grace is sufficient to equip us for every good work that He has called us to. You don’t need to have the next ten years figured out; you just need to trust that the God Who holds your future is with you in this one. Pray with me: Dear Lord, thank You for calling me and knowing me since before I was born. Forgive me for the times I let my "only" excuses stop me from trusting You. I trust that Your grace is sufficient for the season I am in right now. Wherever I am, help me to be obedient to Your call and trust Your timing. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? Genesis 16:13 reveals a powerful truth—God is El Roi, “the God who sees me”—reminding us that our deepest need to be known and valued is fully met in Him. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase recognition, validation, and visibility, Scripture redirects our focus to a God who already sees every detail of our lives. Hagar’s story shows us that even in moments of isolation, pain, and injustice, God is present and attentive. He sees what others miss. He cares when others overlook. Instead of striving to be noticed by people who cannot truly fulfill us, we’re invited to rest in the steady, personal, and unchanging attention of our Creator. When we anchor our identity in being seen by God, we find lasting security, purpose, and peace. Highlights The desire to be seen and valued is part of being human God reveals Himself as El Roi—the God who sees you personally Hagar’s story shows God’s care in moments of isolation and pain You don’t have to chase validation—God already sees and values you God knows every detail of your life, down to the smallest things True identity is found in being known by God, not others Resting in God’s attention brings peace and security 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: Seen by God By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: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 NLT Recently, I read a news story headline that said 100 people gathered to be in a music video. They wanted to be seen. Especially here in the USA, there is a fascination with being an extra in a movie or becoming a professional actor and famous movie star. People often say they do this because they want to make an impact, be seen, be heard, be noticed, and be remembered. This made me think. Why do we rush to be seen by people on television, in music videos, at big events, and on social media? Perhaps it is because, deep inside, every human has a need to be seen. We want to know that we matter. We want to be acknowledged, recognized, and celebrated. This is a totally normal part of our human experience, but is it healthy if we’re chasing after fame more than seeking God? While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen and remembered by the people in our world, I would like to encourage you with this timeless truth: You are seen by God. He is the Creator of the universe and all the galaxies. There is a popular inspirational quote that says: “How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too.” God loves you. He knows you. He sees you. In a world where we are challenged to prove that we matter, we need to remember our Creator loves us endlessly. We matter to Him. The Bible says God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). It also says God knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). This means God sees us as no one else can. He created humankind with deep care and attention to detail. The Bible says all the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7). If you have a lot of hair on your head, then you may see the significance of this statement on a deeper level. God sees everything you go through during your life here on Earth, and He will intervene where needed, as He did for Hagar. She was the servant of Abraham and Sarah. They feared God but were childless well into what we would call their golden years. When God promised them that they would have a son, they didn’t believe Him because of their old age and the fact that Sarah was past her childbearing years. Therefore, after waiting on God for a while, Sarah became impatient and decided with her husband to take the matter into their own hands by making Hagar pregnant by Abraham. After Hagar knew she was with child, Sarah became jealous and mistreated Hagar. Hagar took her baby and ran into the wilderness to escape all the abuse. It was there while she wept alone in deep despair that God showed up and comforted Hagar. At the end of this divine encounter, Hagar called God “El Roi,” which means “The God Who Sees.” The God who saw Hagar in her distress and despair sees us, too. Nothing we go through is unnoticed by Him. When we feel like we have no one else to turn to, we can turn to our Savior (Jesus Christ). The Bible says He will be with us unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20) because He loves us. Why clamor to shake hands with our favorite actors, celebrities, politicians, royalty, wealthy people, and influencers who cannot save us…when we have the full attention of the One who believes we are worth dying for (John 3:16)? The Bible says in Psalm 146:3-4 (NIV), “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” Only God can save us. And He will never die. In closing, I would like to encourage you to seek God first if you have not already. Know that your value is priceless to Him. We don’t have to clamor to be close to Him, heard by Him, and seen by Him. He is already near us and sees us clearly. When God looks at us, He doesn’t see an overwhelming crowd of 8.3 billion people alive here on Earth. He sees each one of us as if we are the only person on this planet, and He gives us personalized attention with great care and compassion. He pays attention to detail. And as our Master Teacher, He differentiates instruction to meet each of our needs uniquely. While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen for the right reasons and make an impact on this world, I encourage you to always remember that you are already seen, cherished, and treasured by the Eternal King. And that truth is forever. Listen to these two songs of reflection listed below to remind you how God sees you and loves you. Song of Reflection #1: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that the Creator of the Universe knows your name and sees your heart? Further Reading:Isaiah 43:1Psalm 34:15Psalm 139:1-3Proverbs 15:31 Samuel 16:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Breaking free from people-pleasing and the fear of man starts with one truth—Proverbs 29:25 shows that trusting God leads to peace, while seeking approval from others leads to anxiety and exhaustion. When our identity is tied to what others think, we get stuck in cycles of overthinking, second-guessing, and striving for approval that never fully satisfies. Real freedom comes when we shift our focus from people to God. Instead of replaying conversations or trying to manage others’ perceptions, we can rest in the truth that our worth is already secure in Him. Living for an “audience of One” brings clarity, confidence, and peace—because God’s love isn’t earned through performance, it’s already given. When we trust Him fully, we’re no longer trapped by others’ opinions but grounded in His unchanging truth. Highlights Fear of man leads to anxiety, overthinking, and insecurity People-pleasing keeps you stuck in a cycle of striving Your identity is not defined by others’ opinions God already knows, loves, and accepts you fully Shifting focus from self to God brings freedom Living for an “audience of One” creates peace and clarity Trusting God breaks the trap of performance and perfectionism 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 Power of Other PeopleBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” - Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) If there is one thing in life I constantly wrestle with, it is the fear of man. I am a natural people-pleaser through and through. I cannot even count how many endless nights of sleep I have lost, or the infinite number of hours I have wasted away in worry over what other people think of me. If I feel that I have upset someone or failed them in some way, I will recite and rehearse the conversation or interaction over and over in my head. I will think through every possible scenario in which I could have handled things differently. Then, I will go through all of the ways I can repair the damage or change their impression of me. I agonize over possible resolutions. Perhaps I should go apologize… Or maybe if I get another friend to go and champion my cause, that would help change their minds… Round and round I go with no reprieve. Does any of this sound familiar to you? What is so ridiculous about this whole ordeal is that, more than likely, I am the only person obsessing over the situation. Is it possible that someone does think poorly of me, maybe even seriously dislikes me, because of a comment or decision I made? Yes, absolutely. But is it also possible that they had their moment of irritation and have moved on, while I am over here wallowing in worry? Yes – 100%. Yet more often than not, I can’t seem to break free from this train of thought. Even further, once I have suffered through one of these unpleasant disappointments, I become fearful of future interactions. I become more reserved and careful. Over time, I retreat into my shell of self-protection and either avoid interactions with others as much as possible or I present a masked version of my real self when in public to safeguard my tender heart. What a mess, right? How can we obtain hope and freedom when we find ourselves trapped in the bondage of people-pleasing? First, we need to look past ourselves. It is a shockingly simple solution, but one we often fail to recognize. If you skim through the previous paragraphs, you will notice one very clear theme. It is all about ME. There is no mention of the Lord in those circumstances; just my own thoughts, my own hurt and rejection, my own solutions to my projected problems. As elementary as it sounds, our emotions can easily override our faith and our dependence on the One who provides all that we need. Our Heavenly Father sees us as perfect and worthy just as we are. He is the One who formed us perfectly in our mother’s wombs (Ps. 139:13). He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matt. 10:30). That is how intimately He knows and loves us. We are His precious children. We are loved (1 John 3:1). God is not asking you or me to be perfect. He knows we are sinners. He knows we are going to make mistakes (lots of them). And He knows there will be plenty of times when our interactions with others will be a struggle. There will be people who dislike us, maybe even go out of their way to speak badly about us. Whether their comments and opinions are justified or not, God does not want us to be ruled by what others think about us. If left unchecked, our attempts to please others can damage our faith and even hurt those closest to us as we prioritize working for the acceptance and praise of others while sacrificing those we love most. At the end of the day, our goal should be to please our audience of One. His regard is the only one that should hold such a place of priority in our lives. If we spend our lives fearing man, we will remain caught in the snares of performance and perfectionism. There is no rest there. There is no peace. However, if we trust in the Lord, He will provide all we need (Phil. 4:19). We will be kept safe. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” - Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you someone who struggles with people-pleasing? Do you worry about what others think of you? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you freedom or encouragement? If you find yourself caught in one of these cycles, take some time today to write down or pray through your cares. Express all of your frustration, hurt, and worry. Release it to the Lord and then leave it with Him. You are worthy and loved just as you are. You do not need to prove that to others - simply rest in Him. Further Reading:Phil. 4:6-81 Peter 5:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you know if a prophetic word is truly from God? 2 Peter 1:21 reminds us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit—not human will—which means it must be tested, discerned, and handled with humility. While spiritual gifts like prophecy can be powerful and encouraging, they also require wisdom. Not every impression is perfectly interpreted, and not every word is immediately understood. That’s why Scripture calls us to weigh prophetic words carefully. Sometimes God reveals only a small piece of a bigger picture, and our role is not just to receive or deliver a word, but to discern it in community and align it with God’s truth. When approached with humility, patience, and accountability, prophecy becomes a tool that builds up the church, strengthens faith, and deepens our relationship with God. Highlights Prophecy originates from the Holy Spirit, not human effort Misinterpretation doesn’t always mean the message is false God often reveals only part of the full picture Prophetic words should be tested and discerned in community Not all words are fulfilled immediately—timing matters Humility is essential when giving or receiving prophecy Properly handled, prophecy strengthens and encourages the church 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: Test Prophetic Words CarefullyBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as the Holy Spirit carried them along.” - 2 Peter 1:21 During a recent retreat for mothers and daughters to connect, learn about God's attributes, and hear his voice, we had a time of prayer in which we blessed the mothers and daughters and commissioned them to go out and spread the gospel. At one point during prayer, the mother and daughter sat before me. Placing my hand on her left shoulder, I immediately got a word for the daughter. It was a picture of a violin. I had no other words or explanation as to its meaning. I told her that I didn't understand what the picture was, but that it had appeared. After everyone had prayed, I went to get a tissue for the mother and daughter. Upon my return, the daughter explained that she had played violin but then stopped. We laughed because we realized that that was what the Holy Spirit was saying. He was telling her to pick up her violin and make music for him. In the church body, we are wired with spiritual gifts. Some of those gifts are considered miraculous gifts, including the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is a message delivered to someone by God. Although it is exciting to deliver a prophetic word to another person, we often misinterpret it. This is where errors and other issues become a problem. Although we are quick to call someone a false prophet simply because they made an error in delivering their message, that doesn't mean the message itself was wrong. It simply means the person delivering it misinterpreted it. The difficult part of prophecy is that we only get small snippets of a bigger picture. When I got that picture of the violin, I had no idea the daughter had played the violin before. Whether he wants her to resume playing the violin remains to be seen. However, he clearly had a message for her regarding her music with that instrument. If a person does not know how to interpret prophetic words for their lives, they can often be dismissed or ignored completely. Scripture tells us to test prophecy and to allow two or three people to weigh what is being said. Although those kinds of things can get tricky at times because many people are not trained in the prophetic, it is important that, even in community, we explore the miraculous gifts together. The above verse tells us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human will. However, because we have difficulty distinguishing between our own human emotions, thought processes, and prophecy, it can be difficult to discern whether a word is truly from God. However, that does not mean you should not deliver a word. Rather, it is important to test that word with two or three people who have discernment or wisdom to be able to know whether that word is truly from God or not. It is also important for an individual to test and weigh that word for themselves. Because prophecy is not often practiced in churches today, it is difficult for people to interpret prophetic words or to wait for them to come to fruition. In Scripture, people gave prophetic words that didn't come to pass until generations later. In our instant-gratification world, we want prophetic words to come to pass now. If they don't come to pass, we assume that means they are untrue. However, that's a misinterpretation of scripture. Receiving and giving prophetic words can be an exciting spiritual experience for any person. It is part of a person's spiritual growth and can completely transform them, helping them go deeper in their relationship with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you words to edify your brothers and sisters in Christ. You (and your church) will be better for it. Father, let us be people who do not treat prophecy with contempt. Rather, let us weigh the words that we receive and deliver them accordingly. Let us, in humility, help discern and dissect prophetic words together. Let the body of Christ be edified through the gift of prophecy. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever had a gift of prophecy? In what way can you deliver a prophetic word to someone today? Further Reading:1 Corinthians 12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The people you surround yourself with shape your faith more than you might realize—Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that godly friendships sharpen, strengthen, and grow us spiritually. We were created for connection, but not all relationships are equal. Some leave us feeling empty, while others challenge us, encourage us, and draw us closer to God. The difference often comes down to whether those friendships are rooted in Christ. Healthy, faith-filled friendships don’t just happen by accident—they’re formed when we seek God first and intentionally pursue relationships that reflect His love and truth. When we walk alongside others who are also growing in their faith, something powerful happens: we begin to reflect Christ more clearly, carry each other’s burdens, and stay anchored when life gets difficult. These are the kinds of friendships that don’t just fill time—they transform lives. Highlights The people around you influence your spiritual growth Not all friendships are life-giving or faith-building God designed us for meaningful, Christ-centered community Seeking God first leads to healthier relationships Faith-filled friendships provide encouragement and accountability True friends help carry burdens and point you back to Christ You’re called not just to find good friends—but to be one 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: Friendships That Fan the Flame of Your Faith By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading: As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT) There was a long shadow-of-a-season in my life that I stepped out of with very few friends. It was a dark and lonely stretch. A time that I truly and desperately needed people. But because of who I had chosen to surround myself with, I didn’t find the companionship, the support, and the sincere love of genuine friendship. And I can’t blame anyone but myself. I wasn’t seeking out the right people. I also didn’t find a friend in Jesus. Not that he wasn’t there—he absolutely always was—But I didn’t call on or cling to him. Instead, I was hanging out with and onto flimsy, empty relationships connected solely by shallow interests. People who didn’t bring much beyond meaningless moments and fleeting, artificial fun. I look back, sorry and sad for that girl. Has that ever been you? Have you found yourself regularly surrounded by people you aren’t sure you should call friends? Maybe you can also recall longing for deeper connections than you had then? Or maybe you currently wonder if that’s part of your story now? Or perhaps, like me, you previously pursued faulty friendships, but now have a handful of people you’ve been abundantly blessed by and thank God for greatly. I’ve certainly learned so much since that past season. Most importantly, I’ve learned to seek God first. I’ve learned Jesus has always—in every season and from the beginning—wanted to be my friend. And that he is the absolute best friend. Better and more than any person could ever be. Ever-present, always listening, constantly compassionate. Unfailingly faithful and unconditionally loving. Provider, protector, peace-maker, and perfect shepherd. Additionally, I’ve learned to seek out and serve God’s children, his church, and his kingdom. And I have learned that in time, he places people in our path. His people. Regardless of the connections you have, or lack thereof, we all long for rich connections. Because that’s the way God designed us—for community. And that’s why Jesus, here on earth, demonstrated a focus on fellowship with others. It was part of his plan and purpose for his people. Proverbs 27:17 states, As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. The Amplified Bible version reads, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” I love how this version uses the word “influences,” reminding us of the impact and significance of the connections we make. Of those around us. And of the friends we choose and surround ourselves with. Seeking, gaining, and maintaining Christian friends—who alongside us are learning to love more like Jesus—can have an immense influence and impact on our lives. And though not one person is perfect, what we share in common with brothers and sisters in Christ is a desire to grow in Christ-likeness. To love sacrificially. To be sanctified in holiness, good character, and spiritual growth. To lay down our lives for others. To carry each other’s burdens. To lift up and encourage one another. Intersecting Faith & Life: I pray not only that you and I will seek, find, and be sharpened by authentic Christian friendships, but that we will be Christ-like friends in return. Even, and especially, to those who do not know Jesus. We can be an invaluable influence and sharpen them, too. In fact, you could be just the one to bring someone you encounter to Christ. And as you continue to connect, spend more time with, and invest in those who love the Lord—those on fire for the gospel and committed to growth—may these friendships fan the flame of your faith. May they help you learn and reflect the love of the Lord. May they grow your trust in God, thus increasing your joy and your peace… in him. 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.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted? Psalm 143:7–8 reminds us that we can be honest with God about our mental health, trusting Him to meet us in our struggles and guide us toward peace and healing. David’s prayer is raw and unfiltered—he doesn’t hide his pain, and neither should we. God isn’t asking for polished prayers; He invites us to come as we are, even when our thoughts feel heavy and our spirits feel weak. Being honest with God is not a sign of weak faith—it’s actually evidence of trust. When we stop trying to hide or “fix” ourselves before approaching Him, we open the door for real connection and healing. God already knows what we’re carrying, and He cares deeply about every part of us—including our mental and emotional well-being. As we bring our struggles to Him, He often provides support through His Word, His presence, and even through people and resources He places in our lives. Highlights God welcomes honesty about mental health struggles You don’t need to “clean up” your emotions before praying Vulnerability with God strengthens your relationship with Him Struggling mentally is not a sign of weak faith God’s love interrupts cycles of fear and negative thinking Healing may include guidance through people and practical support God is present with you, even in your lowest moments 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: Be Honest with God about Your Mental HealthBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” - Psalm 143:7-8, NIV At George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, I work on university-wide well-being initiatives – including programs designed to break down the stigma of struggling with mental health. We believe that talking openly about mental health struggles can help all people strengthen their well-being. In Psalm 143:7-8, King David is completely honest about how much he’s struggling with his mental health. He prays about it without holding back, and he tells God that he trusts him to help. If you’re also struggling with your mental health, you might feel like you have to try to fix your mood before you can talk to God. You might think you need to present a polished prayer to God that makes it seem like you’re not really suffering much. But the Psalms can help you develop a deeper relationship with God by showing you how to communicate honestly with him. Many of the Psalms describe the reality of people suffering in this fallen world. In Psalm 143:7-8, David shows that it’s okay to not be okay. David starts his prayer with a desperate plea: “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.” If you feel like your spirit is failing today, you’re in good company. Many people feel that way sometimes when going through challenging circumstances. Admitting that your mental health is struggling isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s actually a sign of healthy faith, because it shows that you trust God enough to be honest with him and reach out for help. God already knows what you’re going through, and he’s strong enough to help you with whatever it is – burnout, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern. When you’re honest with God about the “pit” you feel you’re falling into, you can stop wasting energy trying to hide. Whether you’re overwhelmed by your responsibilities, worried about a problem you don’t know how to solve, or feeling lonely because of a broken relationship, God wants to help you. You can come to God just as you are. God wants the real you, not the “Instagram-worthy” version of you. Remember that God is the one who designed your mind and your emotions. Your loving Creator can help you with whatever you’re going through. As he struggles, David reaches for a lifeline by praying: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love.” When you’re struggling mentally, your thoughts can run on a loop of worries and self-criticism. You need a different word – a word of God’s unfailing love. When you seek God’s love, you’re placing your mental health in the hands of the Great Physician. Just pray honestly, from your heart, about your mental health struggles. Then listen for God’s guidance to make the best decisions about caring for your mental health. God may lead you to a counselor, a doctor, a support group, or supportive friends. Just as David prayed for God to “show me the way I should go”, God will show you the way you should go to get the help you need. So, if you’re struggling with a mental health challenge, remember that you can trust God to love you no matter what and to help you with whatever you need. God is not hiding his face from you; he’s right there with you, waiting for you to reach out and take his hand. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to be honest with God about your mental health, reflect on these questions: When you feel your spirit failing, is your first instinct to hide from God or to pray to God, as David did? What are some of the words of unfailing love (God’s promises in the Bible) that you can hold onto when your mental health feels shaky? How can being honest with God about your mental health struggles strengthen your relationship with him? Who are the people in your life that God might be using to show you the way to the mental health care you need? What’s one way you can entrust your soul to God today and let him lead you toward better mental health? Further Reading:Psalm 34:18Matthew 11:28Philippians 4:6-71 Peter 5:72 Timothy 1:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life has a way of pulling our attention in a hundred different directions. Between responsibilities, worries, and the constant noise of everyday life, it’s easy for our focus to drift. Often, it’s not outright rebellion that creates distance from God—it’s distraction. A slow fade. But Scripture gives us a clear and simple invitation: fix your eyes on Jesus. When we intentionally shift our focus back to Christ, something powerful happens. The weight of the world doesn’t necessarily disappear, but it begins to lose its grip. The things that once felt overwhelming start to shrink in the light of His presence. Jesus, who endured the cross and secured our hope, becomes the anchor that steadies our hearts. Refocusing isn’t complicated—it simply requires a willingness to pause, look up, and reconnect with the One who holds it all together. Highlights Distraction, not rebellion, often pulls us away from God Fixing our eyes on Jesus restores peace and clarity The pressures of life lose power in light of Christ’s presence Busyness can quietly replace devotion if left unchecked True satisfaction is found in Christ, not worldly pursuits Refocusing on Jesus is simple, but requires intentionality Jesus endured the cross to secure our hope and 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: Turn Your Eyes Upon JesusBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) How many of us know and love the famous hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus? There really is a sense of purity and weightiness to many of the hymns we sing. But this one strikes a particularly intimate chord, beckoning us to look up and out beyond our distractions, disappointments, and even our despair. Not only is it calling us to shift our perspective, but to fix our gaze on the face of our Lord. It is there that all of the cares of this world dim and fade in the light of His love and glory. This hymn truly is one of my absolute favorites. I actually wasn’t exposed to it until a bit later in life, but it was so influential that decades later, I still have a vivid memory of the first time I heard it. I was riding in the back of a car when Michael W. Smith first shared a beautiful rendition of these beloved lyrics. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,Look full in His wonderful face,And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His glory and grace.” There is so much in our world that clamors for our attention. Our challenges, our worries, our incessant need to be busy, and our constant pursuit of “happiness.” All of which depletes our faith, steals our peace, and leaves us feeling lost, anxious, and hopeless. This is the slippery slope that can so easily lead us astray. Often, our distance from the Lord is not due to intentional rebellion but rather to a slow fading of affection. As famously quoted by Corrie ten Boom, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” True satisfaction can only be found in Him. Nothing else will ever satisfy. In preparation for sharing about this hymn in today’s devotional, I conducted a little research to learn more about its origin and authorship. The hymn was penned by Helen Lemmel in 1922. Her own words were inspired by the life and poetry of a female missionary named Lilias Trotter, who encouraged those around her to “turn your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him… for ‘He is worthy’ to have all there is to be had in the heart that He has died to win.” Jesus was, is, and always will be the answer to our questions, the treasure to our pursuit of riches, and the fulfillment of our innermost desires. The God-shaped hole in each of our hearts will never be satisfied by the lesser things of this world. The struggle truly is real. The noise and allure of all that surrounds us will constantly bombard our hearts and minds. It will never go away while we remain in this fallen world. As such, it requires intentional effort on our part to break free of our earthly bonds. But when we really think about it, the effort is so minimal. All we have to do is look up. Just set down our phones, walk away from our planners, close our computers, or turn off the TV, and simply shift our gaze from the temporal to the eternal. The Lord has already done all the hard work for us. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) The only thing He is asking of us is to turn our eyes upon Him. As soon as we do, all the things of this world will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or lost? If so, how do you attempt to comfort yourself or ease your worries? I encourage you to take some time today to listen to the timeless truths of this hymn. I pray it ministers to your aching or anxious soul as you cast your gaze upon Him. And may we all relish in His light, and love, and grace. Further Reading:Psalm 105:4Jeremiah 29:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s easy to measure our days by productivity—what we checked off, accomplished, or completed. But Scripture gently redirects our focus. Instead of organizing life around endless tasks, we’re called to live with intentionality, recognizing that our time is limited and deeply valuable. When we “number our days,” we begin to see life through an eternal lens, not just a daily agenda. Many of the things that consume our time won’t matter a year from now—let alone in eternity. What will matter is how we loved, served, and walked with God. Shifting from a task-driven mindset to a purpose-driven life doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility—it means putting first things first. As we slow down and invite God into our daily rhythms, we begin to align our priorities with His heart, finding peace in what truly counts. Highlights To-do lists can quietly become idols that control our time and focus Numbering our days shifts perspective from urgency to purpose Eternal impact matters more than daily productivity God values how we love and serve others over accomplishments Slowing down allows space for meaningful, God-centered moments Busyness can distract us from what truly matters Living wisely means aligning daily life with eternal priorities 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: Numbering Our Days By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NASB). Does your to-do list seem overwhelming at times? Whether you keep yours on paper, like I still do, and relish the joy of crossing each task off, or your list exists in the notes section of your phone or the inside of your mind, we all feel that burdening sense of all that we must do. I realize some of it is important. If you don’t grocery shop, what will you eat? If laundry isn’t done, what will you wear? If the project isn’t sectioned out in steps and worked on daily, when will it be completed? Yet what on that list, daily, will matter a year from now, 10 years from now, or in the scope of eternity? Somehow, somewhere, the almighty To-Do List rose up before us and called itself God. And we continue to bow down to it. Having been raised with a strong work ethic, I used to find it difficult to be “unproductive,” even when I was on vacation or feeling worn down, and my body was saying, “rest!” It used to be more difficult for me to slow down and not get things done than to muster up the motivation to do them. Yet the older I get, the more joy I am experiencing in putting aside the to-do list and prioritizing people over productivity. In Psalm 90:12, Moses asked God to help him realize his days are numbered so he could live wisely. In The Message translation, that verse reads, “Oh, teach us to live wisely. Teach us to live wisely and well.” Moses—a man whom Scripture says communed with God face to face—realized his need not to get caught up in meaningless tasks during the day, but to live wisely for the sake of eternity. If Moses prayed for that priority check, how much more should we? Intersecting Faith & Life: What if you and I were to number our days instead of our tasks? What if we were to make a list of what we wanted to do wisely and well each day (and before we leave this earth), rather than focus on all of the meaningless tasks that seem to be setting our schedules and ruling our days and minds? When you and I get to heaven one day, there will not be a reward for the amount of money we made or how efficient we were on our jobs while we lived on this earth. There will not be accolades for the number of followers we had on social media, or the number of hits on our website, or the number of clicks on our Instagram videos. There won’t be any kudos for having the loveliest seasonal decorations, or being the most organized member of the team, or accomplishing the most at the company. All that we tend to honor or strive for or prioritize here on this earth doesn’t mean much to God in the scope of eternity. In Micah 6:8, we are told what God honors: “He has told you, mortal one, what is good;And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” To do justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God amounts to tasks that benefit others. It involves serving. It involves assignments that might not be on the list at all, but rather compete with our tasks and add to our frustrations when they inconvenience or delay us. God works on a different timeline than we do, so that might be why He isn’t sympathetic toward our rush, rush, rush. And it might be why He continues to convict our hearts to slow way down. God gave us enough hours in the day to do all that’s needed to fulfill our purpose in Him (to love Him and others and glorify Him in all we do). The things that may seem necessary to you on your list might not be that important to Him, or to anyone else, for that matter. Sometimes we put more pressure on ourselves than we need to. Yet, as much as we’d like to walk away from it, we often let that blasted piece of paper, or that running list on our phones or in the back of our minds, dictate how much we will enjoy life, how much time we will spend in a phone call or visit with a friend or family member, and how much time we will spend on tasks that don’t look like accomplishment to the world, but represent wealth to the Lord. Lord, help us to focus on the few things that really matter. Help us balance our list of tasks by ensuring people-related activities are included. Don’t let us waste our lives on paperwork, computer work, or busywork that won’t amount to anything in eternity. Help us number our days by filling them with purpose as we number our lists. Further Reading: Matthew 6:19-20 For help prioritizing your day with Jesus, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Struggling with shame, sin, or fear of rejection? 1 John 1:9 reminds us that confession leads to forgiveness, healing, and freedom—inviting every believer to step out of hiding and back into God’s grace. Hiding often feels safer than being fully known—but spiritually, it keeps us stuck. Whether it’s shame from past wounds, fear of rejection, or ongoing struggles with sin, choosing silence and secrecy can quietly distance us from God and others. Yet Scripture offers a better way: honest confession that leads to restoration. God doesn’t call us to hide—He calls us to healing. Highlights Hiding sin often stems from fear of rejection or shame Confession restores intimacy and fellowship with God God’s love does not change, even when we fall short Isolation is a tool the enemy uses to keep us stuck True healing begins with honesty and surrender Sanctification is a process, not a one-time moment Jesus remains our righteousness, even in our struggle 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: Dear Child of God, Come Out of Hiding By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV) A few months ago, my eyes were opened to the stark reality that I was struggling with an area of my past… …the pain of rejection. This continues to be a battle for me, yet I realize that healing from the pain of rejection is a partnership with the Lord and, most definitely, a process as we learn to surrender to God. Thankfully, I am not alone in this fight in healing from my past and old ways of thinking. One thing is for sure: the Lord fights for me, and the Holy Spirit guides me into all truth, illuminating and exposing the lies I was believing that are rooted in rejection. Rejection had overwhelmed so much of my life that I wasn’t being fully honest with people in my life. The lie I believed was that I would be rejected if my sin or wrongdoing was discovered. Therefore, I chose to either keep silent or tell a lie to keep my secret hidden so that I wouldn’t be a disappointment. That lifestyle was keeping me from being fully transparent and honest with my husband and, most importantly, with God. I believe this is why 1 John 1 reminds us of the importance of confessing our sin: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Hiding our sin causes us to hide from God, very similarly to Adam and Eve when the first sin entered the world- they felt ashamed, and shame made them feel rejected. Because of Jesus and the finished work of the cross, we are forever made righteous in our position as we stand before the Father and are forever forgiven, yet when we sin, it causes our fellowship with God to be hindered, and then we can very easily distance ourselves from Him and stray from His ways. God’s love toward me never changes when I sin, yet I may still experience consequences and correction for my disobedience. Repentance, as a believer, is for our benefit to keep fellowship with our Heavenly Father open and unhindered. Sin can often make our hearts grow callous, and we may become less sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The enemy wants you either in pride, thinking you are better off doing life your own way, or in isolation, bound in a pit of depression, unable to receive love or give out love, feeling like no one loves you or cares about you, especially God. But God’s love is unconditional and perfect, and nothing can stop His pursuit of you. He wants us to be honest with Him so that we can see real transformation happen in our lives, as He conforms us into the image of His Son. Like I said above, positionally, in Christ, you stand before God forgiven and righteous, but experientially, sanctification is a process because our flesh is weak. Although as born-again believers, we continue to sin against God because we are constantly at war with our flesh in this life, the good news is that we have a great advocate, Jesus Christ, who is forever our righteousness. To be sure, our position in Him as declared righteous before God will never change, yet we are still called to confess our sin, which purifies our conscience before the Lord. Is there a particular sin that you have been struggling with? Pause and take some time to write it/them down and repent before the Lord, laying it all down at His feet. 1 John 1:9 says Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Dear child of God, let us remember to come out of hiding and rejoice in the truth that Jesus is forever our righteousness despite our shortcomings! Further Reading: Romans 8:31-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life has a way of pulling us into stress, fear, and overwhelm—but Scripture offers a better rhythm: resting in God as our refuge. While God is always present, learning to actively dwell in that presence takes intention. It’s in those moments—pausing, praying, and turning our attention back to Him—that we begin to experience His peace in a tangible way. Psalm 91 paints a powerful image of God as our shelter and covering. When we stay close to Him, we’re not just protected—we’re sustained. The weight of expectations, fear, and pressure begins to lift as we remember who He is: all-powerful, unchanging, and deeply committed to our good. Rest isn’t found in escaping life’s challenges, but in staying rooted in God through them. Highlights God’s presence is constant, but resting in it requires intentional practice Pausing in moments of stress allows God to bring peace and clarity Fear and overwhelm grow when we lose sight of God’s power True rest comes from trusting God, not controlling outcomes God invites everyone to dwell in His presence—no matter their past Staying close to God strengthens emotional and spiritual resilience Proximity to God leads to peace, protection, and renewed strength 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: Making God Our Safe PlaceBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1 (NIV). How can we make God our refuge, shield, shelter, and safe place? Most of us probably recognize He’s with us always. As Psalm 139 proclaims, there’s no way we can flee His presence, no place we can go where He isn’t already there. And that’s good news, because it is in His presence that we receive strength, power, protection, and peace. While He’s always with us, it can take practice to become aware of and learn to rest and find shelter in His presence. I’m learning to pause when I feel anxious or overwhelmed to close my eyes, prayerfully connect with God, and receive comfort from His embrace. The more I do this, the easier this becomes. My hope is that I’ll become so skilled at emotionally regulating myself with the Lord that I won’t do or say things I regret when under stress or in fearful circumstances. We all tend to behave uncharacteristically when we feel threatened, sad, anxious, or depressed. But we have instant and constant access to the all-powerful God who surrounds us with His loving embrace. That’s the image I receive when I consider today’s verse. I picture my heavenly Father’s strong arms around me, acting like a protective barrier. This Scripture begins with an all-inclusive invitation. “Whoever dwells,” the psalmist says, reminding us that God longs for all of us—those with respectable, church-attending backgrounds and those who’ve spent their lives running from God and into sin—to dwell, linger, and remain in His shelter. The ancient Hebrews reading Psalm 91 would’ve immediately thought of how God led them through the wilderness with a cloud by day that hovered protectively above them, making His presence tangible and visible, guiding them every step of their journey, and shielding them from the sun’s intense rays. The Lord doesn’t change. He watches over, guides, and protects us as faithfully as He did the often-rebellious Jews so long ago. I’m often comforted when I consider the unfaithful attitudes and behaviors of people to whom God remained faithful because it reminds me of His free and inexhaustible gift of grace. As Psalm 103:10 states, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, and I’m so grateful for that. He doesn’t hold grudges, make us earn His favor or protection, or withhold His goodness. We can trust that, in all He does, doesn’t do, and allows, He always has our best interests in mind. While He doesn’t condone or bless sin by any means, He does invite us all to come to Him, build an ever-deepening relationship with Him, and allow Him to comfort, heal, and strengthen us with His love. He is our shelter. As Psalm 27:5 states, “… He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (NIV). Today’s verse refers to God as the Most High, Elohim in the original Hebrew. This name for God emphasizes his power, strength, and authority. He is above everyone and everything—every earthly system, over every national leader, and greater than all the forces of hell combined. His power and wisdom are limitless, His strength unconquerable, and His plans immutable. What He says happens and what He ordains always comes to pass. Those who make God their dwelling place by learning to recognize His voice, turning to Him in times of trouble and overwhelm, and regularly resting in His presence will find rest. Consider what most exhausts you. It’s usually not the event or task itself that leads to our fatigue but rather all the expectations, obligations, and emotional weight we attach to it. Our fears of failure, and what might happen should we fail, tend to feel heaviest. The more we stress and fret, the bigger that challenge in front of us seems to grow, blinding us to God’s power and promises. But when we pause to rest in His presence, He reminds us of comforting truths, such as that He crafted His plans for us long before we took our first breath. Or that He’s recorded every day of our lives in His book before a single one came to pass. He might remind us of His promise to work all things, including our mistakes, for our good and His glory. Or perhaps He’ll simply hold us in His soul-strengthening embrace. Lastly, today’s verse states that we find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This reminds me of a game my daughter and I used to play when she was young. On sunny days, we’d go outside and try to stomp on one another’s shadows. This required proximity, closeness. Similarly, resting in God’s shadow requires remaining close to Him—through prayer, Bible reading, attending church, connecting with other believers, and quietly sitting in His presence. Intersecting Life & Faith: Jesus phrased it this way: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5, emphasis mine). Here’s the good news. According to James 4:8, the moment we turn toward God, He is already moving, with open arms, toward us, drawing us deeper into His loving, protective, sheltering embrace. Further Reading:Psalm 4:8Proverbs 18:10Isaiah 41:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Spiritual growth often begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone. Whether it’s a new opportunity, a challenging season, or an unknown path ahead, the tension between excitement and fear is real. Yet Scripture reminds us that we are never navigating these moments alone—God is already present in every place we’re called to go. Psalm 139 paints a powerful picture of God’s constant presence. No matter how far we go or how unfamiliar the path feels, His hand is steady, guiding and sustaining us. When we choose to trust Him and take that next step, even with uncertainty, our faith stretches, deepens, and becomes more resilient. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens in movement, in trust, and in surrender. Highlights Growth happens when you step beyond comfort and trust God in the unknown Fear and faith often coexist—but fear doesn’t have to lead God’s presence is constant, no matter where your journey takes you New experiences reveal gifts and strengths you didn’t know you had Adventures deepen dependence on God and strengthen your faith You don’t have to have everything figured out—just take the next step God doesn’t send you out alone—He walks with you every step of the way 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: Go on an Adventure with GodBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” – Psalm 139:9-10, NIV What’s a new adventure you hope to experience this year? Is there a place you’re excited about traveling to visit, a new skill you’d like to learn, or a project or role you want to start at work or at church? No matter what kind of adventure it is, you probably feel a mix of both excitement and fear because of all the uncertainty involved. The fear may be causing you to hesitate, but don’t let fear take over. If you’ve prayed for God’s guidance to make the best decisions, and you sense God leading you to go on that adventure, you can move forward with confidence even while still feeling afraid. Psalm 139:9-10 describes why you can be confident: God will go with you anytime and anywhere! There’s no time of day or night when God won’t be with you. There’s no place you can go where God won’t be with you. As these verses point out, even if you leave as soon as the dawn of a new day or go somewhere far away like overseas, you’ll still be in God’s hands. Adventures are vital for your spiritual growth. Any trip or class you want to take, and any professional or volunteer opportunity to serve in new ways, is worth praying about and planning for if God leads you to move forward. Staying in your comfort zone won’t help you grow closer to God, but adventures will! When you step into an adventure, you realize that you can’t do it alone, which motivates you to look for God’s presence and connect with him. An adventure stretches your faith so it can become more resilient. If you travel somewhere new, you can see the vastness of the world God created and discover more about how unlimited God’s love and power are. If you take on a new project at work, you can discover talents God tucked away inside you that never would have surfaced if you hadn’t worked on that project. If you serve people in a new way at church, you can experience the blessings of experiencing God’s love flow through your life in fresh ways. Whenever you start a new adventure – whenever you “rise on the wings of the dawn” – you can count on God to show up on time to meet you. Wherever “the far side of the sea” is for you, you don’t have to worry about what might happen there, because God will go there with you. An adventure may lead you to a new schedule or take you to a new place on a map, but God doesn’t just give you a schedule and a map and then leave you alone to figure it out. These verses promise that God’s hand will “hold you fast.” God isn’t watching you from a distance. God is walking beside you as your personal guide, no matter when and where you go. So, go on an adventure with God sometime soon! If you take a risk and feel like an impostor, don’t worry, because God will hold you fast. If you start a new journey and feel afraid of what might happen along the way, God will hold you fast. You can afford to be brave because you have your loving and powerful Heavenly Father right beside you. Don’t let the fear of the “far side of the sea” keep you stuck on the shore. The dawn is rising, and God is already there, waiting to guide you on a new adventure that will bless you! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to go on adventures and to trust God to go with you, reflect on these questions: What’s one adventure (like a trip or a project) you’ve been putting off because of fear of what might happen if you moved forward? Looking back at a past challenge, how can you see now that God was holding your hand when you were in the middle of that challenge? In what ways do you find it easier to trust yourself rather than trusting God when your circumstances are comfortable? How does the idea that God will be there for you anytime and anywhere change your perspective on taking risks? What’s one step you can take this week to move toward the next adventure God is calling you to go on? Further Reading: Psalm 32:8Joshua 1:9Isaiah 41:10Matthew 28:20Proverbs 3:5-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.