Podcasts about El Roi

It can be easy to let past struggles shape how we view God’s character. Difficult circumstances may tempt us to believe we are forgotten or left to handle life alone. But God’s faithfulness is often revealed not by removing every hardship, but by carrying us through each one with His peace, provision, and strength. Because of Christ, we are not abandoned or forgotten. We are deeply loved, chosen, guided, and redeemed by the Father. When we remember who God is and who we are in Him, fear loses its power and we can walk forward with confidence in His care. Highlights: God’s love is something we are invited to experience, not just understand intellectually Past hardships can distort our view of God’s faithfulness if we lose sight of His truth God often meets us through difficulties by providing strength, peace, and guidance We are desirable, lovable, helpable, and redeemable because of God’s love Knowing we are loved by God changes how we face challenges and uncertainty Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God’s Heart for You Is HugeBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” – Ephesians 3:19 AMPC For a second, I imagined myself as a little girl, abandoned and left alone in the rain. Shivering, it was obvious that my clothes were far too scarce for the elements. As I came back out of my daydreaming, I decided that a random imaginary picture summed up how I felt. It aligned with my underlying thoughts: Who will rescue me? Who will protect me? Will I be okay? The logical side of me knew, cerebrally, the truth: “God is faithful.”The authentic side of me, honestly said, “Can I really trust God?” I wasn’t so sure after all I’d been through - problem after problem, health issue after health issue, car malfunction after car malfunction. It leaves one wondering: Will I always be left out to dry? The enemy of my soul certainly wanted me to believe that this would be the case. That God won’t show up. That God will fail me. That I can’t trust God. For if the devil can discourage me with the past, he can steal from me faith in the present. I wasn’t about to let that happen. My mind circled back to the truth of my hard past situations. I remembered back to how Jesus didn’t deliver me from my surgery, but how His peace carried me through surgery and recovery. I acknowledged how some lump sum of money didn’t drop on me, but how God readily provided for me with my car problems. I remembered how a problem for a family member became a confidence boost post-event. God loves me. He wasn’t running from me; God was with me. His love was right there. A lie was unearthed: God wants to be near me and is not far from me. He desires to help me. Owning this truth feels somewhat self-indulgent, but it still remains true that: I am desirable to God. He so desires to be with me that Christ lives in me.I am lovable to God. He so loves me, He sent His Son for me, even while I was still a sinner.I am helpable. He so wants to equip and guide me; He has sent His Holy Spirit to lead me. I am redeemable. If Jesus conquered sin and death, He is able to conquer my problems, His way. These 4 -able statements make me remember I don’t serve a God who is unable. Instead, I serve a God who loves me and wants to help me. This changes everything. I am not a lost child, but a loved one. A cared-for daughter. God’s love never fails me. “…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” (Eph. 3:19 AMPC) I am not left an unlovable, left to dry orphan, but I am a loved daughter of the Most High God. Intersecting Faith & Life: What -able statement means the most to you? Why do you think it is hard to own these truths? What do you feel able to do or to confront when you realize that God is able to love you this way? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Unplugging from digital distractions is not just about taking a break from technology—it is about making room for God’s presence. When our attention is constantly divided, we can miss the quiet ways God speaks to us through prayer, Scripture, and moments of stillness. Creating intentional moments of rest allows us to refocus on what truly matters. Whether through a walk without a phone, a quiet morning with Scripture, or simply setting aside time away from screens, we can rediscover the peace and renewal that comes from being present with God. Highlights: Jesus modeled the importance of stepping away from busyness to rest with God Digital distractions can make it harder to slow down and listen for God’s voice Unplugging creates space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal Rest is not a luxury—it is part of how God designed us to reconnect with Him Intentional quiet moments help us recognize God’s presence in everyday life Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Unplug to Connect with GodBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” – Mark 6:31, NIV An onstage speaker was presenting important information that all of us attending an editorial conference needed to know. But as I listened and took notes, I wondered why so many people around me in the audience were on their mobile devices rather than paying attention to the speaker’s message. We had all traveled to New York City at our own expense to attend the conference. I didn’t want to miss a word of what all the speakers had to share. After that session, someone asked me if she could take pictures of my notes. She admitted that she had been so distracted by what she was doing online that she had no idea what the in-person speaker had said. Living in a society that pressures us to be constantly connected online, it’s challenging for us to take digital breaks. But it’s important to do so. God didn’t create us to be constantly dealing with information coming at us; he created us to need rest for our well-being. Our minds work best when we have time to focus well on one message at a time and to reflect regularly on all the information we’re learning. In Mark 6:31, Jesus looked at his disciples, who were so busy helping people that they didn’t even have time to eat – and invited them to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Jesus knew that the crowd's noise could eventually distract them so much that they couldn’t hear the messages God was sending them. If Jesus needed to pull his friends away from the few distractions of the first century, how much more do we need him to pull us away from the many digital distractions we’re dealing with right now? Unplugging regularly from our digital devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets is really a spiritual necessity. Every notification and every time we scroll places demands on our attention. When our attention is fragmented into lots of different pieces by our devices, we lose the ability to sit still and listen to God. We find it hard to pray for more than two minutes without wondering if we missed a text, or to read and reflect on a Bible passage without our minds wandering back to a work email or a social media comment. As a result, we can miss out on hearing from God. But when we choose to unplug – such as by taking a walk in nature without our phones or enjoying family dinner conversations without any devices in the room – we make room in our lives to hear from God. It’s in those quiet, unplugged times that we can pay attention to what’s most important: the messages God is sending us. The more we notice God’s presence with us, the more we can realize the value of spending time paying attention to what God has to say and renewing our minds as we rest with God. It can be uncomfortable at first to build a habit of unplugging regularly. But if we push through that discomfort, we’ll find that God has been waiting for us in the quiet. God isn’t competing with our screens; he’s waiting for us to lay them down so he can refresh us. So, let’s take God up on his invitation to go with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Then we’ll be able to hear the important messages God is always sending us. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to unplug digitally to connect with God spiritually, reflect on these questions: When you first wake up, how long does it take before you check a digital device? How do your digital habits affect your ability to pay attention well during the day? Does the thought of turning your cell phone off for a few hours create a sense of anxiety or peace for you? Why do you think you feel that way? Where is a quiet place in your home or neighborhood that you can go to be alone with God without any digital distractions? What are the “crowds” in your digital life – the apps or social media platforms that most often prevent you from hearing God’s voice? If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, looking at your screen time, what do you think he would lovingly invite you to let go of so you could spend more time with him? Further Reading:Psalm 46:10Matthew 11:28Psalm 62:5Luke 5:16Isaiah 30:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our identity is not determined by who chooses us in this world—the team that accepts us, the relationship that works out, the opportunity we receive, or the recognition we gain. As children of God, we belong to Him. We are His treasured possession, called out of darkness and into His light. Remembering that we are chosen changes the way we see ourselves and our circumstances. Earthly disappointments may still hurt, but they no longer define our worth. God’s choice of us is rooted in His love, His purpose, and His eternal plan. Highlights: Our deepest sense of belonging comes from being chosen by God Earthly rejection does not change our identity as God’s beloved children God calls us His special possession and invites us into His family Staying grounded in Scripture helps us remember who we are in Christ God’s plans and blessings are greater than the opportunities we may miss Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Chosen by God By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9 NIV Have you ever struggled with a sense of belonging because you did not feel chosen? Most people want to be chosen. Whether chosen to play with others when we were children, chosen to be asked to the prom by our high school crush, chosen to attend the college of our choice, chosen to marry the person of our dreams, chosen for a job we worked hard for or chosen for other things we want out of life, the desire to be chosen is a universal feeling and part of life on earth. But do we know that the Creator of the Universe chose us before we chose Him (Ephesians 1:4-5)? God chose us to be part of His Family. Since He is King of the Universe, that means we as His children are a special kind of royalty. We are daughters and sons of the Eternal King. But how often do we forget this Biblical truth and act like we don’t know our true identity in Jesus Christ? I know I tend to be forgetful of this, and I struggle to maintain a heavenly perspective because it is easy to be consumed by how our world programs us to think. This is why it is so important to stay grounded in God’s Word. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a people chosen by God. We are special to Him. God doesn’t just choose you; He transforms you as He calls you out of darkness into His wonderful light. When you choose to give your life to Jesus Christ, then you have passed from death to life (John 5:24). You now have the hope of eternal life after Jesus returns to Earth to take His children home to Heaven. But while we are still living on Earth, it is important to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and not be bogged down by what we go through in this world. Our experiences on Earth shape us. I know what it is like to not be chosen for the team, not chosen by the man whom I thought I wanted to marry, not chosen by the dream employer whom I would love to work for, or not chosen for so many other of my heart’s desires. But instead of worrying about these missed opportunities to be chosen, it helps me to remember that the King of the Universe chose me and you first. And He offers us a life better than our wildest dreams when we enter Heaven. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (GW), “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” God has amazing things in store for His chosen people when we step into eternity with Him. But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t also have good plans for us while we are living on Earth. God can still answer our prayers and bless us beyond our wildest dreams, and help the right people to choose us. We just need to pray for His will to be done in our lives. He wants to bless you on earth, too, though those blessings pale in comparison to what He has in store for us when we start eternity in His Kingdom. Next time you feel disappointed or sad about not being chosen by a person or company, or an opportunity here on Earth, look up to the sky and imagine God smiling down at you, saying, “I still choose you, my child.” Let that Biblical truth marinate in your mind. Write it down in your prayer journal. Post it on your mirror so you can remind yourself every day that God chose you. Soak in His pure, unconditional love for you and remember who you are in Jesus Christ. In closing, I would like you to listen to these two songs: “Remember Who You Are” sung by Crystal Lewis. And “I Still Want You” sung by Tramaine Hawkins. Song of Reflection #1: “Remember Who You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “I Still Want You” by Tramaine Hawkins. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know you are chosen by God? Further Reading:John 15:16Isaiah 41:9Colossians 3:12Philippians 2:5-81 Thessalonians 1:4-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life brings unexpected trials, it can feel like our strength, hope, and even our faith are beginning to fail. Psalm 73 reminds us that even when our flesh and hearts grow weak, God remains the strength that sustains us. He does not promise a life free from hardship, but He promises His presence through every valley we walk. Highlights: God remains our strength when our hearts and circumstances feel overwhelming Trials are a reality of living in a broken world, but God promises to walk with us through them True comfort comes from drawing near to God and trusting His presence God provides wisdom, peace, and guidance when we feel unable to move forward Even difficult seasons can reveal God’s faithfulness and deepen our dependence on Him Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Even When the Heart FailsBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Ps. 73:22-28 (NIV) Have you ever been through an unexpected trial and felt as if your heart and your flesh are failing? Where do you turn when the circumstances are so overwhelming, so oppressive, that it feels as if any and all physical strength has been drained out? Normal stamina and rigor seem to be completely absent, leaving you utterly exhausted from the simplest daily tasks. And if that isn’t challenging enough, your heart follows suit and struggles to carry the weight of your unwelcome burdens. Unfortunately, we all face hardships, disappointments, and at times even devastation. While the Bible is full of God’s promises, unending love, and hope for the future, it is also clear that sin and suffering are ever-present realities in this world. The consequences of these can wreak havoc on our hearts and minds. Our Heavenly Father understood this from the moment sin entered the world and forever changed the landscape of all of our lives. He made provision through His only Son to pay the penalty for sin, but that payment does not shield us from encountering heartbreak. While we cannot evade challenging and hurtful circumstances, God promises to walk side-by-side with us as we take every step through the valley. I don’t know where you find yourself today. Perhaps you are in a sweet season of joy and abundance. If so, I celebrate with you. Treasure the good gifts God has bestowed upon you during this time. But if you are facing a season of struggle, then I empathize and offer my deepest condolences. Today, I find myself wandering through yet another desert, confused, conflicted, and in desperate need of holy consolation. Yet even in this, I know God is still granting me “good” gifts, even if nothing about it feels “good.” There really are times when there is nothing here on earth that can satisfy or bring true comfort. Loved ones can be present, be a listening ear, and provide some measure of relief, but only the Lord can reach those dark caverns of our souls when the heart fails. He assures us that He is always with us, no matter how crushed and lost we feel. When we feel like we cannot possibly take one more step, He guides us with His counsel. He provides supernatural wisdom for the hard decisions we may have to make and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Though the wind and the waves may buffet our sails, the Lord declares, “Peace, be still.” As the Lord fulfills every one of these promises, He is granting us good gifts. He is demonstrating His unfailing love as He draws us closer to Him. God reveals Himself to us as we seek refuge in Him and in Him alone. We can trust Him. On the other side of the cross is resurrection. On the other side of whatever hardships and hurts you are facing today, there is glory. Will you join me today, as we remind ourselves of God’s goodness and promises shared in Psalm 73:22-28? “…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (NIV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Are there circumstances in your life right now that have threatened to overtake your faith and peace? Do you feel as if your heart has failed? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you hope? Even if the pain and disappointment feel unbearable, can you sense God’s presence in the midst of all you are going through? Regardless of where you find yourself today, I pray that God’s faithfulness is evident in your life, and you can declare with me, “It is good to be near God.” Further Reading:Hebrews 13:5John 16:33 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our experiences with earthly fathers can shape the way we view God, but they do not define who He is. Where human relationships may have included inconsistency, disappointment, or conditional love, God reveals Himself as a Father who is faithful, approachable, and unchanging. His love is not based on our performance, accomplishments, or ability to measure up—it is rooted in His grace and what Christ has already accomplished for us. Highlights: God invites His children to approach Him with confidence and receive His mercy and grace Our experiences with earthly fathers can influence how we view God, but Scripture reveals His true character God’s love is not earned through accomplishments or perfection—it is a gift of grace Through Jesus, we can come before God without fear of condemnation or rejection Our Heavenly Father is faithful, approachable, and always present in our time of need Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Approaching Our Father By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV). Do you ever need help but hesitate to ask someone, unsure of what their response might be? The writer to the Hebrews must have known we would experience that type of hesitation when approaching God, and apparently wanted us to know that we can approach our Father God with confidence and find Him full of mercy and grace when we need help. This wasn’t an easy concept for me to grasp. Even though I grew up in church, learning about the love and forgiveness of my heavenly Father, I also believed I had to earn my earthly father’s love. I don’t often remember my dad saying “I love you,” but I do remember how pleased he was with my accomplishments, so I often heard him say, “I’m so proud of you.” Thus, it was ingrained in me that if I accomplished much and made him proud, that equated to his love for me. I also grew up fearing my dad’s reaction if I made a dent in a wall, left a scratch on our car, or broke something of value. I was especially fearful of bringing home a traffic ticket. I learned how to tiptoe around him and to do everything I could to keep the peace at home. When my dad wasn’t under stress or triggered by past pain, he was approachable and very kind to me. Other times, he wasn’t. It was often a gamble. Today, my dad is a different person. Through the transforming power of God’s Holy Spirit, he has softened tremendously through the years. I know today that he loves me for who I am, not for what I do. Yet, many times how we grew up around an earthly father (or without one) can tend to shape our view of God as our Heavenly Father. I remember the freedom I experienced when I understood the truth of God’s unconditional love and acceptance for His children. Romans 5:8 tells us: “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That means if there was nothing we could do to earn God’s love, there’s nothing we can do to lose His love. It also means we never have to perform or try to measure up to our Heavenly Father’s standards because Jesus already did! We are enough for our Heavenly Father because God sees us through what Jesus accomplished on the cross on our behalf. God doesn’t love and accept us based on our behavior, accomplishments, or what we make of ourselves. His acceptance of us is based on our faith in His Perfect Son (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:6). Intersecting Faith & Life: No matter what your relationship is like (or was like) with your earthly father, God’s love, presence, and help are far more accessible to us than any earthly dad’s – even the most loving ones. Hebrews 4:16 assures us that because we have a High Priest (Jesus) who can sympathize with us, we can approach God with boldness and receive His mercy and grace any time we need His help. When we are in a relationship with Jesus, we can confidently approach our Father God at any time of the day or night, and He’ll be there for us. No condemnation. No fear of retribution. Only grace and help in times of need. Every single time. God is consistently merciful, and our approach doesn’t have to depend on His mood or circumstances. How has your relationship (or lack of one) with your earthly father affected how you see God as your Heavenly Father? God’s attributes are not only a picture of what every earthly father was meant to be, but I believe God longs to make up for what you never experienced with your dad by being your faithful, dependable, loving, and approachable Father. Can you look to Him today to be the Dad you have always wanted, but might never have had? O Lord God, open our eyes to see You as the perfect Father and the One we can approach with everything on our hearts and minds. Thank You that You always hear the cries of Your children—and Your grace and mercy never run dry. Further Reading:Romans 8:38-39 For more on growing closer to God and being able to call Him Father, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling unseen is one of the most painful human experiences, and it is one that Scripture takes seriously. The story of Hagar in Genesis 16 begins in the middle of a household in chaos. Abram and Sarai, tired of waiting on God's promise of a child, took matters into their own hands. Sarai offered her Egyptian slave Hagar to Abram, and Abram passively agreed. The consequences were immediate and devastating. Hagar became pregnant, Sarai became resentful, and the entire household unraveled. Hagar, who had no voice and no choice in any of it, eventually fled into the desert alone, carrying a child and carrying the weight of everyone else's decisions.What happened next is one of the most remarkable moments in all of Scripture. God did not wait for Hagar to find Him. He went looking for her. He found her near a spring in the desert, spoke to her by name, acknowledged her suffering, and gave her a promise for her future. In response, Hagar did something no one else in Scripture had done quite like this before. She gave God a name: El Roi, meaning the God who sees. She named the well Beer Lahai Roi, the well of the Living One who sees me, so that future generations would know that God had shown up in that exact place for someone the world had overlooked.This same pattern of seeing leading to compassion runs through the life of Jesus. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion and fed thousands. When He saw Mary weeping, He raised Lazarus from the dead. God's seeing always produces movement toward the people He loves. The invitation today is to bring your situation honestly before El Roi, trusting that He sees your condition and knows your name. And then to look around at the people in your own life who may be feeling invisible, and to be the presence of hope for them, because you carry the One who sees everyone.

Alistair brings us to the story of Hagar in Genesis 16, exploring the powerful revelation of God as El Roi - the God who sees us. Through Hagar's wilderness experience, he reminds us that God is not a distant observer but a loving Shepherd who guides, provides, protects, and remains present with us in every season of life. The post El Roi: The God Who Sees You appeared first on Oasis Community Church.

When we think about difficult relationships, especially with our parents, God invites us to view them through the lens of His grace and redemption. Honoring a father does not mean ignoring pain, excusing harmful actions, or pretending wounds do not exist. Instead, it means trusting God to bring healing, justice, and transformation in ways only He can. Highlights: God cares about both the wounds we carry and the people who have caused them Forgiveness does not mean ignoring pain, excusing wrongdoing, or removing healthy boundaries God’s grace extends to every person, including those who have deeply failed others We can trust God to bring healing and transformation where we cannot Honoring others begins with allowing God to shape our hearts through compassion and forgiveness Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: No Father Left Behind By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.” - Proverbs 30:11 Nowadays, some adult children believe they are justified in dismissing their earthly fathers, seeing it as a personal matter between the two of them and believing God is okay with whatever they decide to do. But nothing could be further from the truth, because God cares not only for us but for our fathers, too. Like the Marines’ unofficial slogan of leaving no man behind, God doesn’t leave fathers behind either, even in their failures and sins. Sadly, many individuals have valid reasons for turning their backs on their fathers. Yet God calls us to follow His lead in responding to the pain in our lives, because too many fathers have fallen by the wayside and need His help, mercy, and redemption. Tragically, some fathers have been drunkards, drug users, criminals, murderers, prisoners, abusers, and more. Still, God holds children accountable for their attitudes toward their fathers because it’s a matter of the heart—the kind of issue that, if left unchecked, can lead to lifelong sorrow. Regardless of a father’s sin, God doesn’t write fathers off or give children permission to do the same. Instead, He calls us to forgiveness and to trust Him to work in our fathers’ lives. Trusting God with the Pain We can trust God with our pain, too, because He isn’t going to ask us to embrace or entrust ourselves to fathers who aren’t trustworthy, or to pretend they didn’t hurt us. He isn’t asking us to say or believe things about our fathers that aren’t true, or to overlook their sins. But He also doesn’t support us disowning, abandoning, or labeling them as toxic and unworthy of redemption. Likewise, God doesn’t give us permission to punish, correct, dishonor, or treat them disrespectfully, even when we believe they deserve it. This is often a hard pill to swallow for those who’ve lived life with a derelict dad. Sometimes God Asks More of Us Along with leading us to forgive our fathers, sometimes God asks more of us when it comes to dealing with our dads. Author and speaker Joyce Meyer’s dad sexually abused her while she was growing up, giving her every earthly reason to walk away from him and have nothing to do with him for the rest of her life. Yet, unbelievably, God called her to provide for and care for her abusive father in his old age—something she resisted at first, shocked that a holy and just God would ever ask her to do. After all, why would a loving God call her to care for a father who had so cruelly abused and mistreated her? He certainly didn’t deserve her kindness and generosity. Still, God didn’t let her off the hook. He asked her to do what seemed impossible. Choosing to live in obedience to Him rather than remain bound by her pain, Meyer took on the responsibility. Remarkably, through her kindness and generosity, her father came to know the Lord before passing away. Does God Love Fallen Fathers? So one has to ask: Does God love the godless fathers who have failed miserably and caused unimaginable and unspeakable wounds in the lives of their children and others? Some of us, even as Christians, are ready to throw in the towel when it comes to caring about deeply flawed dads, believing they don’t deserve to receive God’s love. But we are mistaken if we see ourselves as more deserving of His love than they are. The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” If we see ourselves as more deserving of receiving God’s forgiveness and love than faithless fathers, then we don’t truly understand the sin nature we are all born with. We all enter life undeserving of God’s grace and in desperate need of a perfect, sinless Savior to redeem us. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re trying to come to terms with a father who failed you, ask God to help you forgive him and give you a heart of compassion toward him. Trust Him to bring healing to your heart and to work in your father’s life in ways only He can. Further Reading:How to Offer Your Dad Forgiveness this Father’s Day Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Spiritual growth often begins when we stop looking outward and allow God to examine what is happening within us. It can be easy to recognize the faults, habits, and struggles of others while overlooking the areas where God is inviting us to grow. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 reminds us that true transformation starts with humility, self-reflection, and a willingness to let God reveal our own blind spots. Intersecting Faith & Life:Consider these questions as you reflect on your own spiritual growth: What patterns continue to appear in your relationships, work, or daily life that God may want to transform within you? Do you extend the same grace and understanding to others that you hope to receive? Is there someone you need to forgive, or is there bitterness you need to surrender to God? Spiritual maturity begins when we allow God to reveal the truth about our hearts—not to condemn us, but to lead us toward freedom, healing, and deeper dependence on Him. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: 3 Questions That Cause Spiritual GrowthBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading: “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5 ESV I clenched my hands. Clear as day, the issue was him. He was being stubborn. He wasn’t listening. He wasn’t being open to a different perspective. But was I…? Being open…?Listening...?Hearing what He was saying…? Not really… Jesus addressed this sort of situation when he said, “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Mt. 7:3-5 ESV) My husband and I have a phrase for this sort of finger-pointing. It’s called “You spot it, you got it.” Meaning, if I spot my husband being stubborn, I’ve likely got stubbornness too.If I spot that He isn’t listening, I should wonder whether I’ve got earphones on my ears also. If I spot an inability to understand another perspective, I am wise to ask myself if I’ve got that same inability to listen. We spot it, we got it! When we consider that what we judge in others may be what is lurking inside of us, true spiritual progress happens. Pride is healed. Humility comes. A deeper need for God surfaces. Blind spots are seen for what they are. God’s grace is absolutely required. What blind spots may exist within you? Let’s dive deeper… 3 Exploratory Questions to Grow Closer to God Ask yourself: What patterns follow me from relationship to relationship, job to job, or situation to situation? How might I blame on people, predicaments, or pressures, something God may want to heal within me? Take a moment and reflect. Do not allow shame to convict you. Instead, allow the hard reality of truth to set you free to the life-giving power of God to help you. Pray. Ask. Seek the Lord. Repent, if needed. How do I demand sympathy or grace from others to justify where I am? Do I give others the same sympathy and grace that I expect? Sometimes, we have stories to keep us safe. We have a long list of reasons why we do what we do. We expect others to coddle us, instead of realizing God has more for us. Seeing the truth helps us build better relationships in the future. Who do I keep needing to forgive? How do I gain personal sympathy by not forgiving them? If I have forgiven, have I asked God to forgive me, for my bitterness or resentment? And, most of all, have I forgiven myself? Often, we forgive others but fail to ask God to forgive us for anger, bitterness, or thinking bad thoughts about others. Have we done this? Also, the hardest person to forgive is -- ourselves. Additionally, when we have forgiven, but it doesn’t feel like we have, the issue is often not that we haven’t forgiven them; we are still angry. The issue is often that we are still angry at ourselves. Take a second and forgive yourself, too.The bottom line? To see the truth of what we haven’t seen often sets us free. Intersecting Faith & Life: What did these questions stir up in you? How will you change as a result? What will it look like to walk a new path? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Genesis 16:1-16; Genesis 21

When we invite God to “open our eyes,” we’re acknowledging something important: the Bible isn’t just understood through effort alone, but through relationship. The Holy Spirit brings insight where familiarity has dulled our attention and breathes life into verses we thought we already knew. Suddenly, Scripture becomes less like a checklist and more like conversation—one where God is still speaking, still revealing, still shaping how we see Him, ourselves, and the world around us. Highlights: Scripture becomes more meaningful when approached with expectation rather than routine Spiritual insight comes through the Holy Spirit, not just personal effort Familiar passages can reveal new truth when we slow down and engage deeply Prayer before reading reshapes how we see and receive God’s Word Curiosity and openness create space for renewed passion in Scripture Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Get Excited about the Bible AgainBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18, NIV When a friend invited me to a Bible study, I agreed to go just to spend time with that friend. I’d been reading the Bible for years, and it all seemed so familiar that I didn’t expect to learn much. But during the first session, after we all prayed together, I found a fresh perspective on a Bible passage I’d read many times before. That happened again and again during that Bible study, as the leader encouraged us to ask God to open our eyes spiritually to his messages for us. It was like finding hidden treasure! I was excited to read the Bible again. It’s so easy for us to read the Bible like a chore on our to-do lists, just like picking up the groceries or folding the laundry. We know it’s good for us, so we try to squeeze it in. But too often, we don’t really feel excited about the Bible’s messages. We might start a Bible reading plan with great intentions, but then we hit a section that feels confusing or dry, and we just give up. Or, we find one day that we don’t relate to the Bible verse of the day when we first read it, so we don’t reflect on it or try to apply it to our lives. But even when reading the Bible feels like an obligation, it’s actually an opportunity. Every part of the Bible can help connect us to God in wonderful ways if we’re reading it prayerfully. Psalm 119:18 features a simple yet significant prayer: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” This tells us that we aren’t meant to understand the Bible just by using our own brainpower or willpower. We need to ask God to show us the “wonderful things” hidden in those pages that we simply can’t see on our own. That takes the pressure off of us to be perfect students and puts the focus on God to be the perfect Teacher – which he is, through his Holy Spirit. If you struggle with the Bible, it may be because you’ve tried to force yourself into a reading plan that doesn’t actually fit the way you learn or the season of life you’re in. You may think there’s only one right way to read and reflect on the Bible – like sitting at a desk and taking notes on every passage you read – and if you can’t do that, you don’t do anything at all. But God wants you to enjoy his messages! He wants you to come to the Bible with a sense of curiosity and adventure. If you find yourself stuck, you have the freedom to try something new. Maybe it would work better for you to listen to an audio Bible while you walk through the woods, or dive deep into just one single verse for a whole week and journal your thoughts about creative ways you can try applying that verse to your life. You can discover a fresh perspective on the Bible when you stop seeing it as a set of rules to follow and start seeing it as a wonderful place where God reveals his character to you. The more you ask God to show you the “wonderful things” this psalm talks about, the more you can learn about who God is and what God does to work in your life in wonderful ways every day. Your passion for the Bible will grow not from becoming more disciplined, but from becoming more in love with your wonderful God. So, give yourself permission to start fresh with the Bible today. Just pray for God to open your eyes to the wonderful things in his word, the Bible. God will meet you where you are and answer your prayer. Expect to be surprised by God’s wonder every time you read the Bible while praying for God’s Spirit to show you what’s really inside! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to get excited about the Bible again, reflect on these questions: When you think about reading the Bible, do you honestly feel like it’s an obligation or an opportunity, and why do you feel that way? Do you ever find yourself rushing through your Bible reading just to check it off a list? If so, how can praying Psalm 119:18 before you start reading help you absorb the message into your soul? What kind of Bible-reading routine would you actually look forward to every day? What details would be involved – format, time of day, location, etc.? What’s one “wonderful thing” you’ve learned about God’s character recently that made God feel more real to you? What’s something that you’re wondering about who God is or what God does, that you’d like to learn more about from the Bible? Further Reading: Jeremiah 15:16Psalm 119:105Hebrews 4:12Psalm 19:7Joshua 1:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Romans 8:16 anchors the believer’s identity in a powerful truth: through the Holy Spirit, we are affirmed as children of God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin unpacks what it means to live from that identity rather than slipping back into fear, anxiety, and emotional chaos. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to function as if we are spiritually alone, but Scripture reminds us that believers are fully adopted, fully known, and fully secured in God’s family. Highlights Romans 8:16 confirms believers are children of God through the Spirit. Stress and anxiety often reflect a forgotten identity in Christ. In Christ, believers are adopted, forgiven, and fully secure. God’s love is unshakable and cannot be separated from His children. Identity in Christ replaces an “orphan mindset” with confidence. Believers are complete in Christ, not unfinished projects. Our daily behavior reflects what we believe about God’s care. Living as God’s child produces peace, trust, and spiritual stability. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: No Longer an OrphanBy Cindi McMenaminBible Reading:“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16 NKJV). Do you realize that when we worry and fret and start living a drama-filled life, we are forgetting who we really are? We are, in a sense, starting to live like orphans. After all, when you are trusting Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sin and for eternal life, you have become His adopted child (John 1:12; Romans 8:14-17). And in that relationship as His child, you have a new identity that does not include the corruption or chaos of your past, or the problems in your present, or the fears of your future. Your drama or problems don’t define you either. In your new role, God calls you: His child – John 1:12 says: “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” His friend – Jesus said “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). A saint – In Ephesians 1:1, believers in Christ are called saints. Yeah, but I’m not a saint, you may be thinking. Your actions may not always say it. But your position in Him says it. You are seen as perfect by Him because You are covered in the righteousness and goodness of Christ. Forgiven – Colossians 1:14 says you have been redeemed (bought back) and forgiven of all your sins—past, present, and future. So your past sins—or your past wounds—can no longer define you. Your slate is wiped clean. Complete – Do you feel like a “work in progress”? Many people describe themselves this way, referring to how they are not yet what God desires of them. But God’s Word is the final authority, and it says “you are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10). The work has already been done. You just need to live in that truth and wear it. Secure – both eternally and daily, in Him. You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2), free from condemning charges (Romans 8:31-34), and free from the possibility of abandonment (Hebrews 13:5). Unconditionally loved – Romans 8:35-39 says “nothing” will be able to separate you from the love of God – not death, life, circumstances, sin, poor choices, a season of rebellion, nothing! His temple – that means He lives within you. Your heart is His home. And He dwells with you daily (1Corinthians 6:19). Royalty – He says you are seated with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). His masterpiece –created in Him for good words which He prepared for you before you were ever born (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). Fully capable by His power –You are able to accomplish “all things” through Christ, who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). His possession –You are not your own, you belong to Him because you were “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That means He protects you and provides for you as His own. That also means nothing can touch you that hasn’t first gone through His loving hands. Intersecting Faith & Life: So, why do we stress about our needs, our problems, our finances, our health, and our relationships? Is that our way of saying God has forgotten us and He won’t really be a good Father to His child? Through our stress and striving, are we saying to others around us, “I’m on my own because God won’t—or can’t—help me.” How you and I live day to day is evidence of what we truly believe. An orphaned child says, “I am all alone. I have no one to help me.” A child of God lives confidently in the words: “My Father is with me. And He will help me.” The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will reflect your true identity—a loved, well-cared-for child of the Most High God who never needs to stress or worry. Why would you want to live any other way? Further Reading:Romans 8:12-17 For more on living like a loved child of God, see Cindi’s book, Drama Free: Finding Peace When Emotions Overwhelm You. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 37:7 calls believers into a posture of stillness and trust when circumstances feel unjust or when others seem to undermine our plans. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery reflects on the emotional turmoil that arises when people act against us—intentionally or otherwise—and how easily fear, anxiety, and anger can take over. Through the life of David, we see a powerful example of someone who endured prolonged opposition yet learned to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react out of panic or revenge. Highlights Psalm 37:7 encourages stillness and patient trust in God’s timing. Opposition from others can trigger fear, anxiety, or anger if left unchecked. Emotional reactions often intensify situations rather than resolve them. David’s life shows both suffering and unwavering trust in God’s promises. God’s plans are not derailed by human sabotage or resistance. Waiting on God develops patience, perseverance, and spiritual maturity. God often works behind the scenes before His promises are visible. Believers are called to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than react in fear. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trusting God's Plans to Prevail When Others Come Against Us By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7 How do you typically respond when someone does something to sabotage your plans or goals, or in some way makes your life difficult? What if they do this intentionally? Do you feel vulnerable and like they hold power over some aspect of your life? Do you find your anxiety spiking? And if so, does your fear ever present as anger and hostility? Sadly, I’ve reacted to such situations in each of those ways, especially when I felt the other person held power over something I considered important. This never yielded the results I’d hoped for. Most often, in fact, my reactions only made things worse. In some instances, my dysregulated emotions and the behaviors they triggered hurt me more than the “offense.” Although I still have much room for growth, I’m learning to follow David’s example, not just in today’s verse, but throughout his life. (His near homicidal rage in 1 Samuel 24 and his treatment of Bathsheba, which many scholars call rape, notwithstanding.) If you’re familiar with Old Testament history, you may recognize his long, fearful, and discouraging journey to the throne. The most prominent prophet of his day anointed him as ancient Israel’s future king when David was a teenager. But he didn’t step into his calling for another decade and a half. He spent much of the time in between living as a fugitive, hiding in caves and enemy territory in fear for his life. He knew God had glorious plans for him. Although he wrote psalms in which he seemed to express some degree of doubt, he trusted the Lord to do for him all that He’d promised. This trust, and the relational intimacy that supported it, allowed him to remain his godly, spiritually mature self, even when experiencing relentless attack. This amazes me when I consider the emotional weight he carried. When we first meet him, he stepped into a heroic role that gained him access to Saul, the then-reigning king. Soon after, the young warrior moved into the palace, where he faithfully served. He also led the nation of Israel into numerous victories, including against one of their fiercest enemies, the Philistines. One might expect Saul to respond with gratitude. Instead, he became jealous. Feeling threatened, he spent the remainder of his life pursuing David in order to kill him. As a result, David found himself forced from his home and his wife when Saul sent men to stake out his house, again, to kill him. During his flight, he sought help from a priest, who gave him bread and a highly symbolic sword for self-defense. He soon learned, however, that Saul found out and sent one of his men to kill all the priests serving at that particular temple—and their families. Women and children were massacred because one man offered David aid. Understandably, he blamed himself for their deaths. Can you imagine how that must’ve felt? Around age 30, David became king and brought peace to His people. He likely wrote Psalm 37 sometime during this time. Reflecting on his life, his suffering, and how God remained faithful through it all, David confidently proclaimed, in essence, to whoever might listen, “Don’t stress about the actions of evil men. God’s got you. Relax and wait for Him to lead you to your best life.” Intersecting Life & Faith: When we feel under attack and tempted to immediately jump into “fix it” mode, may we instead intentionally still ourselves before the Lord, which implies being still in His presence. That’s where we’re most apt to receive His comfort and strength and hear His perfect wisdom regarding how to respond to our circumstances. Entrusting our situation to God can feel incredibly uncomfortable. It becomes easier, however, when we remember His heart toward us, His power consistently employed on our behalf, and His faithfulness. We can choose to quietly wait on Him to reveal our best path forward, knowing He’s never wrong or ill-informed. He's also never late, although in my experience, his interventions rarely arrive early. It certainly didn’t for David! Although the Lord remained with him at every step and often worked behind the scenes on the warrior’s behalf, it took Him years to fulfill the promise He made to youthful David. That long, painful delay required significant patience and perseverance through a rather exhausting delay. David understood how difficult it can feel to wait, which is why, years later, he could advise his people, us, and countless others besides, to patiently wait on God—trusting Him to make our circumstances right. Friend, wicked people might make your present situation more painful and difficult than it needs to be. But they cannot thwart God’s very good, hope-filled plans for you. Remember that the next time someone does something that leaves you feeling vulnerable and threatened. Remember that Christ Himself guards your path and invites you to follow His guidance as He leads you to the glorious destination He determined just for you. Further Reading:2 Samuel 22:3Psalm 18:1-6 Psalm 54:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Transformed Through Trouble I Psalm 4:1 KJV "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress." — Psalm 4:1 David's prayer in Psalm 4 reveals something counterintuitive and transformative: the very place that felt most constricted — the narrow, backed-in-a-corner place — was the place where God did His greatest work of expansion. In this episode of the Word of Faith Cathedral Podcast, Bishop Dale Bronner unpacks the Hebrew behind Psalm 4:1 (tsarar = distress; raba = enlarged) and builds a message around a principle that changes everything: God uses trouble as a tool of transformation, not destruction. Through the lens of Paul's extraordinary résumé of suffering, James 1:2's call to "consider it joy," the friction principle, and the story of Hagar's wilderness encounters — Bishop Bronner shows us how to reframe every hard season not as a sign of abandonment, but as an invitation to grow. He also unpacks the egg principle — the idea that God doesn't crack you open from the outside. He enlarges you until you break out from the inside. And he calls every listener to consider whether they are positioned to be the one person who shifts the generational destiny of their entire family. This episode is for you if: You're in a constricted, tight, "I can't see a way out" season You've been wondering why things got harder after you committed to God, not easier You want to understand what "consider it joy" (James 1:2) actually means You feel unseen, overlooked, or pushed to the margins You sense you might be the one God wants to use to break something open in your family Key Takeaways: Tsarar (distress) and raba (enlarged) — the paradox of Psalm 4:1 Nothing grows in the comfort zone but mediocrity "Consider it joy" means think differently, not feel differently Friction creates fire — passion always includes pain Everything that comes into your life is either God-sent or God-used El Roi: you are seen by the God who sees you God doesn't break you out — He enlarges you until you break out from the inside "Don't leave your trouble without the glory — there is glory in your story" If you didn't come from a victorious family — let one come from you Scriptures: Psalm 4:1 | Psalm 119:71 | Psalm 34:19 | Romans 8:18, 28 | James 1:2 | 2 Corinthians 11:25–28 | Genesis 16:1–13 | Genesis 21:14–18 | Matthew 23:12

Hebrews 13:5–6 offers a powerful reminder that God’s presence is unwavering, even in moments of rejection, fear, or emotional pain. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey reflects on the deep wounds that come from feeling abandoned or dismissed, and how those experiences can linger long after the moment has passed. Through personal reflection and Scripture, she points readers back to the unchanging truth that God does not forsake His children. Highlights Emotional wounds from rejection can linger and shape how we trust others. Human relationships are imperfect, but God’s presence is constant and unchanging. Hebrews 13:5–6 reassures believers that God will never forsake them. Jesus personally experienced rejection, betrayal, and abandonment. God’s faithfulness provides healing for deep emotional pain. Forgiveness is a pathway to freedom from bitterness and resentment. Our identity is secured in God’s love, not human approval. Drawing near to God brings comfort in seasons of emotional distress. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Doesn’t Reject His Children By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). I woke up one morning recently crying after having a very vivid, heart-piercing dream. It was almost as if my current heart-struggle was being played out right before me; I could honestly see this dream happening in reality. The words spoken (in the dream) to my husband and me cut to the core, and they hurt so badly that my first reaction was tears so strong they stained my cheeks when I awoke. Being a storyteller allows for intense dream-tales in my mind while I’m supposed to be resting, sleeping. It’s something I have always dealt with since I was a child- I wake up trying to shake the mental visions, telling myself over and over again that it’s not real. Eventually, the emotions fade, and I can go on with the rest of my day. In this recent instance, I had trouble getting past the pain and just began talking to God about it. It was obvious and simple- I was still dealing with rejection, and it still hurt, but I was reminded that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Although Proverbs 18:24 doesn’t necessarily say that friend is Jesus, I know that He will always be there for me even when everyone else fails me. Scripture tells us that God never leaves us or forsakes us in Deuteronomy 31:6. This truth from the Old Testament about our never-changing God is also stated again as a reminder in Hebrews 13, along with this powerful truth that people will fail us, and people may reject us, but we should not fear, for God is on our side. He is our helper. “…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). Intersecting Life & Faith: When we face rejection from others, we must remember that Jesus understands rejection better than anyone, as He has experienced it firsthand. Many people rejected Jesus (and continue to do so) while He was here on earth, even one of His very own disciples (Judas), rejected Him and betrayed Him. And just a couple of hours later, another one of His closest disciples (Peter) rejected knowing Him. Three times to be exact. Aren’t you so thankful for Jesus’ forgiveness when we turn our backs on Him! He gives us so many opportunities to repent and make things right in our relationship with Him! His mercies towards us are new every single morning… oh, what love! Has the pain of rejection made it difficult for you to trust others? Lay that pain at the foot of the cross, friend. God can bring healing to the wounds of those who have hurt you and empower you to choose to forgive. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root in your heart, perhaps you should ask the Lord to bless those who have hurt you, even if they don’t want you in their life anymore. Jesus was rejected, yet He took the punishment of our sin out of love for those who would put their trust in Him. No matter how much man rejects us, we must remember that Jesus is the friend who sticks by us no matter what. He will never leave you nor turn His back on you. The Lord understands our pain regarding rejection, and His arms are open wide, so let us be quick to draw near to Him. Lo, He is always with you…even to the end of the age! Further Reading: Isaiah 43:2 Romans 8:38-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Migrant Journeys: Hagar - Pastor Hannah Witte - a2cc.org. Watch our livestream Sundays @ 11:00am - vimeo.com/annarborcommunitychurch  Summary: In week two of our Migrant Journeys series, we sit with Hagar—a woman whose story is marked by displacement, exploitation, and loss. Stripped even of the name her mother gave her, Hagar flees into the wilderness where she encounters El Roi, the God Who Sees. God pulls up a chair, listens to her story, and reminds her that she is more than the labels others have placed on her. Hagar's story invites us to remember that every person is an image bearer with immeasurable worth. What if we became people who see as God sees? This sermon invites us to trust that the God who saw Hagar sees us too—in our grief, our longing, and our wilderness seasons. And as we experience being fully seen and fully loved by God, we may find ourselves transformed into people who pull up a chair, truly care about honoring others' dignity, and help cultivate belonging wherever we go.

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

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

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

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

Little Holloway | RespondIn this session, Little walks through the story of Sarah and Hagar in Genesis to talk about waiting, fear, control, and God's faithfulness in difficult seasons. Centered on Hagar's encounter with El Roi, “the God who sees,” this conversation is a reminder that even in the wilderness, God sees you, hears you, and stays faithful in the waiting.Respond Women's RetreatPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

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

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

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

This week in our Genesis sermon series, Kevin takes us through the story of Hagar and her encounter with God in the wilderness. Though God had promised Abram an heir, Sarai disbelieves and cruelly uses her servant Hagar to marry Abram and bring this to pass. Hagar flees to the desert and is met by the angel of the Lord, who promises to take care of her if she returns to Abram and Sarai. Hagar is the only one in Genesis to give God a name: El Roi, "God who sees." How does the omniscience and omnipresence of God minister to us? How has Christ won for us adoption through His experience of abandonment on the cross? What would it look like if we truly believed God moves toward broken people before they are all cleaned up?

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

Welcome to episode 249 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will examine the topic of the God who sees the overlooked.  Key takeaways:   God does not wait for the worthy to come to Him. He pursues the fleeing. Hagar was running from something with no plan for where to go, and God ran toward her. Divine questions are rarely for God's information. “Where have you come from and where are you going?” was an invitation for Hagar to face her situation honestly and receive a way forward. God names the suffering before He names the promise. He acknowledged Hagar's affliction before He spoke of her future. He does not skip over pain to get to blessing. The name Ishmael means “God hears.” Every time Hagar spoke her son's name she rehearsed the testimony that her cry had been heard. God builds memorials of grace into ordinary life. The invisible suffering of the powerless is fully visible to God. What happens behind closed doors with no witnesses is not hidden from El Roi. He is keeping account. Hagar is the only person in all of Scripture to give God a name. This honor was not given to Abraham, Moses, or David — it was given to a foreign slave woman. God's deepest revelations often come to the least expected people. God's pattern throughout Scripture is consistent: He reveals Himself to shepherds, fishermen, a murderer, an adulteress, a teenager. In His kingdom, the last are precisely the ones He seeks first.  Quotable:   You're not too marginalized, too broken, or too insignificant for His attention. The same God who left heaven to find a runaway slave in the wilderness is the God who sees you completely — right now, exactly where you are.  Application:   If you are running from pain without a destination — recognize that God is not trying to drag you back to what hurt you. He pursues the fleeing not to condemn their escape but to redirect their steps. Bring Him your honest answer to the question He asked Hagar: Where are you going?  If you are suffering in silence — your unseen struggles are fully visible to God. Chronic pain no one asks about. Financial stress you hide. Grief you carry alone. Caregiving exhaustion you never talk about. El Roi is not indifferent to what no one else can see. He is witnessing every moment and keeping account.  If you feel marginalized — by age, economics, health, race, or social standing — you are precisely the kind of person God loves to encounter. Do not let your circumstances make you doubt your worth to Him. He does not reserve His presence for the powerful and prominent.  Build your own memorial — Hagar named the well Beer-lahai-roi so the encounter would not be forgotten. When God meets you in a wilderness moment, write it down. Name it. Return to it. Let it become the evidence you rehearse when the next hard season comes.  Connect with us:   Website:  https://springbaptist.org  Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)  Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/  If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

In this message, Robin explores the name El Roi through the story of Hagar—a powerful reminder that God sees us in every season of life. When we feel overlooked, forgotten, or uncertain about the future, we can take comfort in knowing that God's perspective is far greater than our own.

Reference Scripture- Genesis 16:13, Hagar, Sarah's servant said this name "El-Roi"  after God met her in the desert to comfort and guide her; God had compassion on her and saw her pain.  For more from Dr. Alex Young, check out her books all available on Amazon.com or website www.dralexyoung.com: -Healing To Prosperity: Restoration Through God's Way and Purpose -Love Revealed: Renewed Through God's Love -Faith Walk: A Journey to Self-Discovery -Also Check out her New Children's PIcture Book: "Makeba's Faith: Seeds of Faith" - Christian inspired story teaching children ages 0-12, and up about Faith. Enjoy and Be Blessed!! SHOW CREDITS Kourtney Moncure- Production Editor Alex Young, PhD - Host Copy Free Music by Pixabay    

Pastor Jay

Our journey through the sweeping narrative of Scripture brings us to a moment where everything seems to have gone completely sideways. Humanity is scattered, language is divided, and the divine image in us appears deeply bent. God responds to this global chaos not by choosing an obvious, powerful empire, but by calling a seventy-five-year-old pagan moon-worshiper named Abraham from the middle of nowhere. This establishes a comforting pattern that repeats across the entire Bible. God consistently chooses the unlikely vessel so that the ultimate rescue cannot be credited to human strength.In Genesis 12, Abraham receives a massive invitation to leave his country, his people, and his inheritance. He is asked to walk away from his entire identity and move toward an unknown destination. God attaches five beautiful promises to this single act of movement, anchoring a covenant that vows to restore the original blessing to every family of the ground. When we take matters into our own hands because the divine timeline feels too slow, we create relational wreckage. Yet, even in our failures, God pursues the vulnerable. The very first appearance of the angel of the Lord occurs in the wilderness to Hagar, a pregnant runaway with no power. She gives God the name El Roi, the God who sees me.This story carries us through generations of waiting, laughing at the impossible, and enduring extreme testing on a mountain peak where God dismantles the violent expectations of ancient religion. The gods of the nations consume, but our God provides a substitute. The promise survives a brutal four-hundred-year furnace of Egyptian slavery where a community identity is forged in the mud and bricks. From the courageous civil disobedience of two midwives to a baby floating in a basket down a dangerous river, God protects the deliverer. We are the current links in this ancient chain. We are uniquely crafted works of art, carrying the blessing forward to a world waiting to be seen.URF WEBSITE: ➤ http://www.urfellowship.comSOCIALS: ➤ Instagram:   / urfellowship  ➤ Facebook:   / urfellowship  

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 10:00 AM Session   In this episode John offers a personal, text-driven tour through the names of God found primarily in Genesis and throughout Scripture, trading a purely academic approach for a pastoral, relational look at who God is. Rather than only cataloguing lexical definitions, John shows how each divine name reveals character, purpose, and a pattern that points forward to Jesus as the fullest revelation of God. Topics covered include the opening name Elohim (God the Creator) in Genesis 1; the tetragrammaton (Yahweh) introduced in Genesis 2 and echoed in Exodus 3:14; titles such as Adonai (Lord), El Elyon (God Most High), El Shaddai (God Almighty), El Roi (the God who sees), and Yahweh Yireh (the Lord who provides). John weaves these names with key biblical passages and images — Paul's road-to-Damascus encounter, Abraham's covenant and the test on Moriah, Hagar's encounter in the wilderness, Melchizedek's blessing in Genesis 14, and New Testament connections in John and Colossians. Key points emphasized are the complementary truths that God is both transcendent (the Creator who speaks the universe into being) and immanent (a hands-on, compassionate God who sees, provides, delivers, and enters human history). Listeners will hear how the names function theologically: as proclamations of sovereignty, as covenant promises, as pastoral comfort for the lonely and afflicted, and as foreshadowings of Christ. Illustrative stories and applications include Paul/Saul's recognition of divine presence, Abraham's faith and obedience, Hagar's encounter with the Angel of the Lord (El Roi), Melchizedek's title “God Most High,” and New Testament scenes where Jesus reveals and embodies the divine “I Am.” John also references a neighbor-turned-Bible-student and a mention of Brother Higginbotham to show how these biblical insights play out in real conversations and ministry. What to expect: a blend of careful exegesis, vivid narrative examples, and pastoral reflection that invites listeners to move beyond knowing God's will to truly knowing God. The episode closes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate revelation — the Word who was with God and was God — and encourages listeners to study the names of God to deepen love, faith, and devotion. (If you'd like the PowerPoint used in the talk, John offers to share it on request.)   Duration 41:33

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

Discover the life-giving importance of knowing The Lord personally as El Ron: God Who Sees

I. The God of Creation-Same God II. The Lord God of Creation: 1. ELOHIM (1:1) - The powerful One; The transcendent One (separated from creation - II Corinthians 4:16-18, eternal) 2. YAHWEH (2:4) - The personal, relational, covenant-maker 3. EL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek; “Your highness” 4. EL ROI (16:13) - “The God who sees me” used by Hagar 5. EL SHADDAI (17:1) - “God Almighty” used when est a covenant w/ Abraham 6. EL OLAM (21:33) - “The Everlasting God” used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech. 7. YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - “The God who Provides” used by Abraham when offering IsaacIII. God distinguishes (separates)separation brings structure •Day 1 - Separates light from darkness (Ex. 10; 13) •Day 2 - Separates the water above from the water below •Day 3 - Separates the land from the sea •Day 4 - Separates day from night, “for signs & seasons” •Day 5 - God fills the waters; God fills the skies; then God fills the land on Day 6! •Day 6 - Fills the earth; Finishes by making mankind; Eve is made last; See 3:20 Summary in chapter 1 then Specifics on humankind in chapter 2! •Day 7 - (1) Establishes the Sabbath; (2) Sets in place how humans would live out their work week; Exodus 20:8-11; 3 distinct blessings - 1:22; 1:28; 2:3; God gets more personal. He gets intimate. He provides a boost to the humans He made! This is another level of God's interest in us - His goodness to us IV. Four Different ways Scripture applies to humanity: 1. God blesses us - Psalm 1; Matthew 5:1-12 2. We bless God - Psalm 103 3. Some give false blessing - Psalm 62:4 4. Some refuse to bless - Psalm 109:17, 28

Genesis 1:1-2:3I. The God of Creation:Day 1 - Genesis 1:2-5Day 2 - Genesis 1:6-8Day 3 - Genesis 1:9-13Day 4 - Genesis 1:14-19Day 5 - Genesis 1:20-23Day 6 - Genesis 1:24-31Day 7 - Genesis 2:1-3II. The Lord God of Creation:ELOHIM (1:1) - powerful; transcendentYAHWEH (2:4) - personal, relational, covenant-makerEL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek (“Your highness”)EL ROI (16:13) - The God who sees me used by HagarEL SHADDAI (17:1) - God Almighty used when establishing a covenant with AbrahamEL OLAM (21:33) - The Everlasting God used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech. The timeframe is significant.YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - The God who Provides, is used by Abraham when he was offering IsaacIII. God distinguishes (separates)Day 1 - He separates light from darkness - Exodus 10:21-29 & Exodus 13:22-22Day 2 - He separates the water above from the water belowDay 3 - He separates the land from the seaDay 4 - He separates day from the nightDay 5 - fills the waters & skiesDay 6 - fills the earth, finishes by making mankindDay 7 - establishing the SabbathIV. Three Separations in Scripture that apply to humanity:Isaiah 59:1-2Matthew 25:32Hebrews 7:26

Have you ever felt overlooked, forgotten, or invisible? In this powerful Mother's Day message, guest speaker Nadine Raphael teaches from the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 and reminds us of a life-changing truth: God sees you. Even in the middle of rejection, pain, confusion, and uncertainty, God met Hagar in the wilderness and revealed Himself as El Roi — “The God Who Sees Me.” This message will encourage anyone who feels unseen, stuck, or discouraged to remember that God knows your name, understands your story, and still has a purpose for your life. In this sermon, you’ll discover: • How God meets you in difficult seasons • Why your identity is secure in Him • How God brings hope in the middle of pain • What the story of Hagar teaches us about God’s character • Why being seen by God changes everything No matter what you’re walking through today, you are not forgotten. The God who saw Hagar still sees you. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.

Have you ever felt overlooked, forgotten, or invisible? In this powerful Mother's Day message, guest speaker Nadine Raphael teaches from the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 and reminds us of a life-changing truth: God sees you. Even in the middle of rejection, pain, confusion, and uncertainty, God met Hagar in the wilderness and revealed Himself as El Roi — “The God Who Sees Me.” This message will encourage anyone who feels unseen, stuck, or discouraged to remember that God knows your name, understands your story, and still has a purpose for your life. In this sermon, you’ll discover: • How God meets you in difficult seasons • Why your identity is secure in Him • How God brings hope in the middle of pain • What the story of Hagar teaches us about God’s character • Why being seen by God changes everything No matter what you’re walking through today, you are not forgotten. The God who saw Hagar still sees you. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.

Have you ever felt overlooked, forgotten, or invisible? In this powerful Mother's Day message, guest speaker Nadine Raphael teaches from the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 and reminds us of a life-changing truth: God sees you. Even in the middle of rejection, pain, confusion, and uncertainty, God met Hagar in the wilderness and revealed Himself as El Roi — “The God Who Sees Me.” This message will encourage anyone who feels unseen, stuck, or discouraged to remember that God knows your name, understands your story, and still has a purpose for your life. In this sermon, you’ll discover: • How God meets you in difficult seasons • Why your identity is secure in Him • How God brings hope in the middle of pain • What the story of Hagar teaches us about God’s character • Why being seen by God changes everything No matter what you’re walking through today, you are not forgotten. The God who saw Hagar still sees you. ⛪ ABOUT GO CHURCH GO Church exists to love people to life by helping people take their next step with Jesus. With multiple locations and an online campus, GO Church is a place where you can grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover your purpose.

Nombres de Dios EL ROI - (Especial del día de las madres) by Cautivante Podcast

Pastor Jarrod Walls casts a powerful vision for what it truly means to live on mission—locally, globally, and personally. From serving neighbors and supporting global outreach to boldly stepping out in faith through prayer, this message challenges believers to move beyond comfort and into action.Through the story of Hagar and the name El Roi—“the God who sees me”—we're reminded that God sees the rejected, the broken, and the overlooked. He also sees the sinner, the lost, and the searching—just like Zacchaeus. No matter your past or your pain, God meets you right where you are and calls you into purpose.This sermon is a call to be the Church beyond the walls—to love deeply, serve boldly, and bring the hope of Jesus to a hurting world.

Four people who trusted before they could see: Hagar, Israel at the Jordan, the man at the pool, the royal official who walked two days home. Each from a different angle. The same ground beneath all four.Most of us don't arrive at trust by reasoning our way there.We arrive at it the way the royal official arrived home — two days of walking on a word we couldn't verify, and only then the confirmation that the ground had been holding the whole time.This is the final episode of Week 14, and Sunday does what Vertical Alignment is designed to do: it anchors everything the week built in the deepest question of all. Not how do I trust myself — Wednesday. Not how do I trust the people around me — Thursday and Saturday. But: what does it mean to trust the One who designed both?We sit with four people who trusted before they could see. Each from a different angle. Together they build something the week has been preparing us to receive.Hagar — alone in the wilderness, out of water, no path forward. God doesn't fix the situation. He says: I see you. El Roi. The God who sees me. Being seen was enough to stand up.Israel at the Jordan — priests carry the ark toward a river in flood. Their feet touch the water's edge. Then the river stops. The path opens after the feet are wet.The man at the pool — thirty-eight years waiting for the conditions to change. Jesus doesn't fix the conditions. He addresses the man directly: do you want to get well? Stand up. And the man stood up.The royal official — he took Jesus at his word and departed. Two days home on a word he couldn't verify. Certainty came after the walk, not before it.Is this episode for us?The week has been landing, but we want to know what grounds all of it at the deepest levelWe've been waiting for conditions to change before we move — and we are tired of waitingWe're ready to walk on the word, even before the confirmation comesToday's Recalibration:Which of the four resonated most? Hagar — the ache to be seen. The Jordan — move before the path clears. The man at the pool — waiting has become more familiar than moving. The royal official — walking home on a word. Let the resonance be the invitation.Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you→ Learn about The Recalibration Cohort→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Take your listening deeper! Subscribe to The Weekly Recalibration Companion to receive reflections and extensions to each week's podcast episodes.→ Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights→ Download the Misalignment Audit→ Subscribe to the weekly newsletter→ Books to read  (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.)→  One link to all things...