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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.

Celebrate Father's Day with this song inspired by Ward Clark's ode to his father (Real Men, Real Impact: The Essential Role of Fathers in Society — https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/06/21/real-men-real-impact-the-essential-role-of-fathers-in-society-n2203567).My Father, My Hero lyricsWho is my biggest hero?That's easy. My DadMy Dad is a rocka good mana great mana man of iron integrityand enormous personal strengthMy Dad is a rockI strive to live up to himAnd will do so for the rest of my lifeAs he keeps telling meWork comes firstYou never stop being a parentYou are the prime exampleYou are the one they followYou are the one they loveI strive to live up to my DadAnd will do so for the rest of my lifeHe is my prime exampleHe is the one I followHe is the one I loveHe is the one I value mostI strive to live up to my DadAnd will do so for the rest of my lifeHappy Father's Day!Happy Father's Day!Book Marketing Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe

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.

Listen to 2 beautiful experiences on this month's Word of Life: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' [...] Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Mt 10:7-8)1. Réal Sauvageau, a Marist brother from Quebec shares about his work in Vietnam with youth.2. Msgr Lewis Gaetano is from Canton Ohio and he shares a profound experience on how he proclaims the Word of God.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facing fear, surrender, and trust in God’s plan takes center stage in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus models honest prayer and unwavering obedience. The Night Before the Cross explores how Jesus’ surrender in Matthew 26:36–39 invites us to trust God—even when the path ahead feels overwhelming. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus experienced deep sorrow and anguish, fully aware of the suffering He would endure. Yet in that moment, He didn’t hide His emotions—He brought them honestly before the Father. His prayer reveals a powerful tension: a desire for relief paired with complete trust in God’s will. This moment reminds us that faith isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s choosing trust in the middle of it. Because of Jesus’ surrender, we are invited to bring our hardest emotions to God while still believing in His greater plan. Highlights Jesus models honest prayer—bringing raw emotions to God without holding back Surrendering to God’s will doesn’t remove fear, but it anchors us in trust Even Jesus sought the presence of friends, showing our need for community Gethsemane reminds us that obedience often comes through deep struggle God’s plan can be trusted, even when it leads through suffering Jesus understands our pain, making Him a compassionate Savior True faith is saying “Your will be done” even when it’s difficult This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: The Night Before the CrossBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:36-39, NIV When I visited Israel and Palestine on a pilgrimage trip, I was moved to tears by the ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Since olive trees regenerate, they can live for many generations. Some of those trees with the wide, twisted branches were descendants of the trees that were there when Jesus prayed in the garden the night before going to the cross. I imagined Jesus in agony there, knowing he would be crucified the next day and have to take the burden of all sin from his creation onto himself. No one had ever had such a heavy burden to carry in this fallen and broken world. Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to “stay here and keep watch with me.” He simply wanted the comfort of having his friends nearby. Jesus shows us that needing other people is an important part of being human. Even though his friends eventually let him down and fell asleep, the human part of Jesus reached out for their support. The divine part of Jesus knew that people are meant to encourage one another. Then, Jesus prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” He didn’t want to go through the excruciating physical pain of being crucified, but even more than that, he didn’t want the spiritual weight of carrying the world’s mistakes. He was completely honest with God when he asked if there was a way out. This is so encouraging for us today! It shows us we can tell God exactly how we feel, even when we’re dealing with difficult emotions. We don’t have to pretend to be happy when we’re actually sad, or to be peaceful when we’re actually terrified. God can handle our honest prayers about our most challenging feelings. But then, the story changes. After asking God the Father to change the plan if possible, Jesus added those famous words: “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus prayed with total trust. He knew that God’s will was best. Jesus trusted God’s plan more than he trusted his own human fear. His love for God and for humanity inspired him to let go of his will so he could do God’s will for us. We all have our own Garden of Gethsemane experiences – those times when we’re facing situations we don’t want to happen, and feel overwhelmed by them. But when we face those challenges, we can remember how Jesus prayed on the night before going to the cross. Jesus is a Savior who understands our sadness. He shows us that God isn’t afraid of our honesty. Most importantly, Jesus shows us how we can trust God’s plans for us, even while we’re challenged by those plans. The night before the cross was the darkest night in history, but it was also the night that proved just how much Jesus loves us! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you can be honest with God about your hard feelings and still trust God’s plans for you, reflect on these questions: When you’re going through a hard time, why is it important to you to reach out to friends or family? Jesus was “overwhelmed with sorrow” on the night before the cross. How does knowing that Jesus experienced so much emotional pain change the way you feel comfortable talking to him in prayer? Is there something in your life right now that you’re asking God to take away? If God keeps that in your life anyway, what will help you trust God in that situation? What makes it challenging to say: “Not as I will, but as you will” in your current circumstances? How does Jesus’ surrender in the garden give you hope for the difficult situations you’re facing? Further Reading:Philippians 2:8Luke 22:44Isaiah 53:3Psalm 34:18Hebrews 4:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Biblical humility and servant leadership are beautifully displayed in Philippians 2:5-8, where Jesus models a radically different view of greatness—one rooted in love, sacrifice, and selflessness. Rather than clinging to His divine status, Jesus chose to humble Himself, taking on the role of a servant and ultimately giving His life on the cross. This passage challenges the way we view power, status, and what it truly means to love others. Through a personal story and powerful reflection, this devotional reminds us that the lowest places—often the ones we avoid—can become the greatest opportunities to demonstrate Christlike love. When we shift our mindset from self-importance to selfless service, we begin to reflect the heart of Jesus in our everyday relationships. True love isn’t about convenience—it’s about willingness to serve, even when it costs us something. Highlights Jesus redefined greatness by choosing humility and servanthood over status and power True love is often expressed through simple, lowly acts of service Pride can keep us from opportunities to love others well Humility means thinking of others more, not thinking less of ourselves Serving others becomes natural when we are motivated by genuine love Letting go of comfort and control draws us closer to God’s heart The “mindset of Christ” transforms how we approach relationships and daily interactions This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: When Love Took the Lowest PlaceBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8, NIV When I was in college, I took a job at a fast food restaurant to supplement the income from my journalism internship because I wanted extra money for a trip. I quit after only 3 weeks – as soon as I earned the amount I needed for the trip – because I felt like the job was beneath me. But reflecting on it now, I can see how that humbling experience was valuable. As you can imagine, cleaning a public restroom in a fast-food restaurant was never pleasant. But years later, when God led me to clean a restroom for a family member battling cancer, I was grateful I learned that sometimes the lowest tasks are connected to the highest ways of showing love. Sometimes we think that if we have power or status, we should use it to make our lives easier. We may refuse to do lowly jobs at work or at home because we have a higher job position than others on our team, or a higher status in our family than others. But Philippians 2:5-8 shows us a picture of Jesus that turns our ideas of greatness upside down. Jesus had the highest power and status possible – he was equal with God. Yet, Jesus didn’t use that power and status for himself. Instead, he “made himself nothing.” In some translations, it says he “emptied himself.” Jesus poured out his rights and his comfort so that he could fill our greatest need. When Jesus came from heaven to earth, he went from being in a perfect environment where he had everything he could ever want to dealing with human needs in a fallen world, where he would experience the full range of suffering we go through here. Jesus made that choice because of his love for his creation – including us. Love motivated Jesus to come to earth to pay for humanity’s sins himself, so we could connect with a holy God and be saved. When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he was the highest person in the room, yet he chose the lowest task. Why did Jesus, the King of Kings, become a servant? It was because he saw us. Jesus saw that we were broken, lost, and separated from God by our sin. He knew that the only way to reach us was to come down to where we were. True humility involves thinking of ourselves less and thinking of others more. Serving others is something we’ll naturally want to do if we’re motivated by love. When we love people, we don’t mind doing lowly jobs to help them. Parents don’t mind changing diapers because they love their babies. Friends don’t mind driving across town late at night to help a friend in need because they love their friends. Philippians 2:5-8 starts out by saying: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” That’s a challenge for us every single day. But the more we ask Jesus to help us focus on what matters most from his perspective, the more we can apply that wisdom to our relationships with each other. When we choose the lowest place, we end up in the highest place we can be, which is close to God’s heart. God’s core nature is love. Jesus shows us what God’s love looks like in action, and we can see from Jesus’ life on earth that God often expresses his love through humble service to others. By doing simple tasks with great love, Jesus shows us that taking the lowest place is an important way to move higher in our relationships with God. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how taking the lowest place in love can help you move higher with God, reflect on these questions: When you feel above a certain task or person, what does that reveal about your heart? Jesus let go of his heavenly rights and comforts to serve us on earth. What’s one right or comfort you find difficult to let go of? How does knowing that Jesus chose the cross out of love change the way you view your own struggles? Who is one person in your life who you can relate to this week by practicing having the “mindset of Christ”? Why is love a more powerful motivator for service than just feeling a moral obligation to do what’s right? Further Reading:Matthew 20:28John 13:14-15Galatians 5:131 Peter 5:5Mark 9:35 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Like the rising sun and seasonal rains, God always shows up when the moment is right. Waiting on Him is an active process—pressing on in prayer, trusting His character, and expecting renewal. When God appears, He brings deep healing, restores hope, and nourishes growth, turning barren seasons into fertile ones for spiritual flourishing. Highlights God’s Faithfulness: He appears as surely as the sun rises, showing reliability in every season. Winter Rains: Symbolize deep healing, addressing spiritual dryness and preparing us for what’s next. Spring Rains: Represent gentle renewal, refreshing our hearts and fostering growth. Persistent Prayer: Pressing on in prayer strengthens trust and acknowledgment of God’s work. Hope in Waiting: Seasons of waiting are not empty; they are opportunities to reflect on God’s past faithfulness. Intersecting Faith & Life Waiting can feel dry and discouraging, but remembering God’s consistent presence brings perspective. Just as the sun rises daily and rain nourishes the earth, God’s timing is perfect. Trusting Him in the waiting season allows for spiritual growth, renewed hope, and readiness for His arrival. Actively acknowledging God during this time strengthens faith and deepens reliance on His promises. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: God Will Show Up for YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” – Hosea 6:3, NIV After it rains, I try to go outside to take a quick walk whenever possible. I love smelling the fresh air that’s just been washed clean by the rain, and seeing how the ground around me comes to life as the rain soaks into it. Since I also love the peaceful sound of rain and how it feels when raindrops fall, I sometimes try to walk outside while it's still raining. While I’m walking, I often pray because the rain that refreshes everything around me physically inspires me to seek a fresh perspective spiritually by talking with God. I always feel renewed after walking. The answers to my prayers usually have to wait for God’s timing – and sometimes that takes much longer than I expected. But God is faithful! God always shows up with the answers when the timing is right. In the meantime, I keep seeking him. If you’re waiting for God to answer your prayers for something you need, but it’s taken much longer than you expected to see God’s answers arrive, you may feel like God has forgotten you. You might start to wonder if prayer works and if God will actually show up for you. This verse from the prophet Hosea encourages you that God will show up for you as reliably as the sun rises and the rain waters the earth. You can count on God appearing whenever the time is right to meet your needs. Just like the sun always rises in the morning, and the rain always falls to water the earth, God will always show up for you. Hosea 6:3 urges you to “press on to acknowledge” God. You can do so by continuing to seek God, to trust God’s character, and to move forward in faith, expecting God to show up when the right time comes. Praying persistently and waiting with hope will both help you press on to acknowledge God. When God does appear, this verse says: “He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Winter rains wash away debris and soak into the ground, creating a deep reserve of water. When God shows up, he addresses the deep issues in your life, healing you from anything that’s making you spiritually dry and giving you the strength you need for what’s next. Spring rains are gentle rains that often occur during that season to nourish plants and help them grow well. When God appears, he brings you renewal and revival. Areas in your life that had been barren before will bloom because of the new life God gives you. God shows up to renew your strength and restore your hope. So, if you’re currently in a season of waiting for God to answer your prayers about something, remember God’s past faithfulness. God has shown up for you before, and he will show up again – just like the sun will rise tomorrow morning, and rain will fall from the sky again soon. You aren’t waiting for a God who might be too busy or too far away to help you. You’re waiting for a God who promises to appear at the right time. So, press on to pray for what you need, and to believe that God will answer your prayers. You can always trust that God will show up for you! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you can trust that God will show up for you, reflect on these questions: What is the current dry season you’re experiencing that’s making you doubt God’s faithfulness? Hosea 6:3 says God will appear “as surely as the sun rises.” How can you plan to get up early enough to watch a sunset this week and meditate on this verse while you watch it? In what ways do you need God to come to you like the winter rains, with deep healing that helps you prepare for what’s next? In what ways do you need God to come to you like the spring rains, with renewal that helps you grow? What’s one step you can take today to “press on to acknowledge him” while you wait for God’s timing? Further Reading:Lamentations 3:22-23Psalm 30:5Isaiah 40:31Philippians 1:6Malachi 4:2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating, especially when we try to understand it on our own. Emily Rose Massey reflects on her own journey of faith, realizing that the Holy Spirit—our Helper and Teacher—guides believers into understanding God’s Word. With the Spirit’s illumination, scripture becomes more than words on a page; it becomes life-giving truth that shapes our hearts, transforms our minds, and draws us closer to God. Highlights The Bible is a gift from God, meant to guide us in knowing Him and living faithfully. Spiritual understanding comes through the Holy Spirit, not human effort alone. The Holy Spirit brings scripture to remembrance and illuminates its meaning over time. Consistent Bible reading allows God’s truth to take root in our hearts. Even with distractions and intimidation, the Holy Spirit helps us comprehend God’s Word for deeper worship and life transformation. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: The Holy Spirit Is the Best Teacher By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). In high school, I was gifted a Bible when I became a member of my new church. I was so excited to start reading it and learn more about God, but as time went on, I became more and more intimidated by its pages. Where do I begin? Do I start in Genesis and just read through it beginning to end? Do I need to spend time memorizing what I’m reading? What does this word mean? These thoughts circled my teenage mind, and I was so hesitant to even dive in for fear that I wouldn’t understand what I was reading. It didn’t take long for schoolwork and all of the extracurricular activities I was involved in to crowd out any downtime to make space to read my Bible. Soon enough, that Bible would find a permanent home on my bookshelf, left untouched. I hate to admit it, but the intimidation and distractions would follow me all through college as well. When I was stressed out, I would glance at my neglected Bible and randomly open it and try to soak up some hope for my weary soul. Although I heard the gospel as a teen and was a professing Christian for six years, it wasn’t until after I graduated from college that God granted me genuine repentance from my sin and rebellion and gave me the faith to fully surrender my life to Christ and trust Him completely. One Sunday, I stepped foot in a church service for the first time in a few years, and I believe I was born again that day, as the reality of offending a Holy God and my desperate need to turn to Jesus, take up my cross, and follow Him overwhelmed me for the first time in my life. After that moment, my whole world changed, and I suddenly had a deep desire to read my Bible and obey God. I look back and see the difference between my high school and college days was that I was trying to understand what I was reading without the help of the Holy Spirit. Once I became born again at the age of twenty-two, I was given the gift of the Holy Spirit- Jesus describes Him as a Comforter as well as a Helper and Teacher in John 14: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: As born-again believers, when we open the pages of scripture, we are not left on our own to understand what we are reading. We have a Helper and a great Teacher, the Holy Spirit, to guide us in our pursuit of growing in the knowledge of the Lord. He illuminates the truth to us over time and will bring what we have read to our remembrance. This is why it is so important to consistently be reading our Bibles, so that we can store what we are studying in our hearts. The Bible is a gift from God to help us in our daily lives- to be able to learn of God’s ways and learn who God truly is so that we can grow closer to Him and worship Him rightly. I have to admit that I sometimes still struggle with intimidation and distraction when it comes to reading my Bible, but after walking with the Lord for over fifteen years now, I know that I am not left alone on this journey. I have a Helper who guides me into all truth and supernaturally helps me understand the words I am reading- words that are spirit and life (John 6:63). He is always with me, and I can always ask Him for help. Dear Christian, let us thank the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The One who convicts us of sin when we daily fall short. The One who is our ever-present help in times of need and who guides us into all truth. If you are struggling to study the Bible or are intimidated by it, He will supernaturally illuminate what you are reading and give you the ability to comprehend, not just for head knowledge, but ultimately, to help you know God more deeply so that you can worship Him more fully. Oh, what a wonderful gift from above! Further Reading: Romans 8:26John 16:12-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers. In the world of homicide investigations, few names carry the weight and respect of retired Texas Ranger Jim Holland. Known for solving some of the nation's most chilling crimes and extracting confessions where others failed, Holland's journey from The Texas Rangers to TV star has turned decades of real-life investigative work into compelling storytelling across television, podcasts, and digital media. The Podcast is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. Today, audiences can follow his work through The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, YouTube, where discussions about criminal investigations, interrogation psychology, and real-world police work are now widely available, for free via The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast to listeners hungry for authentic crime stories grounded in experience rather than fiction. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. An Unexpected Path Into Police Work Holland never set out with a clear plan to become one of America's most recognized investigators. Growing up outside Chicago in Polo, Illinois, he was raised in a large family whose parents renovated an orphanage to house their seven children, an upbringing that shaped his sense of responsibility and service. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . After graduating from the University of Louisville in 1993, Holland entered law enforcement in 1995 as a highway patrol trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers. “I didn't map out becoming a Ranger,” Holland said in an interview. “I just wanted to do meaningful police work and help people.” That path eventually led him into the elite Texas Ranger Division, the primary investigative arm of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Founded in 1823, the Rangers are the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the United States and specialize in major violent crimes, cold cases, public corruption, and officer-involved shootings. Available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. Becoming a Ranger requires years of investigative experience, advanced training, and a reputation for excellence, standards Holland met through relentless work ethic and investigative success. Life As a Texas Ranger Holland spent more than two decades working complex cases across Texas, investigating murders, serial crimes, and missing persons cases that often left families without answers. “Hard work, dedication, not sleeping, long hours, and time away from family,” Holland explained. “Being a ranger is really a life of selflessness. It's about helping those who can't help themselves anymore.” From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers.  Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. During his career, Holland worked security for then-Texas Governor George W. Bush and later played key roles in some of the country's most haunting criminal investigations. His reputation grew as someone departments called when cases stalled and traditional evidence ran dry. “I get brought in when there's no DNA or forensics,” Holland said. “My expertise is getting these people to talk.” Catching Killers and Solving Cold Cases Holland has cracked hundreds of cases, including investigations involving serial offenders and long-unsolved murders. Among his most notable achievements was his work with serial killer Samuel Little, whom the FBI later identified as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history. Through patient interviews and psychological strategy, Holland elicited 93 confessions, helping investigators connect Little to at least 60 cold cases involving murdered women across the country. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. The Los Angeles Times famously referred to Holland as a “serial killer whisperer,” while national programs such as 60 Minutes highlighted his interrogation methods and investigative persistence. “Justice is a hard word,” Holland said. “There's nothing fair about someone being killed. But bringing answers to families and making sure the perpetrator doesn't have the opportunity to do it again, that's what matters.” From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers. The Most Difficult Cases During interviews and podcast appearances, Holland frequently reflects on the emotional toll of homicide work. Some of his most difficult cases involved missing women whose investigations had gone cold for years. One particularly challenging investigation centered on the murder of a mother who vanished as a hurricane approached, creating chaos that complicated evidence collection and timelines. “These are cases where families are living in limbo,” Holland said. “You're not just solving a crime, you're giving people the ability to move forward.” His investigative work was also featured in nationally recognized cases highlighted on 48 Hours, including “The Murder of Jackie Vandagriff” and “The Plot to Kill Jamie Faith,” where fellow detectives credited Holland's interrogation techniques as pivotal breakthroughs. It is discussed across News platforms and shared on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Apple, and Spotify, where audiences continue to get their content. From Ranger Badge to Television Star After retiring from the Rangers, Holland found himself unexpectedly recruited by television producers eager to bring authentic investigative insight to true-crime audiences. He now stars in the eight-part Investigation Discovery series KILLER CONFESSIONS: CASE FILES OF A TEXAS RANGER, which premieres Tuesdays on ID, with episodes available for streaming on HBO Max. The series places viewers inside interrogation rooms, showing how cases are solved not through dramatic forensic breakthroughs but through psychology, patience, and conversation. From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers. You can find the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. “People think investigations are always about physical evidence,” Holland said. “But sometimes it's about understanding people, why they did what they did and how to get them to tell the truth.” A New Era: Podcasts, News, and Digital Media Holland's transition into media reflects a broader shift in how audiences consume true crime. Interviews and discussions about his cases now reach global audiences through news platforms, podcasts, and social media channels. Listeners can hear Holland discuss investigative strategy and real-world policing through shows available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, while clips and behind-the-scenes insights circulate widely on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. The accessibility of these platforms allows the public to better understand the realities of police work, far removed from scripted television portrayals. “People want authenticity,” Holland said. “They want to understand how these cases actually get solved.” Legacy of Service Even in retirement, Holland remains a sought-after expert in investigative interviewing, frequently speaking to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Departments still call him when cases appear unsolvable, a testament to the reputation he built over decades. From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers.  Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. From the interrogation room to television screens and podcasts, his mission remains unchanged. “Many victims never get the chance to speak,” Holland said. “My job has always been to make sure their stories are heard.” From The Texas Rangers to TV star, Jim Holland's career represents a rare bridge between real-world policing and public storytelling, proving that behind every solved case is not just evidence, but persistence, empathy, and the determination to keep catching killers long after the badge comes off. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. From The Texas Rangers To TV Star: Catching Killers. Attributions Investigation Discovery Channel News 4 Jax Wikipedia Facebook Facebook Group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When was the last time you were overwhelmed with wonder? In Mark 9, the crowd didn’t hesitate when they saw Jesus. They ran toward Him — filled with awe. No overthinking. No self-conscious restraint. Just pure wonder. Somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities, and routines, it’s easy to lose that sense of awe. Life shrinks to the size of a to-do list. Faith becomes familiar. And wonder quietly fades into the background. But Jesus hasn’t stopped working. In this episode, we rediscover how slowing down, paying attention, and expecting Jesus to move can awaken a fresh sense of wonder in our everyday lives. What We Discuss How busyness dulls spiritual awareness Why wonder is not a luxury — it’s fuel for faith The difference between dramatic miracles and everyday miracles How expectation shapes what we notice Practical habits that help us stay spiritually attentive Why wonder naturally draws us closer to Jesus This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Let Jesus Overwhelm You with WonderBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” - Mark 9:15, NIV When you really look at Jesus, you see the wonder of God’s work in this world. In Mark 9:15, people caught a glimpse of Jesus, and they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. They didn’t hesitate or worry about what others might say about their enthusiastic response. They simply let themselves be inspired with awe when they encountered Jesus. It’s easy to lose a sense of wonder when you’re dealing with the stress of living in this fallen world. Responsibilities pile up and demand your attention. You get used to going through your routine, doing what needs to be done. You may be working so hard that you start to think about enjoying wonder as a luxury you can’t afford with your busy schedule. If so, your life will shrink down to the level of your to-do list. You’ll miss the greater perspective of the wonderful work Jesus is doing around you. Don’t let that happen to you! Jesus hasn’t stopped working in amazing ways, just like he did during biblical times. Jesus is still inspiring people with awe on a regular basis. The question is: are you looking for him? Wonder doesn’t always appear with dramatic miracles. Often, wonder happens through everyday miracles. You can find wonder in quiet yet powerful ways, like through a colorful sunset, someone’s act of kindness, or a sense of peace God gives you during a challenging situation. Jesus is already doing wonderful work in your life. You just have to slow down long enough to notice. When the crowd in Mark chapter 9 saw Jesus, they recognized him because they were paying attention. They had focused minds and open hearts that helped them expect the best from Jesus. The process of discovering wonder often starts with expecting Jesus to do something wonderful in your life. Imagine walking into each day with your eyes wide open, asking Jesus to show you what he wants to show you. If you start doing that, you’ll start noticing all sorts of wonder in your life that you’d previously overlooked. Then, you’ll wake up to the wonder of who Jesus really is. You’ll realize that Jesus is so amazing that you can’t help but be inspired to worship him. The more you notice Jesus and let him overwhelm you with wonder, the more you’ll want to run to him, just like the people in Mark 9:15 did. Wonder draws you close to Jesus! So, give yourself the time and attention you need to really look for the wonder of Jesus’ work in your life every day. Make your relationship with Jesus a top priority in your daily schedule. Stay connected to Jesus throughout each day by checking in with him regularly through prayer. Ask Jesus to help you notice what he’s doing in every single part of your life – including areas where you haven’t expected him to show up much before. Pray for Jesus to give you a fresh perspective, so your senses aren’t dulled by routine or weighed down by busyness. When you do see Jesus at work, let yourself enjoy it. Take the time to really reflect on it, and celebrate it! Let your encounters with Jesus’ wonder strengthen your faith. Wonder doesn’t just make you feel good; it draws you deeper into a relationship with Jesus. It reminds you that Jesus is with you right here and now, working in your life in ways that accomplish good purposes for you. This day – this ordinary day, with all of its stressful situations – is still full of opportunities to see Jesus. You just have to look. The more you look, the more you’ll realize that Jesus has been there all along. Let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder again. When you do, you’ll find yourself wanting to run toward him! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder, reflect on these questions: When was the last time you felt truly overwhelmed with wonder at what Jesus was doing in your life? What daily habits can help you slow down, pay attention more, and notice Jesus more often? Are there any areas of your life where you’ve stopped expecting Jesus to show up? If so, how can you start expecting the best instead of the worst in those areas? How would your perspective change if you started each day by asking Jesus to help you be more aware of his presence with you throughout your day? Further Reading:Psalm 65:8Psalm 77:14Psalm 145:5Job 37:14Jeremiah 29:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s strength is not reserved for elite athletes or extraordinary moments—it’s available for everyday life. This Crosswalk Devotional, God’s Strength Will Empower You by Whitney Hopler, draws from 1 Chronicles 16:11–12 to remind believers that lasting strength comes from continually seeking God’s presence, not relying on limited human ability. Whether facing pressure at work, health challenges, family tension, or personal uncertainty, God’s power meets us right where we are. Highlights God’s strength empowers believers beyond human limits Seeking God’s presence should be continual, not crisis-driven Spiritual endurance grows through daily dependence on God Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels present faith Temporary success never replaces eternal relationship with God Our worth is rooted in being God’s beloved children, not performance God walks with us through both victories and failures 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! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: God’s Strength Will Empower YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.” - 1 Chronicles 16:11-12, ESV The 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026) shine a spotlight on some of the strongest athletes in the world. No matter what sport they compete in, Olympic athletes are constantly seeking strength. Many of them pray for God’s help to be the best they can be, both physically and mentally. That includes help from God for the discipline and endurance they need to practice and compete well. But you don’t have to be a downhill skier or a figure skater to understand why it’s important to be strong. Whether you’re launching a new project at work, dealing with a challenging health situation, trying to resolve a family conflict, or facing any other stressful situation in this fallen world, you know how much God’s strength can empower you. God’s help is vital to succeeding with whatever you’re trying to do, whether or not you’ll get a gold medal when you win. In 1 Chronicles 16:11-12, the Bible encourages you to look beyond your own limited power to seek God’s strength, which can empower you without limits. These verses call you to seek God’s presence continually. Instead of just saying a one-time prayer during a crisis, you should notice God’s presence with you throughout your day and check in with God regularly through prayer. When you make a habit of seeking God’s strength, you’ll find the power you need to help you with any kind of situation – even the most challenging situations that seem like they would be impossible to overcome. These Bible verses also encourage you to remember the wondrous works God has done, like his miracles and judgments. Olympic commentators love to talk about an athlete’s “track record.” They look back at each athlete’s past competition results and other information from the past (like injuries and recoveries) to predict future success. You can do the same with your faith. When you feel overwhelmed by a challenge you’re facing right now, look back on how God has helped you in the past. Think of the times when you’ve already experienced the wonder of God’s work in your life – like when God provided exactly what you needed, or when God empowered you to do something you couldn’t do on your own. The more you remember God’s past faithfulness, the more that will fuel your faith to look for the wonder of God’s work in your life every day and let that evidence inspire you to trust God now. In this year’s winter Olympics, thousands of athletes will chase gold, silver, and bronze medals. But those prizes are temporary. God’s presence with you is something you can enjoy both now and forever. As you work toward your own goals and pursue your own adventures this year, don’t get so caught up in trying to achieve temporary results that you miss your wonderful Creator and Heavenly Father walking right beside you. Whether you reach the podium of success or make mistakes that hurt like falling on ice, God will be there with you, empowering you with his strength. You can afford to bravely take big risks to keep learning and growing, just like Olympic athletes do. Your worth doesn’t come from your performance; it comes from your relationship with God as one of his beloved children. So, whatever challenge you’re facing today, seek God and his strength. God is with you, and he’s ready to give you everything you need for the journey ahead. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to seek God and his strength, reflect on these questions: If you were training for your current life season like an Olympian, what’s the one area where you most need God’s strength right now? How can you seek God’s presence “continually” rather than just when you’re facing a challenge? What will help you remember to ask God for more strength on a regular basis? Think of one “wondrous work” or miracle God has done in your past. How does remembering that help you face a fear you have today? What’s one way you can celebrate this week to thank God for answering a prayer you prayed in the past? Can you plan to look at old photos that remind you of God’s answer, post about it on social media, or share the story with a friend? Further Reading:Isaiah 40:31Philippians 4:13Psalm 105:4Hebrews 12:1Psalm 77:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a universe vast beyond imagination, God’s attention remains deeply personal. This Christian devotional reflects on the comforting truth that we are constantly on God’s mind and lovingly cared for by our Creator. Rooted in Psalm 8:3–4, it invites believers to marvel at God’s power while resting in His intimate, unfailing love. Highlights God is mindful of every detail of our lives His love for us is constant, personal, and unconditional We are valued not because of our achievements, but because of God’s character Living mindfully of God means staying aware of His presence each day Noticing God’s blessings builds gratitude and trust God’s love frees us from the need for others’ approval Awareness of God’s care transforms how we live and love 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! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: We’re on God’s MindBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” – Psalm 8:3-4, NIV Do you enjoy looking up at the night sky? I love to look at the moon and stars as often as I can on my evening walks, and sometimes on clear nights, I’ll even go to a park away from city lights to get a closer look at the heavens. The beauty and vastness of space are awe-inspiring! In Psalm 8:3-4, King David considers our awe-inspiring universe and wonders: Why us? Why are we, these tiny creations on a small planet, the focus of the Creator of all that? The truth, David discovered, was that we’re on God’s mind. God – the gigantically powerful Creator who has made everything and everyone and sustains it all – is mindful of us. God constantly pays close, loving attention to us. In a cosmos of unimaginable scale, every single detail of our little lives matters to God! God’s care for us isn’t based on how good we are or how important our work seems. It’s a reflection of God’s character, which is pure love. Jesus describes God’s wonderful loving care for us when he teaches us that God even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7) and is mindful of his whole creation, including us and even small, common creatures like sparrow birds (Matthew 10:29). This incredible reality – that we’re always on God’s mind – can inspire us to think of God, as well. After all, since our Creator is mindful of us, shouldn’t we be mindful of him? Being mindful of God simply means to live with an awareness of God’s presence. It means letting the reality of God’s presence with us shape our thoughts, feelings, and decisions throughout each day. Just as God is mindful of our needs, we can be mindful of how God is constantly meeting those needs by pouring blessings into our lives. The more we pay attention to those blessings, the more we can be inspired to thank God for them and trust God to answer our prayers for our future needs. When we’re especially busy, it’s easy to push God to the margins of our lives. Being mindful of God involves placing our relationships with God at the center of our lives and choosing to live in the awareness of God’s love from day to day. The ultimate reason we’re on God’s mind is that he loves us so completely. We can’t earn God’s love, and we can’t lose it. We have it forever, and we can just enjoy it, because God is mindful of us. When we’re mindful of God, we remind ourselves to embrace the wonderful love that our Heavenly Father offers to us, and to love him back. The distance between us and the stars is nothing compared to the closeness of a God who carefully centers his attention on us. So, let’s live today and every day with the awareness that we’re loved and cared for because we’re on God’s mind! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you’re on God’s mind, reflect on these questions: When you look at the natural world (such as the sky, an ocean, or a forest), what’s one feature that inspires you with awe at God’s power, and how does that make God’s focus on you seem even more amazing? How can you change your daily routine to live with more of an intentional awareness of God’s presence with you? What was a time recently when you felt God’s mindful attention for you, such as an answered prayer, a timely piece of guidance, or encouragement? Since being on God’s mind means you’re completely loved and accepted, what’s one area of your life where you can let go of the need for other people’s approval and rely more on God’s unfailing love for you? How can you make more time in your schedule to become more mindful of God by communicating with him in prayer and meditation? Further Reading:1 Peter 5:7Isaiah 49:16Matthew 6:26Psalm 139:17-18Jeremiah 29:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week's episode is based on the ⁠video game Dispatch⁠ (⁠ADHOC⁠) our first game homage at uncommon ambience.Before each episode (level) of the game Dispatch there is a mildly animated ambient perspective. For instance, episode two of Dispatch shows a lobby, a mostly static scene, and you have buttons for “Play,” “Settings,” “Extras,” and “Exit Game” at the bottom.The ambient experience for each episode is what I live for — a liminal space to inhabit (that loops seamlessly every few minutes). Recently, I used the late-night office start screen for sleep (episode 3). Probably not ideal for my Steam Deck working all night as a noise maker.So here is the value proposition: I can make the ambient experience longer and in podcast form (with my own sounds; this is homage, not theft).If you are not familiar, Dispatch is an absolutely charming (lewd) gamified choose-your-adventure cartoon with occasional button-mashing. Set in a despotic Los Angele-ish world of superheroes and supervillains. The heroing comes with a price tag for the powerless. If you need rescuing or have a donut shop to protect, ⁠you better have a subscription with SDN⁠ (Superhero Dispatch Network).And that's how we get to “Dispatch.” In the game, you are a beaten hero forced to serve as a team leader in an emergency call center. Instead of calling 911 for fire or public safety, civillians call superheroes with capes or an angsty invisible lady who can seriously throw hands.To have a subscription to a superhero service in a world of war crimes and masked men kidnapping people off our streets — well, that would be amazing. I would love to task the Blonde Bomber with chucking a few doofuses into orbit.But ⁠Alan Moore might caution⁠ my bringing fantasy with me into the real world — pretending I have Professor X mind melting rays for that ******* who ran the red, might deliver a brief (meaningless) sensation of victory. It's less than self-indulgence.Moore spoke about the dangers of grown folks watching Batman films — a just crusader swooping in with morals and a Batarang, delivering accountability to the powerful. The danger is we accept these fantasies, of independent-actors fixing systemic problems and not interrogate our responsibilities in an unfair world. But ****, I wouldn't look askance if the future handed us comic book technology, especially if it comes with ⁠Scud the Disposable Assassin vending machines⁠. I would go for the “Scud Lite” version, the robot that only beats the ⁠“**** out of somebody.”⁠ Ahhh, escapism.BTW, I don't know how Alan Moore would take Dispatch. Dispatch was released as a game and comic book, at the same time.Superheroes existing in a more realistic universe was Moore's lane (⁠Watchmen⁠, ⁠V for Vendetta⁠), but he wasn't fond of comics being made into films, especially his. He wanted to show off what comics could do that films can't.  I would love to know Moore's thoughts on Zack Snyder's ⁠chorus of the Aquaman⁠.This is where I'm ending it.I had a bunch more paragraphs that built from a “If safe were profitable we would already be safe” — and join me on the tambourine line!That somehow led to my praising the LL Cool J ⁠Mr. Smith album⁠ which has been unfairly eclipsed by ⁠one of its singles⁠, to landing on the track ⁠“Life As…”⁠ being on both Mr. Smith and the Street Fighter soundtrack, and finally to a Street Fighter advertisement from ⁠The Source Magazine (April '95)⁠ featuring a comic that concedes the movie is ****, but the album is dope (plus ⁠MC Hammer / Deion Sanders⁠).AND… Tell Tale Walking Dead… I was ruthlessly mocked by coworkers in 2013 for saving Doug over Carley the TV Reporter and that I somehow had a grudge against news people. Gawd Doug sucked, but he looked to be closer to immediate peril — Carley had a gun! How was I supposed to know Carley was out of ammo.Shoehorned it, baby![[episode graphic made in photoshop]]

On this episode I talk with Cal. Cal lives in California and he is a suicide attempt survivor.Memoir Title: An Ignorant Man: 50 Years of Life As an Undiagnosed Autistic and How Everything ChangedSupport Podcast: givebutter.com/suicidenoted (tax-deductible)Become a Member: suicidenoted.supercast.comContact Sean: hello@suicidenoted.comSend Audio: speakpipe.com/SuicideNotedWeb Site: suicidenoted.com YouTube: youtube.com/@suicidenotedFB & IG: @suicidenotedTikTok: @suicidenotedpodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/suicide-noted/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Humility creates space for God to work powerfully in and through our lives. In Luke 1:46–52, Mary’s response to God’s calling shows how choosing worship over worry allows fear to shrink and faith to grow, making room for God’s strength to shine through human weakness. Highlights God notices and honors a humble heart. Mary’s worship shifted her focus from fear to God’s greatness. Humility helps us trust God with outcomes we can’t control. Fear keeps us focused on limitations; humility lifts our eyes to God’s power. God often calls people forward through blessings that feel both exciting and scary. Choosing worship over worry positions us to receive God’s plans with faith. God looks for humility when He wants to accomplish great things through someone. 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 Looks for HumilityBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” – Luke 1:46-52, NIV Mary had just received news that would completely turn her life upside down: an angel announced she would give birth to the Son of God. The news was wonderful, but also terrifying. Mary was a young, unmarried woman in a society where a pregnancy outside of marriage led to shame and even danger. The angel’s message was the best news possible for the world, but for Mary herself, it must have brought up feelings of fear about what her future would be like. Still, Mary responds with faith, despite her fear. She focuses on God’s greatness and she celebrates that God has blessed her because God has been mindful of her humility. Mary overcomes her very real fears by changing her perspective. She moves her focus off her humble state and onto God, the Mighty One who is greater than her problems, and who can work through her in powerful ways. Mary’s song of praise is about God, rather than herself. She realizes that if God is powerful enough to save the world through the Messiah, he is certainly powerful enough to take care of her reputation and her safety. God sees humble people like Mary and acts through their lives with great power. When have you heard some good news from God that’s a blessing, but also scary? Maybe God is calling you to start working toward making a dream a reality, but you’re afraid that you won’t be able to accomplish that goal, so you’re considering letting that dream go to stay in your comfort zone. Or, maybe God is encouraging you to forgive someone and restore a relationship, but you fear getting hurt again, so you’re neglecting God’s guidance because you want to protect yourself. Fear can cause you to miss out on making the decisions God wants you to make, because it directs your attention to only your own circumstances and limitations. When fear is in control, you only perceive the threat and miss the miracle. God’s good news is right there, but you can’t fully receive it because you’re so busy listening to worries in your mind. In order to fully hear and embrace the good news God sends you, you must make the same choice Mary did: Choose worship over worry. You can do that when you’re humble, because humility helps you see beyond yourself to God, which inspires you with reverence and awe for God. When you can see how big God really is, your fear shrinks, and you can step into the great plans God has for you because you can trust that God will empower you. God looks for humility when he looks for people to serve in great ways. Don't let the fear of what might happen in the future stop you from embracing the blessings God wants to send you. Like Mary, be in a humble state that’s ready to serve God. Then look forward to what God will do through your life! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to be humble for God to work in great ways through your life, reflect on these questions: What “good news” has God given you recently that’s both exciting and scary for you? What worries you about moving forward with how God is leading you, and what specific truth about God’s character (like his power or his love) can you remind yourself of to move past your fear? Like Mary, how can you focus on God’s unlimited strength rather than on your own limitations? In what areas of your life do you struggle to be humble, and how can you choose humility more so you can better hear and obey God’s messages? How does Mary’s celebration of God’s strength inspire you to choose worship over worry? Further Reading:Isaiah 41:102 Timothy 1:71 John 4:18Psalm 56:3Philippians 4:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God in times of trouble anchors your heart when life feels heavy, exhausting, or uncertain. Nahum 1:7 reminds us that God’s goodness doesn’t change with seasons or circumstances—He is a steady refuge who deeply cares for those who choose to trust Him. Highlights Trouble is part of life, but God promises His presence through it. God is a refuge—safe, reliable, and unshaken by your circumstances. His goodness is constant, not dependent on your emotions or environment. God cares personally about your sadness, stress, and unanswered prayers. Trusting God means releasing control and surrendering outcomes to Him. Rest comes when we stop striving and lean into God’s care. God’s presence provides the warmth and light we need in dark seasons. 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: Trust God to Care for YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” – Nahum 1:7, NIV During the winter – when the days are shortest, the weather is coldest, and the festive energy of the holidays has worn off – many people struggle with feeling sad and tired. The winter can feel like an unending time of trouble since it’s a dark, cold season that seems to drag on forever. But in this fallen world, there are so many challenges that you can experience trouble anytime. Thankfully, this Bible verse reminds you that God is a refuge you can turn to in times of trouble. A refuge is a safe place with reliable help. God is the ultimate refuge for you, whenever you’re facing any kind of trouble. God is always purely good. He doesn’t change with the seasons or with your feelings. God’s goodness is a constant truth you can build your life on. The Bible doesn’t promise that you won’t experience trouble. In fact, it often acknowledges that trouble is a part of life in this broken world. Jesus says straight out in John 16:33 that: “in this world you will have trouble”. But he adds in that same verse: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Nahum 1:7 assures you that you don't have to face trouble alone. You can take refuge in God, who is completely trustworthy in every situation. The second part of this verse gives you the confidence that God “cares for those who trust in him.” The same God who created the vast universe and knows every star by name cares about the specific challenges you’re facing right now. He cares about the sadness and stress you’re feeling, and he hears your prayers and plans to answer them. When other people don’t really care about how sad or exhausted you feel, you can relax and be honest with God. God will listen to how you really feel, and he really cares. But God also asks you to trust him. Trust is the key that unlocks God’s care in your life. How can you trust God to care for you? You need to let go of the need to control the outcomes of the troubling situations you’re facing. Just like you can’t control the temperature or the amount of daylight in winter, and you can’t force yourself to feel better. But you can choose to surrender your struggle to God, and you can trust that God will help you with whatever you need when you ask for his help. So, talk with God honestly. Share all of your difficult feelings with God, and tell him you’re choosing to trust him to help you with what you need. Then, rest in the reality that God will keep his promises. God promises to be a refuge for you in times of trouble. He promises to care for you when you trust him. So, choose to believe that God will really do that! In the cold, dark days of winter, trusting God allows you to stop worrying about finding the warmth and light you need. Instead, you get to rest in the warmth and light of God’s presence with you. You can take a deep breath and remember that God’s goodness is your greatest resource. God is watching over you, guiding you, and providing for you – even in times of trouble. Take the pressure off yourself to be cheerful when you’re feeling sad, or to be productive when you’re tired. Just focus on connecting with God’s presence with you, and trusting God to help you. God is good, he is your refuge, and he cares for you. Let God’s care be the strength that gets you through times of trouble. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to trust God to care for you in times of trouble, reflect on these questions: What kind of trouble are you currently facing? How does knowing that God is a refuge for you change how you view the trouble you’re going through right now? Does it feel less overwhelming? What’s a situation in your life where you’re trying to control the outcome? How can you trust God to help you with that situation so you can relax and experience God’s best for you? When was a time in the past when you were going through a time of trouble and God cared for you then? How can you remind yourself this week to trust God more when you’re feeling sad or tired? Further Reading:John 16:33Psalm 46:1Psalm 91:2Isaiah 41:101 Peter 5:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Setting goals for the new year often focuses on achievement, productivity, and personal growth—but Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that lasting transformation begins with surrendering our hearts to God. When we commit our plans, desires, and direction to the Lord, He shapes not only what we do but who we are becoming, aligning our goals with His purposes and power. Highlights God is more concerned with who you are becoming than what you accomplish. Committing your plans to God starts with aligning your heart with His. Many goals fail when they rely on personal strength instead of God’s power. The Holy Spirit works from the inside out, transforming character as goals are pursued. Spiritual growth flows from becoming, not just doing. Jesus shaped His disciples through relationship before responsibility. God establishes plans by shaping them to fit His good purposes, even when they change. 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: Set Your Heart, Not Just Your GoalsBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3, NIV When a new year starts, it’s natural to think about goals. You may want to set some New Year’s resolutions to start some new habits, or at least make plans for the year ahead. While it’s good to want to set and achieve new goals, it’s important to focus on more than just accomplishing a list of tasks. God wants you to focus less on doing and more on becoming. God cares far more about who you are than what you check off a list. Proverbs 16:3 highlights a simple yet significant truth: If you commit what you do to God, he will establish your plans. The key is first committing your plans to God. You can only do that if your heart is lined up with God’s heart. When you “commit to the LORD whatever you do,” you’re not just handing God your goals; you’re handing God your whole self. That choice opens the door for God to transform you and lead you into plans that are really the best plans for you. Maybe that’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fall apart a few weeks into the year. It’s hard to make much progress on goals if you’re relying only on your own limited power to achieve them. But if you’re relying on God’s unlimited power to help you achieve goals God wants for you, you’ll experience the Holy Spirit empowering you to accomplish those goals in any kind of circumstances. The Spirit’s power works from the inside out, so in the process of working toward your goals, you’ll be transformed as a person. This year, instead of asking yourself what you want to accomplish, ask God who he wants you to become. Think of your goals less as what to do and more as how to be. How does God want to strengthen your character during this new year? Do you sense God calling you to be more courageous, patient, joyful, kind, generous, or trusting? When you focus on becoming, the doing naturally follows. Habits flow from the heart. So, your goals will flow from the kind of person you are becoming, with God’s help. Jesus didn’t start by giving his disciples tasks; he started by inviting them to follow him. Walking closely with Jesus changed who they were long before it shaped what they did. Their lives were transformed from the inside out. God wants to do the same with you! So, this new year, bring your goals to God, but bring your heart first. Ask God how he wants you to learn and grow this year so you can become the person he wants you to become. Then listen. Be open and willing to take slow, steady steps closer to God throughout this year and beyond. When Proverbs 16:3 says God “will establish your plans,” it means God will shape them so they match his good purposes for your life. It doesn’t mean everything will go exactly how you imagined. Some plans will unfold beautifully. Some will change unexpectedly. Some will be put on hold. Some will lead you into places you never thought you’d go. But when you set your heart in the right place with God, you’ll fulfill all the important purposes for your life. This year, don’t pressure yourself to achieve everything you want all at once. Instead, set your heart before God and let him shape you. Focus not on trying harder, but on trusting God more. The more you build a closer relationship with God, the more your own goals will line up with God’s goals for you. Give God your year, and look forward to how he blesses your heart! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how it’s important to set your heart on God to set the best goals, reflect on these questions: What goals have you made in the past that focused more on doing rather than becoming? What qualities do you sense God wants to grow in you this year? Are there any plans or expectations you need to surrender to God today? What would it look like for you to “commit to the LORD whatever you do” day by day? How does knowing that God establishes your plans give you peace or confidence? Further Reading:Psalm 37:5Philippians 1:6Proverbs 3:5-6Ezekiel 36:26Psalm 90:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Isaiah 9:6 reveals the wonder of Christ’s birth by naming who Jesus truly is—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles invite deeper Christmas worship that goes beyond the manger and into everyday life, shaping how we trust, pray, and follow Jesus. Highlights Jesus is fully human and fully God, born as a child yet given as a Savior. Isaiah’s prophecy points to Christ’s identity, not just His arrival. Wonderful Counselor reminds us to seek Jesus for wisdom and direction. Mighty God assures us of Christ’s divine power at work in our weakness. Everlasting Father reflects God’s constant care, protection, and presence. Prince of Peace offers spiritual wholeness that steadies us in a stressed world. True Christmas worship continues year-round through trust, surrender, and awe. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: How to Worship Through the Wonder of Christ’s BirthBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6, NIV Imagine getting a gift so incredible, so mind-blowing, that you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you gasp, maybe you cry, or maybe you just sit there, speechless. The people who learned about Jesus Christ’s birth on the first Christmas must have felt overwhelmed like that after learning that God had given the world the ultimate gift of a Savior. Hundreds of years before the first Christmas, the prophet Isaiah described that gift – including awe-inspiring titles for Jesus that point to his future work in the world: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 invites you to worship through the wonder of Christ’s birth. The first part of the verse, “to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” focuses on the humanity of Jesus. He was a real baby, born to a real mother, experiencing real life. This part may be the easiest for you to connect with, because it’s personal and comforting. The titles that follow challenge you to move beyond seeing Jesus just as a baby in a manger, but as the powerful Son of God who saves and transforms you. Those titles show you how you can worship Christ in every single area of your life: Wonderful Counselor: When you need God’s guidance for your decisions, you can ask Jesus and get the help you need. He isn’t just a good adviser; he’s a wonderful one. Christ can give you wisdom that cuts through the confusion of life in this fallen world and shows you the best path forward by walking with you as your personal guide. So, worship him by bringing your hardest decisions and deepest confusion to him with the trust that he will help you move forward well. Mighty God: This title removes all doubt about Christ’s divinity. Jesus is much more than just a powerful messenger or a great teacher; he is God himself, who came to Earth to personally save humanity. Christ is mighty – he has unlimited power that he uses for good, loving purposes to redeem what has been broken by sin in the world. When you feel powerless or overwhelmed by a challenge, worship Jesus by relying on his mighty strength to help you overcome that challenge. Everlasting Father: This title speaks to how Christ protects you and provides for you, like a good father does. While Jesus is God’s Son, he is also fully God, because he has perfect unity with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is part of the Heavenly Father who cares so well for you every day of your life. So, when you feel lonely or vulnerable, you can worship him by resting in his eternal, unchanging care. Prince of Peace: Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it’s a spiritual wholeness that puts everyone and everything in creation in harmony with the Creator – which is what Christ does. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, gives you ultimate peace with God through his sacrifice for your sins. In this fallen world that’s full of stress, you can worship Christ by accepting the peace he offers, which is strong enough to help you overcome any challenges you face. Jesus is so much more than just a baby born in Bethlehem. When you worship Christ as he’s described in Isaiah 9:6, you can’t help but be filled with overwhelming feelings of awe. Those feelings will inspire you to discover the wonder of God’s work in your life every day. True Christmas worship is something you can practice every day of the year, by seeking wisdom from the Counselor, finding strength in the Mighty God, resting in the Everlasting Father, and trusting the Prince of Peace to help you be calm and confident. Look at all Christ really is, and celebrate with wonder! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to worship through the wonder of Christ’s birth, reflect on these questions: Which of Christ's titles (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace) do you personally need to focus on most this week, and why? What major decisions are you facing right now, and how can you trust Jesus to be your Wonderful Counselor for how to move forward well? The “child is born” that Isaiah 9:6 mentions is also the “Mighty God” it mentions. How does that change the way you approach prayer? What worries can you hand over to the Everlasting Father, with trust that he will meet your needs in those situations? Who can you forgive this week to worship Christ as the Prince of Peace by forgiving others as he has forgiven you? Further Reading:Matthew 1:23John 14:6Philippians 4:7Colossians 1:15-17Hebrews 13:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear steals spiritual clarity, but surrendering it opens the heart to God’s personal good news. Whitney Hopler points to Luke 2:8-11, where the angel interrupts panic with a promise of rising joy through Jesus. Keywords like hearing God, good news, fear of failure, and Luke 2 shepherds belong right up front for discovery, because quieting fear is the doorway to actually receiving what God keeps trying to say. Highlights God’s best announcements lead with peace before explanation. Fear acts like interference; faith works like the reset button. Failure, rejection, and the unknown are common volume knobs stuck on too loud. Joy beats relief—it carries confidence, not just the absence of panic. Focusing on the Spirit amplifies direction and dials down dread. One brave decision at a time rewrites fear’s storyline. God’s good news is personal, persistent, and powerful enough to outshine bad thoughts. (Yes, even the dramatic ones… without needing pyrotechnics.) Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Overcome Fear to Hear God’s Good News for YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” – Luke 2:8-11, NIV On the first Christmas, the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were just watching their flocks on a quiet night, when suddenly, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and an angel of the Lord appeared. The angel’s very first words to the terrified were a loving command: “Do not be afraid.” The message the angel carried from God was too good to be blocked by fear. The news of a Savior for the world was meant to bring “great joy,” but the shepherds couldn’t fully hear a message of joy if their minds were preoccupied with panic. How often has fear kept you from fully perceiving and accepting the good news that God sends your way? Think about what you’re feeling afraid of right now. The fear of failure can stop you from trying something new or stepping out in faith, even when God is calling you to do so. The fear of rejection can keep you silent about your faith or cause you to hide your true self, making you feel isolated instead of enjoying the relationships God wants you to enjoy. The fear of the unknown can push you to cling to your own plans and miss out on the wonderful, unexpected blessings God places in your path. Fear can be like static that interferes with your ability to hear God’s clear voice being broadcast to you. On the first Christmas, God gave the shepherds the ultimate good news, that the world’s Savior had arrived. But God continues to give good news every day. When you’re afraid, you can miss the good news God is trying to deliver to you. In order to hear it clearly, you have to follow the angel’s simple command: “Do not be afraid.” You can do so by focusing on the news rather than the noise. The shepherds looked at the terrifying glory of God, but they didn’t let their fear of it stop them from listening to the angel delivering God’s message. You need to focus on God speaking to you through his Holy Spirit (the news) instead of on the circumstances that are making you feel afraid (the noise). God’s good news for you will cause you to experience great joy. Joy is much greater than happiness – it’s a strong confidence that, because the Savior is here with you, everything (even the most challenging circumstances) will ultimately work out well for you. So, the next time fear tries to interfere with you hearing God’s messages, remind yourself of the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid.” Push past your fear, open your mind and heart, and listen carefully. Joy is waiting for you! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to overcome fear to hear God’s good news for you, reflect on these questions: What type of fear (such as the fear of failure or the fear of rejection) is making it hard for you to hear God’s positive messages for you right now? In what areas of your life have you let the “glory of the Lord” – God’s presence – cause you to panic instead of paying close attention to God’s messages? How can reminding yourself that Jesus is the world’s Savior, with unlimited power, help you silence fearful thoughts? What’s one “good news” message – like one of God’s promises – from the Bible that you can focus on to replace a recurring fear? The angel promised “great joy.” How can you take a step of faith this week to move out of fear and toward embracing joy? Further Reading:Isaiah 41:10Psalm 56:32 Timothy 1:7John 14:271 John 4:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice—it’s a Christ-shaped way of living. Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us that thankful hearts grow strong roots, and Jesus’ life shows us exactly what that looks like. From praising the Father in unexpected moments to giving thanks over a meal that seemed far too small, Jesus modeled a rhythm of gratitude that was thoughtful, generous, and deeply intentional. His example invites us to slow down and notice the countless opportunities we have each day to respond with thanksgiving. Highlights Jesus expressed gratitude with insight—recognizing God’s work even when others overlooked it (Matthew 11:25). He gave thanks generously, blessing God for resources that seemed insignificant and sharing them freely (John 6:11). His gratitude fueled goodness toward others, shaping a life of compassion and service (Luke 6:31; Acts 10:38). Jesus demonstrated thankfulness in everything, from daily provision to His final moments before the cross (Ephesians 5:20; Matthew 26:27). His ultimate act of gratitude came through sacrifice—offering His body and blood for our salvation (Luke 22:19). A thankful life reflects the heart of Christ and keeps us rooted in God’s faithfulness. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: What Jesus Modeled about Gratitude By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7 How many times do we miss opportunities to express gratitude to God? Most likely, for some of us, there are too many for us to count. So, when it comes to learning how to show gratitude, especially to God, where do we look for a mentor? Of course, Jesus tops the list in demonstrating it to us, being perfect in all His ways and actions. After all, He is the Savior of the world, along with being fully man and fully God, understanding both how we as humans think, feel, and respond in earthly situations and also how God views and receives gratitude. How Jesus Modeled Gratitude In looking at Jesus’ life on earth, we discover ways He modeled gratitude, along with how we can follow His example. The following are five ways we can model gratitude to God and those around us, as Christ did on earth. Jesus modeled insightful gratitude. Often, individuals, some Christians included, may miss opportunities to express gratitude, missing the insightfulness Jesus demonstrated in all He did on earth. Matthew 11:25 reveals how Jesus recognized an opportunity to show gratitude to God for revealing to children what is hidden from the intellectual and educated individuals on earth. “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” It was an observance and revelation of sorts, yet Jesus took the time, place, and opportunity to publicly express gratitude to God. Jesus modeled generous gratitude. When it came to expressing gratitude to God, Jesus didn’t skip over it, even when it involved a hungry crowd. The Apostle John describes in John 6:11 where, “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” Some may feel like five barley loaves and two fish were hardly worth showing gratitude to God, such a seemingly small amount, more like a snack. As well, to share what seemed like an insignificant amount of food so generously, letting people have as much as they wanted. If most of us were sharing it, we probably would have tried to limit it to each person, knowing we started with a small amount. Jesus modeled do-gooder gratitude. Gratitude to God flows through us, encouraging us to express the gratitude we have to God and to others. Jesus says in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Acts 10:38 describes how He accomplished it, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” Jesus modeled thankfulness in everything. Some may laugh at those of us who are continually thanking God for what seem like little things in life, but doing so helps our hearts to remain thankful throughout our days. As Ephesians 5:20 urges, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” From sharing a small lunch to sharing the truth about God’s love, Jesus expressed gratitude for all that He had, including laying down His life for us, expressing a heart of gratitude to God His Father. Even when His life on earth was about to end, He modeled it in Matthew 26:27, “Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’” Jesus modeled gratitude through sacrifice. He didn’t hold anything back from us, including the life we receive from His body being broken and blood poured out for our Salvation, as demonstrated in Luke 22:19: “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Intersecting Faith & Life: As words to the old hymn go, with hearts full of gratitude, we can sing and thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice. “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great Salvation so rich and free.” Further Reading: 4 Ways Gratitude Can Change Your MindsetMaking Do-Gooding A Way of Life Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dwelling with God isn’t just a promise for the afterlife—it’s an invitation for every day here on Earth. Psalm 27:4 reminds us that we can seek God’s presence, gaze upon His beauty, and live fully in His house all the days of our lives. Like the ancient Israelites, we can cultivate a life that delights in God’s nearness, experiencing His presence in the everyday moments of life. Highlights The ancient Israelites focused on dwelling with God daily, not just awaiting the afterlife. Psalm 27:4 emphasizes seeking God’s presence and enjoying His beauty each day. God’s Word offers guidance to live in His presence, cultivating intimacy with Him. Modern Christians can learn to prioritize daily communion with God over merely anticipating Heaven. Dwelling with the Lord transforms ordinary life into a space of worship, peace, and purpose. Experiencing God now strengthens faith and prepares hearts for eternity. Living in God’s presence is a daily choice—actively seeking Him in our routines. Join the Conversation How do you intentionally dwell with God in your daily life? What practices help you experience His presence right here, right now? Share your reflections using #DwellingWithGod #FaithInThePresent #LivingWithTheLord.

In Pursue Righteousness and Kindness, Whitney Hopler reflects on Proverbs 21:21 and reveals how righteousness and kindness are designed to work hand in hand in the life of a believer. Too often, we separate the two—valuing truth over grace or compassion over conviction—but Scripture reminds us that real holiness comes from their balance. True righteousness isn’t rigid, and true kindness isn’t weak; together, they mirror the heart of Jesus, who perfectly embodied both truth and love in every word and action. Highlights Proverbs 21:21 connects righteousness and kindness as virtues meant to be pursued together. Righteousness without kindness can lead to self-righteousness and harshness. Kindness without righteousness can turn into people-pleasing and compromise. Jesus modeled perfect balance—He stood firmly for truth while showing compassion to sinners. Pursuing both virtues leads to spiritual growth, deeper relationships, and the fullness of life God promises. Living with both conviction and compassion points others toward God’s truth and love. Join the Conversation Do you find it easier to stand for truth or to lead with kindness? How can you bring more balance between the two in your life this week? Share your reflections and examples of living out Proverbs 21:21. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #PursueRighteousness #LiveKindly #FaithInAction to join the conversation.

The Mirror & the Mural: A Tale of a King's Choice. Showing Up to Life "As if, Literally"

God’s faithfulness is as constant as the sun, moon, and stars. Drawing from James 1:17, this devotional illustrates how the “Father of the heavenly lights” faithfully provides good and perfect gifts to His children, even amidst the shifting shadows of life. Highlights God’s faithfulness mirrors the steady appearance of the sun, moon, and stars. Everyday blessings—like food, family, and life itself—are gifts from the Heavenly Father. Even in difficult seasons, God’s goodness is constant, visible through both large and small acts of provision. Unlike fleeting shadows or changing circumstances, God’s character and love never waver. Practicing gratitude allows us to recognize and receive His blessings in our daily lives. Join the Conversation How has God’s faithfulness been evident in your life? Share how you recognize His daily blessings and encourage others to look up and give thanks. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #HeavenlyLights #FaithfulGod #GratefulHeart to join the conversation.

In Let God Light a Fire in You, Whitney Hopler invites readers to experience the transforming power of God’s fire—a divine flame that purifies, strengthens, and ignites faith. Drawing from Hebrews 12:28-29, this devotional reminds us that while the world is shakable, God’s kingdom remains unshakable, offering us refuge, renewal, and purpose. When we draw near to His consuming fire, He burns away fear and sin, filling our hearts with passion, gratitude, and awe for His unchanging love. Highlights God’s fire purifies and refines, removing sin, fear, and doubt while igniting deeper passion for Him. Hebrews 12:28-29 assures believers that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken—unlike the instability of the world around us. True worship flows from reverence and awe, as we encounter God’s holiness and power more personally. Gratitude fuels worship: focusing on God’s faithfulness anchors us amid uncertainty. As we invite God to light His fire in our hearts, we reflect His light to others and grow stronger in faith. Join the Conversation How has God’s fire refined or reignited your faith lately? What areas of your life need His purifying touch or renewed passion? Share your reflections with @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithOnFire #UnshakableKingdom #GodsConsumingFire and inspire others to draw closer to His light.

Whitney Hopler reminds us in Run Hard and Fast in Faith that each day is a gift from God, and we are called to live it with purpose, wonder, and faith. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:11-12, this devotional encourages believers to seize the life God has called them to, embracing His love, pursuing righteousness, and living intentionally for eternal impact. Highlights Every day is a gift from God, filled with opportunities to live intentionally. Pursue a righteous life marked by wonder, faith, love, steadiness, and courtesy (1 Tim. 6:11-12). Recognizing God’s work in our lives strengthens faith and inspires action. Living with intention helps us focus on what has eternal value, despite daily distractions. Running hard in faith brings us closer to Jesus and aligns our lives with His purpose. Join the Conversation What does “running hard and fast in faith” look like in your daily life? How can you focus more on God’s work and presence today? Share your reflections, inspire others to live intentionally, and join the conversation with @LifeAudioNetwork using #RunInFaith #SeizeTheDay #FaithInAction.

Grief and loss can feel like ashes, but God promises to bring beauty, strength, and hope out of our pain. In Become Like an Oak Tree, Whitney Hopler reflects on Isaiah 61:2-3, reminding us that God grows us into “oaks of righteousness”—deeply rooted in His love, resilient through life’s storms, and a living display of His splendor. Highlights God transforms mourning into joy and despair into praise (Isaiah 61:2-3). Oak trees symbolize strength, endurance, and deep-rooted faith. Trials and grief become the soil where God plants new hope. Spiritual roots—through prayer, worship, and trust—anchor us in storms. Our testimony of faith gives others shade, comfort, and encouragement. Join the Conversation Where have you seen God bring beauty out of your ashes? Share your story and encourage others to stay rooted in faith. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #OaksOfRighteousness #BeautyFromAshes #FaithThatEndures to join the conversation.

God still performs miracles today—and He invites us to pray big, bold prayers. In Habakkuk 3:2, the prophet asks God to repeat His wondrous deeds in their own time. Whitney Hopler shares a powerful personal story of her mother’s healing and salvation, showing how God responds when we dare to pray for something awesome. Highlights Habakkuk 3:2 reminds us to pray with awe and boldness Story of miraculous healing that led to salvation Why we often settle for small, “safe” prayers God’s power is the same yesterday, today, and forever How to expect God’s awesome work daily Join the Conversation What’s one bold prayer you’re asking God to answer? Share your story and encourage others to pray expectantly. Tag @LifeAudio and use #PrayBoldly #FaithInAction #GodStillMoves to join the community conversation.

Worry doesn’t have to dominate your life. In Turn Your Worries into Prayers, Whitney Hopler reflects on Psalm 34:4 and shares how prayer can transform fear into peace and courage. Listeners will learn practical steps for turning anxious thoughts into prayers, experiencing God’s strength in challenging situations, and trusting Him to guide their hearts even when circumstances don’t change. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking freedom from fear, deeper trust in God, and practical ways to make prayer a daily habit. ✨ Highlights Psalm 34:4: prayer frees us from fear Turning worry into prayer shifts attention from the problem to God God may not always change circumstances, but He strengthens and changes us Practical tips for praying immediately when fear arises Learning to walk with courage and peace through life’s challenges Reflection: identifying specific fears and giving them to God

Christian joy isn’t something to feel guilty about—it’s a gift from God. In Go Ahead and Enjoy Your Life, Whitney Hopler reflects on Ecclesiastes 9:7 and reminds us that God has already approved the simple pleasures that bring gladness to our hearts. From meals with friends to family adventures, enjoying life is part of our spiritual walk. Discover how embracing joy in everyday moments deepens your faith, relieves stress, and opens your eyes to the wonder of God’s work around you. ✨ Highlights Ecclesiastes 9:7: God’s approval for us to enjoy life’s blessings Why Christians often feel guilty about rest, leisure, or enjoyment—and how to let go of that guilt Joy as a spiritual practice: how savoring meals, nature, and meaningful connections can draw us closer to God The difference between God-honoring enjoyment and reckless indulgence Practical ways to recognize God’s presence in joyful experiences How gratitude and delight strengthen your relationship with Him

Every day, we face countless decisions—some small, some life-changing. In Discern What’s Best, Whitney Hopler shows how prayer, God’s guidance, and growing in spiritual insight help us make choices that honor Him and produce the fruit of righteousness. Drawing on Philippians 1:9-11, this episode explores how God-centered discernment, love, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance shape our daily decisions. Perfect for listeners seeking Christian decision-making guidance, spiritual growth, and clarity in life’s choices. ✨ Highlights How God’s love deepens knowledge and insight to help discern the best choices Practical ways to grow in discernment: prayer, Bible reading, and listening to the Holy Spirit Using discernment to align decisions with God’s will and produce the fruit of righteousness Reflecting on daily decisions through a spiritual lens for holiness and clarity Encouragement for integrating God-centered discernment into everyday life

Are you facing a situation that feels impossible to fix on your own? This devotional reminds us that God can do what we can’t do and invites us to fully trust Him in circumstances beyond our control. When we reach the limits of our own abilities, God’s power begins where ours ends. Drawing from Luke 18:27, we’re reminded that “what is impossible with man is possible with God.” Whether it’s a strained relationship, financial hardship, health struggle, or an unanswered prayer, God invites us to surrender our worries and rely on His strength, timing, and plan. ✨ Highlights God can do the impossible — Our limitations don’t limit Him. Faith grows in the waiting — Trusting God deepens when we surrender control. Prayer comes first — Instead of forcing solutions, bring your needs to God first. Surrender releases peace — Handing our impossible situations to God allows us to rest in His power. God’s strength shines through weakness — Our struggles become opportunities for Him to display His glory.

Mornings can feel overwhelming when to-do lists, responsibilities, and worries start piling up the moment you wake up. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reminds us that Psalm 46:5 offers a powerful promise: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” When we start our mornings with prayer, invite God into our schedules, and trust His guidance, we can face even the busiest days with peace and confidence. God’s presence is constant, His help is timely, and His strength is enough for whatever comes our way. Highlights Why mornings matter — how starting your day with God’s help sets the tone for peace and focus The promise of Psalm 46:5: God’s presence keeps us steady and secure Practical tips for beginning your morning with God: Pray first — surrender your worries and ask for His strength Read Scripture — meditate on God’s promises for the day ahead Declare truth — speak God’s Word aloud and align your mindset with His promises How trusting God at the start of the day shapes your response to challenges Why September’s busy seasons are an opportunity to rely more on God’s help

In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” But what does that really mean when life is full of stress, setbacks, and struggles? Whitney Hopler explores the difference between happiness and true joy, showing us that rejoicing in the Lord is possible even in life’s hardest moments. Drawing from Paul’s prison writings and personal reflections, this devotional reminds us that joy is not based on circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s unchanging presence and love. ✨ Highlights Why joy and happiness are not the same—and why joy lasts How to rejoice in the Lord even during trials and stress Paul’s example of choosing joy while imprisoned for his faith Practical ways to cultivate daily joy, like gratitude and noticing God’s wonder A reminder that joy isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of God

What will people remember about you when your life is over? This devotional explores what it means to leave behind a faithful legacy that blesses future generations. Through the surprising story of Alfred Nobel, who transformed his reputation from an inventor of explosives to the founder of the Nobel Prizes, we’re reminded that it’s never too late to change your impact. A legacy isn’t just about wealth — it’s about the values, faith, and love we pass on to others. God calls us to focus on what has eternal value and to intentionally build an inheritance of faith, character, and purpose for those who come after us. ✨ Highlights The surprising lesson from Alfred Nobel’s mistaken obituary and how it changed his life Why your legacy is more than money — it includes faith, character, wisdom, and prayer How Proverbs 13:22 challenges us to focus on eternal impact over temporary success Practical ways to build a faithful legacy through daily habits and intentional choices Encouragement that it’s never too late to start fresh with God and inspire future generations

Whitney Hopler reflects on the power of encouragement through the lens of 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Drawing inspiration from her father’s lifelong friendship with Hibbie, Whitney reminds us how simple acts of support, prayer, and love can bring God’s light into a hurting world. True Christian encouragement strengthens relationships, spreads hope, and reflects God’s heart for His people. ✨ Highlights Why encouraging others is a reflection of God’s love in action How simple words and gestures can strengthen someone’s faith The multiplying effect of encouragement—how it inspires others to pass it on Practical ways to uplift friends, family, and community members in need A biblical reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to build one another up daily

In 1953, dogs and livestock in Bladenboro, North Carolina began turning up dead with their skulls crushed flat and their bodies completely drained of blood, while witnesses reported seeing a massive cat-like creature that made sounds like a woman screaming. Over 70 years later, similar attacks still occur in the area, and despite massive hunts involving over a thousand people, no one has ever caught or identified what's killing these animals.Join the DARKNESS SYNDICATE: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateTake the WEIRD DARKNESS LISTENER SURVEY and help mold the future of the podcast: https://weirddarkness.com/surveyIN THIS EPISODE: Every part of the world seems to have its own share of cryptids – and sometimes, creatures that are unique to that area. For example, along with the ubiquitous Bigfoot, you might have heard about North Carolina's “Moon-Eyed People”, or “The Wampus Cat”. But I'm guessing you've not heard about what some call “The Vampire Beast” of Bladenboro. (The Beast of Bladenboro) *** The story of Isabella Guzman went viral on TikTok six years after she was convicted of the murder of her mother. During the trial she claimed she was abused… then she pleaded insanity. But one good thing did come from the trial… a serious discussion about mental illness. (Isabella Guzman: The Viral Teenage Killer) *** If you're a proponent of execution – no judgement here, just go with me – the only way to see that through is to have someone push the button, flip the switch, pull the trigger, or whatever method is being used in order to snuff out the life of the soon-to-be-dead inmate. Someone has to get their hands dirty, metaphorically speaking. And even if you think you'd have the stomach and determination to do the job – let me ask you this. Would you be okay with literally getting your hands bloody? Would you survive as a Medieval executioner, using an axe to chop off your victims heads? What would life be like with that job? (Life As a Medieval Executioner) *** We've all heard of cryptids like Bigfoot, Mothman, the Loch Ness Monster, the Jersey Devil, the Dogman, and so on. But have you ever heard of a cryptid that isn't flesh and blood, but were made of plants? (Plant-Based Cryptids)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:00:50.719 = Show Open00:03:28.752 = The Beast of Bladenboro00:16:54.272 = Isabella Guzman: The Viral Teenage Killer00:28:02.010 = Life As a Medieval Executioner00:42:10.235 = Plant-Based Cryptids00:57:10.799 = Show CloseSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Plant-Based Cryptids” by Amanda Boisen for Graveyard Shift: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2hdatwb9“Isabella Guzman: The Viral Teenage Killer” by Patrick Thornton for Unspeakable Crimes:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p84bssv“Life As a Medieval Executioner” by Aleksa Vuckovic for Ancient Origins: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p97sj76“The Beast of Bladenboro” by Laura Allan for Ranker: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p9hcnaw=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: September 19, 2023EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/BeastOfBladenboro#BeastOfBladenboro #NorthCarolinaCryptid #VampireBeast #CryptidSightings #BloodDrainingCreature #1953Monster #BladenboroMonster #AmericanCryptids #VampireAnimals #UnexplainedKillings #DogAttacks #MysteriousBeast #CatLikeCreature #Cryptozoology #AnimalMutilations #BloodSuckingCreature #BeastFest #CryptidEncounters #MonsterHunt1954 #SouthernCryptids #TrueCryptidStories #RealMonsterSightings #MysteriousSounds #ScreamingCreature #UnsolvedMysteries #AmericanVampireLegends #NorthCarolinaLegends #MysteriousCreatures #SmallTownLegends #VampireCryptid #MysteriousPredator #CryptidEvidence #BeastTracks #AmericanFolklore #UnexplainedPhenomena #AnimalVampires #BabyCryingSounds #WomanScreamingSounds #CryptidKillings #UnsolvedCreatureCases #AmericanMonsters #ParanormalNorthCarolina #StrangeCreatures #CryptidFestival #WeirdDarkness #TrueHorror #CryptidsABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.