Podcasts about your daily prayer

Daily Meditation Life’s uncertainties can easily steal our peace and anchor us in fear. In this raw and relatable devotional, Keri Eichberger shares how she’s grappling with unknowns—family health issues, financial strains, and career uncertainties. Yet, amid the storm, she draws strength from Isaiah 46:4, a reminder that God’s care is constant and unwavering. This message invites you to lay down your burdens, lean into God’s promise of faithful provision, and find rest in His loving hands. Because even when you can’t see what’s next, you can be certain of God’s sustaining grace.

Graduation marks a pivotal moment—not only for students but for their families too. Whether it's elementary school, high school, or college, the milestone carries a mix of excitement, reflection, and uncertainty. In this heartfelt devotional, Laura Bailey opens up about watching her own daughter graduate and the bittersweet emotions that follow. As parents, we long for God to reveal His plan to our children in unmistakable ways. But often, His direction comes not in grandeur but in stillness. Through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings, Laura reminds us that God’s voice is most often heard in a gentle whisper. This episode is a prayer of hope and trust—that graduates of all ages will remain sensitive to the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit, and that parents can let go with confidence in God’s loving care.

Facing a sudden or chronic health diagnosis can be emotionally paralyzing, opening the door to worry, fear, and discouragement. In this moving devotional, Kristine Brown shares a deeply personal encounter with anxiety after receiving unsettling medical news. Her vulnerability points us back to the only source of true comfort and strength—Jesus Christ. Drawing from Philippians 4:6–7, Kristine reminds us that God’s peace is not only possible—it’s promised to those who turn to Him in prayer. Whether you’re the one enduring physical struggles or walking alongside a loved one, this message invites you to release fear and embrace the surpassing peace of Christ.

Just as deceptive weeds can creep into a healthy garden, pride often sneaks into our hearts, growing unnoticed among our accomplishments and even our service to God. Annie Yorty uses a vivid gardening metaphor to help us recognize how pride takes root and how we can humbly invite God to weed it out. Through reflection, Scripture, and prayer, we’re reminded to give glory to the true source of all our gifts: God alone. Themes Explored: The subtle danger of pride Recognizing the difference between self-glory and God-glory Daily humility as spiritual “weed control” Confession and dependence on God for heart inspection Living for God’s glory over our own Scripture Reference Jeremiah 9:23 (NLT) “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.’”

On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on the true meaning of this solemn holiday—not just a day of rest and recreation, but a time to remember and honor the men and women who laid down their lives in service to our country. Lynette Kittle takes us back to the origins of Memorial Day, offering historical perspective and spiritual comfort for those grieving their loss. Through Scripture and prayer, we are reminded that while their sacrifice brings sorrow, it also points to the ultimate hope we have in Christ. Themes Explored: The history and purpose of Memorial Day Honoring military sacrifice with reverence and gratitude The eternal hope for those who die in Christ Comfort for grieving families The call to remember freedom's cost Scripture Reference John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

With the election of Pope Leo XIV—Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first American-born Pope—believers across all denominations are reminded of the biblical call to pray for leaders in high positions. In today’s devotional, Kyle Norman encourages us to set aside doctrinal differences and lift up this influential spiritual leader in prayer. Whether Catholic or Protestant, we are invited to pray for the Pope’s faith, humility, and boldness in gospel-centered leadership. Themes Explored: The biblical mandate to pray for leaders Unity in Christ beyond denominational lines The Pope’s global spiritual influence Temptations in ministry and the need for prayer A heart for gospel proclamation Scripture Reference 1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Graduation is a time of excitement, transition, and growth—but also uncertainty and change. In today’s devotional, Alicia Searl offers heartfelt encouragement and a prayer for graduates stepping into a brand-new chapter. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, listeners are reminded of the importance of building their life on the solid rock of faith. Whether on a mountaintop or in a valley, God is faithful, present, and ready to guide each step forward. Themes Explored: Encouragement for graduates Building a foundation on Christ Trusting God in new seasons The importance of godly community Spiritual preparation for the future Scripture References Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Today’s episode is a beautiful reminder that a “no” from God is never the end of the story—it may just be a “not yet.” Chelsey DeMatteis shares a powerful testimony of how God brought full-circle redemption to a door that was once closed. As we look to Matthew 2 and reflect on God leading Mary, Joseph, and Jesus back to Egypt—a place once synonymous with captivity—we see the incredible ways God repurposes our past for His glory. Let today’s prayer renew your faith in God’s timing and goodness. Themes explored: Trusting God when doors close Patience in waiting seasons Full-circle redemption Boldness to share testimony God’s sovereignty in our calling Scripture References Matthew 2:13–15 “After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,’ the angel said…”

Reclaim the greatest commandment as your compass: Love God, love yourself, love others—starting in this very moment. - Gem Fadling, host of the Unhurried Living Podcast In today's Your Daily Prayer episode, Gem Fadling leads us into a grounding reflection on love and presence—two seemingly simple but profoundly powerful spiritual practices. In a world overwhelmed by noise, division, and distraction, we are invited to return to Jesus’ greatest commandment: to love God and love others. This devotional reminds us that real transformation begins with being fully present in God’s love and allowing that love to overflow to ourselves and to those around us. Themes explored: Jesus’ greatest commandment Living with intentional love Practicing presence in a distracted world Loving ourselves as God loves us Spiritual grounding in God’s unchanging presence Scripture References Mark 12:28–31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. … Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Regardless of where life takes us, let’s hold onto hope. Let’s live our days with joyful anticipation of the good God will certainly continue to pour out into our lives. Let’s trust that God’s mighty, caring hand is working on his master, good plan. Even right now through what isn’t going as you planned. Know that he will lift you up in due time. - Keri Eichberger Today’s episode of Your Daily Prayer speaks directly to those wrestling with disappointment when life doesn’t go as planned. Keri Eichberger shares personal moments of heartbreak and missed expectations, reminding us that even in life's detours, God's plan is still good. This devotional invites listeners to release their anxious striving and to trust in God’s timing, provision, and care. Topics covered: Trusting God through unexpected setbacks Finding hope in disappointment Surrendering our plans to God's will God’s sovereignty and timing Holding tightly to eternal hope Scripture References 1 Peter 5:6–7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Some of us will get long-term illnesses and others will not, but we will all face illness and suffering of some sort. It is helpful to remember that though God allows our fallen world to continue, He is not the author of anything evil. Rather, He is the Author of everything good. We can trust that He will carry us through all our earthly days. - Vivian Bricker In today’s episode of Your Daily Prayer, Vivian Bricker offers an honest and heartfelt reflection on walking with God through the ongoing struggles of long-term illness. Sharing from her personal journey with Crohn’s disease and other health challenges, Vivian reminds us that even in suffering, God’s presence is a source of daily strength, hope, and healing. Topics covered: Chronic illness and daily faith Finding God’s strength in weakness Recognizing unexpected blessings Living with hope in suffering God’s comfort for the sick Scripture References Psalm 41:3 “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

As you walk in the ways of the Lord, be steadfast in the pursuit of His Word. It will lead and guide you to a deeper understanding of your Father’s heart and give you a glimpse into all He desires for your life. - Chelsey DeMatteis In today’s episode of Your Daily Prayer, Chelsey DeMatteis shares a heartfelt reflection on the power of repentance and the comfort found in God's Word—especially through the Psalms. Drawing from Psalm 91 and Psalm 119, she encourages us to seek God as our refuge, bring our whole selves before Him, and embrace His forgiveness and grace. Topics covered: Why the Psalms are vital for spiritual growth How God’s Word leads us to repentance Trusting God as our refuge and fortress The transforming power of Scripture Encouragement to boldly share God’s truth with others Scripture References Psalm 91:1–2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

In today’s episode of Your Daily Prayer, Kyle Norman explores the profound spiritual challenge and invitation of Isaiah 6:8—God’s call to step into His purpose with the words, “Here I am, send me.” This devotion reflects on the fear, self-doubt, and hesitation that often accompany God’s call, using examples from biblical figures like Moses, Sarah, Jeremiah, and Peter to highlight that reluctance is a natural human response. But God’s call persists, not because of our perfection, but because of His grace. Whether you’re feeling unworthy, unprepared, or unsure, this prayer will encourage you to trust that God equips those He calls and invites you to boldly respond with faith. Topics covered: The meaning and challenge behind Isaiah 6:8 Biblical examples of hesitation and God's patient call Why God’s call is rooted in His grace, not our qualifications Encouragement for those discerning their purpose or ministry A prayer for boldness and surrender to God’s will Scripture References Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”

Have you had an encounter with God that has impacted and changed your life for the better, one or more experiences that have caused spiritual growth in your life? Sharing our personal spiritual experiences with others helps to encourage them that God loves them and is present and interested in our lives, ever willing to help us. - Lynette Kittle In this episode of Your Daily Prayer, Lynette Kittle invites listeners to reflect on how we can actively prepare our hearts for a deeper relationship with God. Using Acts 17:26–27 as a foundation, she offers four biblical ways to pursue spiritual growth: seeking God, reading Scripture, inviting the Holy Spirit’s teaching, and maintaining a life of prayer. If you've ever felt distant from God or longed for more personal connection with Him, this prayerful devotion offers practical encouragement and Scriptural truth to draw near and grow in faith. Topics covered: How to cultivate your heart for spiritual growth God’s desire for personal connection with us The essential role of Scripture and prayer Inviting the Holy Spirit’s guidance Encouragement for those feeling spiritually dry or distant Scripture References Acts 17:26–27 (NIV) “From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.”

You may be walking through a really difficult time or situation. But it is through our struggles—and always—that we need more Jesus. More hope in his goodness. More hope in him. And when we choose hope, we will find more patience. And when we find more patience, we will find so many more reasons to praise, and so much more joy…in him. - Keri Eichberger In this episode of Your Daily Prayer, Keri Eichberger opens up about battling chronic back pain and the temptation to slip into a pit of impatience and self-pity. She shares a powerful realization from Romans 8:25 and a timely reminder: we don’t need quick solutions—we need more of Jesus. Listeners will be encouraged to shift their focus from complaints to Christ, discovering the joy and peace that come from choosing hope in Him, especially during seasons of waiting or suffering. Topics covered: Navigating suffering with spiritual patience Why complaining robs us of joy Learning to wait with hope and composure (Romans 8:25) Choosing Jesus over quick fixes Practical encouragement for hard seasons Scripture Reference Romans 8:25 (NIV) “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

"Whether death for us comes first or the rapture happens, we will see our loved ones again. And this is the hope that keeps me going every day. Sure, my mom isn’t with me right now; however, Jesus is with me, and He is with her too." - Vivian Bricker In this poignant episode of Your Daily Prayer, Vivian Bricker reflects on the anniversary of her mother’s passing, sharing a raw and honest account of how grief continues to shape her life. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, she reminds us that we are not without hope—because Jesus has overcome death.This devotional and prayer are especially for anyone who is remembering a loved one today and seeking peace and comfort in the presence of God. Topics covered: Coping with the anniversary of a loved one’s death Processing long-term grief and trauma responses Honest emotions in prayer Finding hope in Christ’s resurrection Trusting God with our deepest pain Scripture Reference:

As we approach Mother's Day, I want to remind you, dear mom, that it's okay to acknowledge when motherhood feels too heavy to carry. It's okay to cry out to God when you're overwhelmed. In fact, it's in those raw, honest moments of surrender that we often experience His presence most powerfully. - Rachel Wojo Thank you for listening to Your Daily Prayer. I'd love for you to follow me on the Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo podcast, where I help you pray to clear your head and calm your heart in the chaos of life. If you're a mom who struggles with feeling overwhelmed, I want to invite you to check out my "31 Prayers for a Mom's Heart" prayer cards. These cards were born out of my own journey through the beautiful chaos of motherhood and are designed to meet you right where you are—whether you're overwhelmed, exhausted, feeling guilty, or simply trying to find joy in the midst of it all. Each prayer speaks to a specific need in a mother's heart and reminds you that you're not alone on this journey. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever gone through a season where your prayers feel like they're hitting the ceiling? Where your Bible sits unopened for days, maybe even weeks? I've been there before. You know that dry, hollow feeling when the spiritual rhythms that once brought you joy now feel like obligations? - Rachel Wojo Thank you for listening to Your Daily Prayer. I'd love for you to follow me on the Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo podcast, where I help you pray to clear your head and calm your heart in the chaos of life. If you're looking for guidance on deepening your prayer life in tough times, I invite you to check out my new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. You'll find real-life stories, prayers, and practical ways to connect with God when you need Him most. You can learn more at desperateprayers.com. The link is in the show notes. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your Daily Prayer

Your Daily Prayer

Your Daily Prayer

Your Daily Prayer

Your Daily Prayer

In this episode of Your Daily Prayer, we focus on "A Lenten Prayer for God to Bring Beauty from Ashes." As we enter this reflective season, we are reminded of the profound truth that God can transform our pain, loss, and struggles into something beautiful. This prayer invites us to surrender our burdens and trust in God’s ability to create hope and renewal even in our darkest moments.SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Crosswalk the Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's Bible Verse: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 21:4 This is it! Our top most downloaded episode of the year! Surprisingly, this is another episode from 2021. As we take a break for the holiday season, we’re thrilled to share the top downloaded episodes of the year from "Your Daily Bible Verse." These powerful messages have deeply resonated with you, offering inspiration and encouragement throughout the year. We hope these episodes continue to uplift you during this festive time. Be sure to tune in for more enriching content when we return in January 13th. Thank you for being a valued part of our community! We will be back to our regular programming on Monday! SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Crosswalk the Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s Bible Verse: "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." - 1 Peter 2:23 A wonderful throwback to 2021. This episode was our 3rd most downloaded this year! As we take a break for the holiday season, we’re thrilled to share the top downloaded episodes of the year from "Your Daily Bible Verse." These powerful messages have deeply resonated with you, offering inspiration and encouragement throughout the year. We hope these episodes continue to uplift you during this festive time. Be sure to tune in for more enriching content when we return in January 13th. Thank you for being a valued part of our community! The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Check out our new marriage podcast - Team Us: https://www.lifeaudio.com/team-us/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Crosswalk the Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we dive into the theme of "What New Mercies Mean for the New Year," reflecting on the profound concept of God’s mercies being renewed each day. We’ll explore how these fresh mercies empower us to let go of past burdens and embrace new beginnings with hope and resilience. Discover practical ways to recognize and celebrate God’s faithfulness as you step into the new year. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear how you interpret the idea of new mercies in your life. What does it mean for you as you enter this new year? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How can we encourage each other to fully embrace the new mercies God offers us? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV One of my favorite times in the morning is before the sun rises. I get up while it is still dark, grab my journal and Bible and head downstairs. I turn on the coffee and go sit on the couch while I wait for it to brew. Those are the moments when the house is quiet and I get to sit and just breathe and relax. Although I am still a little sleepy, I open my journal or my Bible and start with prayer. Over the past thirty years of walking with God I have met with God in a variety of ways and times during the day. But there is something special about getting up and watching the sun rise while meditating on His Word. The sun reminds us that God is faithful. Everyday we do not doubt the the sun will rise. We believe, no matter what is going on in our world, the sun will shine. It might be cloudy and stormy, but the sun eventually comes out. Every morning we have this physical reminder of a powerful truth from God’s Word. In the book of Lamentations the author mourns and cries out to God because horror and destruction surround him on a daily basis. He wakes up each morning and hears more bad news. We can surely relate to that! In the middle of this book we see a shift in His perspective. Instead of waking up and focusing on all of the bad news, the author of Lamentations says he wakes up and thinks about the faithfulness of God. Each morning we have a reminder in the sun that God will be faithful but when I think about a New Year I am also encouraged with the thought that “new mercies” are waiting for me as well. Yes, we have God with us each day, but each year, at beginning as we feel that fresh new start we can take moment and think about what new mercies mean for the new year. First, we see that God’s compassion and mercy are linked together. The word for “compassion” can also mean tender love, like a mother has for the child growing in her womb. God loves us so deeply, so tenderly, so intimately and this should give us reason to trust Him in the coming year. Maybe this past year has been hard when it comes to love. People tend to disappoint us and cannot love us perfectly. This is not God. In this new year may we come to God freely knowing that His compassion and tender love is waiting for us. We also see God’s mercies are directly related to God’s faithfulness. Maybe you are like me and don’t make new year’s resolutions. I often have a general idea of what kind of goals I want to accomplish. As I’ve gotten older I feel more discouraged at the end of the year if I make to many goals. I’m not always faithful to do the things I set out to do in the new year. When it comes to my faithfulness I am always falling short. God is not like that. His faithfulness is never wavering. We can trust and believe that God is working. Maybe we can’t see how He is working or if it will work out, but these verses give us this hope that God is faithful, even if we are not. Because of God’s tender love and faithfulness our response should be to wait and seek Him. Although this new year might mean we will face trouble or trials, we will not be out from under the hands of God. He is our salvation and He is good. No matter what bad news might be around the corner this year, we can rejoice in our faithful, merciful, and tender-loving God. May we allow Him to work this year in bringing us closer to Him! Even though the circumstances hadn’t changed but the author of Lamentations, still declared: “It is good that one should hope…” God’s tender love, mercy, and faithfulness is reason to hope. It isn’t up to us and God will always come through. No matter the disappointments that have followed us into this new year, you and I can have hope. John Piper says,“biblical hope is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future.” Let’s enter this new year with that kind of hope - based on God’s new mercies. Each day the sun rises, hang on to the hope that we can expect good in our future! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how God’s faithfulness and mercy was a part of your life in the past year, reflect on these questions as they relate to the coming new year. In what ways did God show you His tender love in 2024? How did God reveal His faithfulness to you in 2024? What answer to prayers did you receive in 2024? What prayer(s) are you praying for 2025? Further Reading: Deuteronomy 7:9 2 Thessaliens 3:3 Hebrews 13:8 Revelation 19:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we focus on the theme of "Beginning Again This New Year," exploring the concept of renewal and the fresh opportunities that come with a new year. We’ll discuss practical steps for letting go of the past and embracing new possibilities, drawing inspiration from Scripture. Learn how to set intentions that align with your faith, cultivate a spirit of gratitude, and trust in God’s guidance as you embark on this journey of transformation. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on what it means to begin again this new year. How do you feel God is calling you to start fresh? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What steps are you taking to embrace new opportunities and experiences in the year ahead? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Beginning Again this New Year By Lynette Kittle “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”—Lamentations 3:22-23 How many of us have waited, planned, and began a new year with our hearts and minds set on a new attitude, outlook, and goal, only to lose steam a few weeks or even days or hours into the new calendar year? Still, New Year’s Day offers individuals hopes of a fresh start, a new beginning, with the incentive of moving away from past disappointments and failures, a day that seems more than any other day of the year to encourage us to start anew and begin again with a clean slate. Sadly, though, many of us, if not most, give up if we falter or slip up on this new lease on life, thinking we’ll just have to wait until the next calendar year to start over again. Everyday With God Is A New Beginning But a new beginning doesn’t have to wait for another year to begin because God understands our weaknesses and frailties and doesn’t set us up to only have one opportunity a year to start over. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 explains, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” God is all for leaving the past behind us and starting anew, urging us in Isaiah 43:18 to “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. He is all about making things new again, as stated in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Beginning Again Starts In Our Hearts But how does this happen in our lives? Exodus 36:26 describes what God wants to do for each and everyone of us, when we seek to start anew with Him. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” It’s a new life process God begins within us that is fulfilled by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. As the Apostle Paul explains, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). King David Knew How to Begin Anew Starting anew involves being open to God’s instruction. As Psalm 25:5 reveals, King David knew how to ask God for His instruction. “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” For many, looking at David’s life is a mixed bag. Although it seemed he relied heavily on God to teach him to do His will, having a tender, teachable heart, as expressed through his passionate psalms. He seemed to be constantly asking God for guidance, understanding that he couldn’t do it on his own, relying on God to lead him. Likewise, in Psalm 119:12, David understood the importance of praise in preparing him to receive God’s instruction. “Praise be to you, Lord; teach me Your decrees.” Yet we also read of David’s weaknesses: of being led into temptation by worldly passions, committing adultery, stealing another man’s wife, and committing murder, giving in and following the lusts of his heart. In no way did God condone David’s sin, and as Christians, it can be hard for us to understand how an individual who God placed in power could so easily fall into sin and yet still be . called by God a man after His own heart. Acts 13:22 describes God’s thoughts on him. “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” David’s life reveals how God truly gives us a way to begin anew each and every day, no matter the depth of our sins and weaknesses. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re struggling today to begin anew after falling short, feeling like you don’t deserve or have a right to ask for God’s help, be like David and reach out to God, asking Him to teach you His ways and start beginning again today. And if you fall tomorrow, don’t hesitate to ask God to help you start over again because His compassions never fail and are new every morning. Further Reading: Starting Over New Each Day https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/starting-over-new-each-day-the-crosswalk-devotional.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we explore the theme of "What Will Truly Transform Your Life In 2025" by examining the various ways God communicates His transformative power, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how embracing God’s promises can lead to profound change in the upcoming year. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on what you believe will truly transform your life in 2025. What aspects of faith and spirituality are you focusing on for growth? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you plan to seek God’s guidance and embrace transformation in the new year? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: New Year, Old You? What will Truly Transform Your Life in 2025Written By: Emma Danzey Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” It is a new year again and you feel a little pessimistic about the new year’s resolutions, or doing that discounted gym trial, or breaking that bad habit once and for all. To be honest, the concept of a fresh start and a new year can be a wonderful motivator to evaluate the areas of our lives, but what is the heart behind our desire to change? Do we want to be more beautiful to the world’s eyes, do we desire to make more money this year, or do we have our hearts set on achieving a goal we’ve never quite met? If you feel like it is a new year, but you are still the old you, then you are not alone. If resolutions and January challenges haven’t stuck yet in your life, maybe there is something deeper to “missing the mark” for your goals. 1. Ask yourself what does God want my goal to be this new year? 2. Think of the New Year as a time of confession and repentance from areas that are either struggles, due to living in this fallen world or sinful decisions. Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your heart to be in line with His own. 3. Keep your main goal as seeking God with your heart by daily reading the Bible. Did you know that your relationship with God has everything to do with whether you find true success? He reminds us that our goals should be eternal, not temporary. Anything temporary that we accomplish through Him is ultimately nothing in comparison to the treasures and eternally impactful decisions that we make on this earth. If you want a transformed life in 2025, seek Jesus and He will bless the eternal work and empower you by His Spirit to achieve the temporary goals too. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Bible, God’s Word, is alive and active. Its jobs is to divide what is true from what is false. It teaches us about our need for reconciliation to our Maker and the gospel of Jesus coming for the sins of the world for any who believe in Him. It reveals the sins and the attitudes of our hearts. I can set a physical goal all day long, but without the help of the Lord, I cannot accomplish this goal from an eternal mindset. My motivations will be from my flesh and not from the Spirit. Sure, someone could meet their goals and stick with them who is not seeking Christ, but think about the heart transformation that a believer in Jesus will experience if the new years goals come out of a heart of humility, seeking the Lord at His Word. His Word changes us, we cannot help but be transformed into His likeness when we read it with a pure heart. What if before we set our earthly goals, we make heavenly goals of the kind of son or daughter of God we hope to be this year, the ways we hope to grow in Spiritual maturity, or the daily choices we want His help to put into routine to mature in our faith through the Bible and prayer. Anything that we are trying to accomplish will be tested by Him. What are our motives? Are we in line with His will in them? If so, how can we rely on Him and the help of other believers to use these goals as platforms for the gospel? “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Nothing is hidden from the Lord. We are accountable to Him ultimately for how we live our lives and how we honor Him with them. May we be bold enough to ask Him to search our hearts and reveal sinful ways and boldly ask Him to transform us and lead us into true repentance that brings glory to Him. Intersecting Faith and Life: How will seeking Christ in the Bible regularly transform you this year? How does putting Christ first in your goal setting effect your personal goals? Why do you believe that it is only truly the work of the Spirit who can change your life and have eternal impact? Further Reading: Psalm 139:1-2 Romans 8:6 Galatians 5:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we explore the theme of "What God Promises to Provide for the New Year" by examining the various ways God communicates His plans and provisions, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how we can trust in His promises as we enter the new year. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you anticipate God's provision in your life as you approach the new year. What promises from Scripture give you hope and encouragement? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you plan to lean into God’s promises in the coming year? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: What God Promises to Provide for the New Year (Matthew 6:26-34) By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33, ESV My children lay their cups on the counter and I always fill them. If they are thirsty, I am happy to replenish their cups with a drink. Every time I do I think of my Heavenly Father who always provides for me as well. If we are in need, He will provide. You might be tempted to be think back to the pat year and wonder why God didn’t provide for you. Maybe there was no healing, or extra money, or closure. Maybe there are things in your l life that you think you need and they are not there. It is tempting to think that God’s provision is lacking. Matthew 6:26-34 is a great reminder from Jesus that God will always provide. In this passage Jesus says that God provides for even the sparrows, which were the most insignificant birds. Why would God not provide for His children, whom He loves? Jesus makes the case that if we need it, God will provide it! He says, “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Many times we need things from other people but they do not follow through or they fail to do the things we need them to do. God is not like that. He knows what we need. Not only that, He provides for it. What kinds of things does God provide for us? The Bible is filled with promises of God’s provision. Isaiah 41:10 - God provides help and strength. When we fear the future it is hard to believe that we will be able to endure it. God promises that He will help us, no matter what. John 16:33 & Isaiah 26:3 - God provides peace. When our minds are fixed and steady, thinking about God, God provides peace. We will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the worst enemy: death, so we can have peace no matter what we face. Psalm 32:8 - God provides instruction. God will teach us! As we study and read the Bible God promises to provide us with the guidance we need to live and obey Him. Deuteronomy 31:8 & Hebrews 13:5 - God provides His presence. Over and over again, in the Old and New Testament God promises to be with us. He will never leave us. Matthew 7:11 - God provides answers to prayers. In the very next chapter of Matthew Jesus is still talking about provision but this time it is how God answers prayers. God is giving us good gifts and prayer is one way to see those from God. Philippians 4:19 - God provides contentment when we give. The context of this verse Paul telling the Philippines that God has always given him what he needed but God would do the same for them. Why? Because they were givers! In Philippians 4:10-18 Paul says that because of their gifts to him and the churches God would give them what they needed. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - God provides escape from temptation. When we are tempted to sin, we can trust that God will always provide a way out of the temptation. We are no longer slaves to sin. 2 Corinthians 9:8 - God provides grace. No matter what struggle or trial we face God provides the grace to help us. Whether we need forgiveness for sins, or comfort from pain, God provides the grace for us. 2 Peter 3:13 - God will provide a heavenly home. God has promised to take us to heaven and give us a place in His kingdom. We are promised that one day we will live with Him and worship Him forever. James 5:15 - God provides forgiveness. God promises to provide forgiveness. No past sin is too big or too bad for God not to forgive. Jesus’ death on the cross is sufficient and we can trust God will forgive us. John 14:26 - God provides the Holy Spirit. As Jesus was leaving this earth and getting ready to die on the cross, He promised that the “helper” would come. This is the Holy Spirit. We have this 3rd Person of the Trinity to guide us, teach us, and comfort us. Matthew 11:29-30 - God provides rest. We might be weary and limping into this new year, but God says that when we come to Him He will give us rest. In Matthew Jesus gives us something to do while we wait on God to fulfill His promises. He says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) All the things we need will be provided for us, all we need to do is seek God! Put God first in our lives because it is then we have contentment and are able to see God’s provision. Read more of God’s promises here. https://sarahefrazer.com/2020/05/10-of-gods-promises-for-you/ Intersecting Faith & Life: Which of the above promises speaks to your heart today? Write it on an index card and memorize that verse. As we think about God’s promises we can take heart that they will indeed come true. How? Because of Jesus! For thousands of years Jesus was promised to come as the Messiah. Then He did. Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we know that God keeps His promises. How does knowing this help encourage you as you think about what God has promised to provide for you? Further Reading: Psalm 36:5 Psalm 119:116 Psalm 145:13 1 Corinthians 1:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we explore the theme of "Our Safe Place" by examining the various ways God communicates with His people, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how we can create space in our hearts for His voice. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you find safety and comfort in God's presence, especially during the Christmas season. How does the truth that God is your safe place resonate with you? Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you celebrate this sense of security and peace in your life, particularly during the holidays? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Our Safe Place By Alexis A. Goring “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” —Psalm 46:1 NIV Safety. We all crave it, especially when our world feels like it is spinning out of control. There have been times in my life when I felt like there is no safe place for us here on Earth. But in recent years, God helped me see that He is our safe place. I realize that no matter how unsafe our circumstances are and no matter where we live on this planet, we can go to God for safety. The Bible says that He is our refuge and strength. God is present when we face trouble. He can protect us and deliver us from evil. We just need to trust Him. There is a song by Karen Clark Sheard called “A Secret Place”. The opening lyrics of this song touch on how cruel this world can be, filling you with pain that pierces your soul. But, Sheard sings, there is a secret place where we can go for refuge. It is a place filled with peace and safety that only God can provide. A place where God’s love for you surrounds and heals your hurting heart. Sheard calls this place a “tabernacle”. It is not always a physical place on Earth like a literal modern-day church building, sanctuary or Biblical tabernacle. I believe Sheard is singing about having a place where you and God can meet in secret. Some call this their “prayer closet”. This can mean you walk into your actual closet where you hang your clothes and keep your shoes then make space to meet with God there. After watching the Christian movie “War Room” many people were inspired to create a prayer closet like Miss Clara’s. For those of you who have not seen that movie, allow me to explain what I mean. In the movie, Miss Clara (played by Karen Abercrombie), is an elderly woman with a strong prayer life. During a tour of her house that she is trying to sell, she shows her real estate agent (Elizabeth Jordan, played by Priscilla Shirer) her closet. As Miss Clara opens the door to her closet that is located inside her bedroom, she tells Elizabeth that this is her “war room”. As Elizabeth enters the small but spacious closet, she sees how Miss Clara made room in it to post her handwritten prayer requests written on paper onto the previous empty walls inside her closet. There are years-worth of prayer requests and praise reports from the prayers God has answered. Miss Clara didn’t just pray for her husband when he was alive; she prayed for everyone God put on her heart. She didn’t allow her mind to ruminate over the pain and problems in the world; Miss Clara sought God in prayer for victories she knew only He could accomplish. This is how she fought and won all her battles over the years. I would say that Miss Clara’s prayer closet “war room” was also her secret place that Sheard sings about because that was where she could shut the noisy world out and commune with God in a private, quiet, safe place. It probably is also where—outside of a Bible-believing church—she felt God’s presence strongest. It is clear to me that God comforted Miss Clara’s troubled heart every time she sought His Presence in her prayer closet. Miss Clara is a fictional character but the concept about having a prayer closet in real life is Biblical. The Bible says in Matthew 6:6 (NIV), “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Now the Bible doesn’t say exactly how or when God will reward you for spending time in secret prayer with Him, but it does say that we are blessed when we take refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8). I believe those blessings can mean that we gain a closer relationship with our Creator. We get to know Him better as our Heavenly Father and we feel safe in His arms. The Bible describes God as our “fortress” (Psalm 46:11). And the good news is we don’t need to have an actual closet to pray to Him in because God is literally everywhere in this world. We can seek refuge in Him anywhere we are on this planet. He is always with us. There is nowhere we can hide from God. He sees all and knows all (Hebrews 4:13). We can trust that He sees our pain that we experience when the world is cold and cruel. God wants us to come to Him for comfort and healing. The Bible says in Psalm 34:18 (NIV), “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When we go to God for safety, we can trust that with Him on our side, we are going to be okay. In closing, listen a song that Tasha Layton sings called “Into the Sea”. I believe it will encourage your heart. Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know that God is our safe place? Further Reading: Psalm 91:2 Psalm 9:9-10 Proverbs 18:10 Psalm 27:5 Psalm 107:28-31 "A Secret Place" by Karen Clark Sheard https://youtu.be/Arpe-DdVY10?si=CGkyWblG9f-xt1R7 "Into the Sea" by Tasha Layton https://youtu.be/8HznXBBCdBE?si=G0XDgGAMvEAt5WWu Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we explore the theme of "Make Room for Jesus" by examining the various ways God communicates with His people, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how we can create space in our hearts for His voice. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on the meaning of Immanuel and how you experience God’s presence in your life, especially during Christmas. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How has the truth that God is with you made a difference in your life, and how do you celebrate His presence this Christmas season? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Make Room for Jesus By: Whitney Hopler “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:6-7, NIV When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem for a census before Jesus was born, there was no room for them to stay. Despite centuries of prophecy, anticipation, and hope, no one made room for the newborn Jesus. Instead, Jesus was born in an animal stable, which was an unlikely beginning for the world’s Savior – yet one that reveals God’s loving humility. This lack of space for Jesus in Bethlehem has a message for us today. The Savior, then and now, seeks a place in our lives. But we, too, can often neglect making room for him when we’re too busy and stressed. Distractions and demands can crowd out Jesus, despite the fact that he offers us ultimate peace. If we don’t intentionally make room for Jesus in our hearts, minds, and lives, we risk missing out on the blessings Jesus wants to give us. Jesus wants to connect with us in our hearts. Yet emotions, attachments, ambitions, and even wounds can fill up our hearts and leave little room for receiving the love Jesus wants to give us. It’s easy to say we love Jesus, but are our hearts open to truly receive Jesus’ love day by day? Making room for Jesus in our hearts means allowing him to be our first love. It requires us to open our hearts vulnerably to Jesus, confessing and releasing the burdens, idols, and attachments that occupy valuable space. Only when we let go of these distractions can we experience the fullness of Jesus’ love. Jesus longs to give us a mindset that leads to peace and joy. However, too much of our mental energy can be consumed by worry, doubt, and the noise of endless information. Without realizing it, we might fill our minds with anxieties, trivial topics, or negative thoughts that push Jesus’ truth aside. Making room for Jesus in our minds involves consciously choosing to set our minds on what has eternal value. It means praying regularly, meditating on Bible passages, and asking the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. When we let Jesus transform our minds, we begin to view life through the lens of God’s wisdom, which enables us to trust Jesus more deeply. Finally, making room for Jesus in our lives means centering our daily decisions around our relationships with Jesus. It’s easy to keep Jesus in a “Sunday morning” or “quiet time” compartment, but true devotion calls us to integrate his presence into every part of our lives. What we fill our time and energy with speaks volumes about our priorities, and if our lives are full of lesser pursuits, it leaves little room for discovering the wonder of God’s work in our lives and joining that work by living with purpose. When we make room for Jesus, we become more aware of his guidance and more willing to follow where he leads – even if it takes us out of our comfort zone. When we make room for Jesus, we open ourselves to awe-inspiring transformation for the better. Jesus longs to work in and through us, but we must be willing to clear away the clutter that hinders his work in our lives. The people who didn’t make room for Jesus in Bethlehem likely had no idea they were turning away the Savior of the world. In the same way, we might overlook the small but vital ways Jesus wants to meet us each day. When we consciously invite Jesus into our hearts, minds, and lives, our spiritual growth accelerates. So, let’s make room for Jesus, and enjoy experiencing the blessings he wants to give us! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider the importance of making room for Jesus, reflect on these questions: Are there specific areas of your life that you have not yet fully surrendered to Jesus? What’s taking up room in your heart and mind right now that you’d like to let go of to make more room for Jesus? How can you rearrange your priorities and your schedule to get rid of unnecessary activities and allow more time to communicate with Jesus in prayer and meditation? In what ways has Jesus already shown you that he is present in your life, and how can you respond to him more fully? Further Reading Matthew 6:33 Revelation 3:20 Psalm 37:4 Romans 12:2 John 15:5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the profound truth behind the name Immanuel, meaning "God with us." The birth of Jesus marks the moment when God, in His love and grace, chose to dwell among us in human form. But what does it truly mean for us today that God is with us? How does the presence of Christ—Emmanuel—transform our lives, our faith, and our understanding of God’s closeness and care? Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on the meaning of Immanuel and how you experience God’s presence in your life, especially during Christmas. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How has the truth that God is with you made a difference in your life, and how do you celebrate His presence this Christmas season? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Immanuel: How God is With Us?Written By: Emma Danzey Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means "God with us”). Did you know that when you woke up this morning God was with you? Did you know that when you received that horrible news God was with you? Did you know that when you reached that goal God was with you? One of the most beautiful gifts to give a loved one is quality time. This is one of my top love languages. It does not matter what we are doing, but simply being with my husband makes my heart happy. Being with someone implies closeness, availability and being on a team. One of the most unique blessings that Jesus gave to us was not just coming to be with us physically and die for our sins (Although vital to our salvation), but He also explained that He needed to ascend to the Father so He could send the Holy Spirit (The Helper) to be with all believers. When Jesus walked this earth, individuals sought after Him among crowds trying to be noticed or touch His robe or get just a moment of His time to talk with Him. Now that we have access to the Holy Spirit, we do not have to wait in line, get only a moment to speak or fly to Israel to connect with Jesus. We have His Spirit with us all of the time, no matter what. He is Immanuel, God with us. John 16:7 says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." A Renewed Perspective on God’s Presence When was the last time that you had gratitude in your heart for being able to have immediate, uninterrupted, and full time connection to God? This is something that I forget is a blessing every day. It is easy to live after Pentecost and believe that this is just the norm and it is what we know. However, this presence, this Spirit within us came at a great cost. God left His perfect world to enter our broken one, He took on the weight of our sins when He was perfect, and He blesses us with the opportunity to be redeemed children who always have His presence with us. One of the most devastating moments in the garden of Eden was when God had to kick Adam and Eve out of His presence. They learned what it was like to miss Him. He used to walk among them and speak with them and they had perfect unity and safety in His created world. However, sin stole their ability and our ability to be in the presence of the perfect Lord. Jesus was the only way to be reunited with our Creator. We do not see Him yet, but He has given us the seal of His Holy Spirit as a deposit of His return. What are some ways that God Promises He is With Us? He is with us always: Matthew 28:20 His Spirit is sealed upon every believer. Ephesians 1:13 He is with us in trials. Isaiah 41:10 He is with us in our fears. Psalm 23:4 He is with us when we are alone. Deuteronomy 31:16 His Spirit is with us when we are gathered as believers. Matthew 18:20 As we approach this Christmas and we hear the name of Jesus read or sung as Immanuel, may it have an even deeper and richer meaning to us. He gave us Himself and now we have His full attention and love with us always. This is a beautiful gift of salvation that began at the little town of Bethlehem. Intersecting Faith and Life: How have you experienced God with you? How can you have peace that He fulfills this promise even when you are not physically seeing Him or feeling His presence? How can you ponder the beauty of Jesus, God coming in flesh to us as a baby this Christmas to be our Savior and give us His Spirit forever? Further Reading: Isaiah 7:14 John 1:14 Matthew 28:19-20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the abundant blessings God has given us, especially during this holiday season. Christmas can often feel like a whirlwind of activities, shopping, and expectations, but it's essential to slow down and appreciate the many gifts God has already provided in our lives—His presence, His love, and the beauty of the relationships we share with others. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you take time to enjoy God’s blessings during the Christmas season. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What blessings are you most grateful for this year, and how do you make space for joy and gratitude during the holidays? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Take time to Enjoy God's Blessings This Christmas By: Laura Bailey “ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” Ecclesiastes 2: 24-25 NIV “Are you getting my calendar invites?” I asked my husband over dinner. “Which one? The one about the Christmas play at school? Or the Sunday School Holiday potluck? How could I miss the multiple invitations to celebrate Christmas with our families, friends, and people we barely know?” My husband’s voice was playful, but I still sensed his aggravation over our packed calendar. It is a recurring disagreement in our household; I enjoy a calendar filled with activities, hosting people, and hustle and bustle, while my husband prefers a more relaxed schedule of events, i.e., sitting in his pajamas watching a Christmas movie with just our family. Both ways of celebrating Christmas have their drawbacks and perks. My over-scheduling can lead our family to feelings of exhaustion and a desire to just “get through Christmas” so they can have a chance to relax. Yet, on the flip side, by hosting events at our home, we’ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others and invite people to have a seat at the table who didn’t have anyone to share the holiday. If our family engaged in Christmas the way my husband prefers, we would often miss out on supporting our friends in their plays, attending church events, and celebrating time with family. However, it is nice to rest and simply enjoy the gift of each other’s presence without constantly thinking about the next event on the calendar. This tension of knowing when to take action and when to rest is often addressed in the pages of Scripture. The Bible is replete with invitations to the weary to come to Jesus for rest ( Matthew 11:28) and to abide in Christ ( John 15:14). Conversely, Scripture charges us to go and make disciples ( Matthew 28:19) and to make the most of every opportunity because the days are short ( Ephesians 5:15-16). So then, what’s the answer? Do we go and do, or stay and linger this holiday season? Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 offers insight into how we should approach Christmas time. He writes, “ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” For someone whose holiday plans involve a lot of eating, I am grateful that Solomon encourages us to enjoy our food! And all God’s children said, “Amen!” All jokes aside, Solomon, in these verses, reminds us to enjoy life's blessings: food, fellowship, and a job well done. Even in a fallen world where the evidence of sin is prevalent, we still experience gifts from a most gracious and loving Father. I like to think of these blessings as “glimmers of Heaven,” glimpses of the abundant, extravagant life those in Christ will experience for all eternity. Solomon does not encourage us to abandon our responsibilities, forgo our obligations, or even say no to things we enjoy doing. Instead, he draws our attention to the fact that God is sovereign over everything. Even our ability to find enjoyment in this life comes from the Lord. So, however, you celebrate this season, cling to the truth that God’s grace and mercy enable us to experience eternity in the here and now. Might I suggest, as our family has come to practice, a mixture of participation in the holiday, ensuring we have ample time for rest and relaxation, and giving the Lord all the glory and honor because He alone is worthy. Intersecting Faith and Life: Think about your holiday plans. Do you tend to lean more towards filling the calendar with “all the things?” Or perhaps you are more likely to keep a clear schedule? In light of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, how might the Lord call you to adjust your plans this Christmas season so that you can fully enjoy and share the blessings from the Lord with others? For Further Reading: John 15:4 Ephesians 5:15-16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the true meaning of giving and how the greatest gifts we receive are often the ones we give to others. While Christmas is a season filled with presents, festivities, and family, it also serves as a reminder of the ultimate gift God gave to the world—His Son, Jesus Christ. His life and message challenge us to live a life of generosity, kindness, and love toward others. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on the power of giving and how it shapes your Christmas experience. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you prioritize giving during the holiday season? What have been some of the most meaningful gifts you’ve given or received, and how have they impacted your life? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: The Greatest Gifts You'll Get are the Ones You Give By Keri Eichberger In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35) Have you ever felt a tender sweet feeling well and stir up deep in the pit of your core? That with rich smooth waves swells through your soul, and sneaks all the way up as a soft lump in your throat. Then attempting to squeeze tears to the brim of your sight. And not because you’re sad or scared or anything bad at all. But for the sake of pure joy. I’ve cried several happy tears, and they are always a divine treat. Moments I see God’s blessings of compassion so clearly. And I had one of those encounters last week. My Thursday morning bible study had just wrapped another session of leaning in to learn more about Jesus together. My favorite few hours of the week by the way. We had been discussing an opportunity to do something special to kick off the holiday season, when Michelle suggested we adopt a specific family to bless and shower with gifts. It was the beginning of such a beautiful conversation. One that enveloped every single one of us in the room with smiles and obvious excitement. You could hear and see the joy unfold and unleash as we went from talking over which few items we would fulfill on the list for the foster family of twelve, to asserting our uncontainable eagerness to cover every single want and need they’d referenced. We couldn’t hold back. The ideas and generous hearts swirling around the room became contagious and overflowing. Emily, sitting right beside me and with a large grin, stated what we were all deeply feeling: how great of a blessing this big gesture would surely be to them. And all of a sudden it struck me. I honestly had no idea how any of the receivers would react, or the impact our gifts would have. But I knew one thing for sure. This opportunity was changing me. Yes, we were all beaming with joy to bless, but the truer truth was: we were the ones undeniably being blessed. What a joy. Something I bet you long for now and always too. Right? I know the holidays can sometimes present a struggle to find the joy we hope for in the sweet season of supposed peace and good tidings. Because—whether we are entering this Christmas without a loved one for the first time, with a new shift in family dynamics, or experiencing some other form of suffering stealing our hope and joy—expectations can run high, and in typical fashion the world fails to measure up making joy difficult to muster up. I know this struggle. I’ve been navigating my own hard season. But in that moment, in a room filled with hearts looking outward in love to serve, I was profoundly reminded of the absolute joy found in giving. The remarkable blessing in the act of blessing. Yes, we are responding in obedience when we love on, serve, and share our resources with others. And these are pleasing gifts to God. But make no mistake, he is ever so delighted to share back with you and me the sweet gift and blessing of joy too. An infectious fulfilling joy you’ll find when you offer generous blessings to his beloved children. Intersecting Faith and Life: In what ways are you giving and serving this season? Would it bless you to experience some increased doses of joy? It always does, friend. Today or tomorrow, consider blessing someone. It can be a small token, a simple act, a community effort, or an anonymous encouragement. Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ And what better time of year to honor the Lord and give than Christmas time. When Christians all around the world come together to celebrate Jesus, our Savior. The greatest gift we were so generously given. The time of year—when in our overflow of praise to the Father for sending his son and every blessing he brings—we have the opportunity to reflect the light and hope many are longing and praying for. This precious time we have the honor of offering the light of hope we have in him. And find the privilege in return of refreshing our hope, light, and joy in him. Let’s join him in being a gift and light to others. Allowing the light and joy to well up within our souls–just like it did for me last week–and thus begin to reflect, multiply, and magnify light all around us. And all throughout the world. For the sake of Jesus—the light and hope of all the world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the deeper significance of Christ’s birth and the message He came to preach. Christmas is often associated with joy, gifts, and family celebrations, but at its heart, the season points to the life-changing message that Jesus brought to the world. Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby, and why does His preaching matter to us today? Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas and how Christ’s message impacts your life. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations? What part of His message do you find most meaningful during the holiday season? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most By Lynette Kittle “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice”-- Philippians 1:18 We may not like or approve of certain ways some Christian leaders, groups, organizations, and churches are proclaiming the Christmas story this year, yet we may want to take a step back and look at the whole picture. Although it’s difficult to observe, as often we can see how some seem to have ulterior motives rather than being motivated by the beauty of God’s message. Yet, still, they may be reaching out to those who may not have heard it before. Even if we don’t like their tactics and methods, we want to recognize that God is able to save those who hear His truth despite how it is being presented to them. It’s hard, too, for those of us who seek to handle God’s word with reverent fear and trembling and who understand the call and importance of handling it correctly to see others seeming to deal carelessly with it. Like 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Understanding God holds us accountable for the words we speak, write, and present to the world; we know He will also hold those responsible who are not so concerned in how they handle it. Like Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, we are to be cautious. “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” Praising God in the Midst of People’s Carelessness Still, despite their careless handling of His word, God is able to save through it, and for this we want to be thankful and praise God—not for the people who are doing so with little regard for how they present His truth, but for how He is able to reach out in remarkable ways through the most haphazardly ways His truth is presented. We want to keep in mind that the most important thing is that Christ is preached at Christmas, and that involves a broad spectrum of how it is accomplished. Like the Apostle Paul explained in Romans 10:14, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” In the grand scheme of life, isn’t it better for those to hear Christ than not to hear at all, even if it’s not done in a way or method we would present it? God Has His Ways Because God has His ways of speaking to individuals’ hearts, we don’t know how He might move a person’s heart in the most unexpected time and place when it seems like nothing good could come from the situation. As a hospice chaplain, my husband shared what happened while he was leading a grief support group, and some of the members began saying why they don’t celebrate Christmas. Still, in their argument, they quoted Scripture and actually told the Christmas story to the group while trying to make a point against it. Thankfully, instead of attempting to shut the discussion down, God gave him insight and wisdom to recognize that in their attempt to discredit the story of God’s Christmas gift, they were actually spreading the truth of it to those in the group who may never have heard it before. Although the disgruntled group members didn’t realize it that evening, they were preaching Christ and possibly unknowingly through it, God was stirring hearts with the Good News of His Christmas gift of Salvation. Isaiah 55:8 describes how, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.” Intersecting Faith & Life: If troubled by how the Christmas story is being presented and represented in your community and the world at large, pray for God to reach through the carelessness and move individuals’ hearts to receive Him. Further Reading: At Christmas and Always God’s Word Never Fails https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/at-christmas-and-always-gods-word-never-fails.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful truth that God’s peace is not just a feeling—it’s a ruling force that can govern our hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to let God’s peace guard us, especially in times of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. But how do we allow His peace to rule our hearts when life is filled with stress and chaos? Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how God’s peace has ruled in your heart during difficult times. Share your stories with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you make room for God’s peace in your life? What Scriptures or practices help you to surrender your anxieties and trust in His peace? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:12-16 As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I’m intrigued by the phrasing of verse 15. I find it interesting that Scripture doesn’t say, “gain” or “discover” the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace. Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We’re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit’s work in us is, among other things, peace. When I combine these truths with the Bible’s directive to “let” God’s peace reign, I’m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges, that can cause us to worry and feel afraid. I don’t want to diminish that. Yet, God has also shown me, often during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart. I can’t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge, harboring bitterness, or strategizing how to get even with someone who wronged me. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst. I “let” Christ’s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today’s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today’s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to “put to death” or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these “urges” lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret. Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God’s child. Remembering that I’m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I’m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts. Intersecting Life and Faith To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we “let” the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don’t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don’t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses. Imagine the freedom we’d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another—with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving. Further Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 Galatians 5:16-24 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore how to cultivate a merry heart, grounded in biblical truth and joy in the Lord. As believers, we are called to find joy in all circumstances, but how do we maintain a joyful and merry heart when life feels heavy? In this devotional, we dive into the Scriptures to uncover what it truly means to have a merry heart and how we can nourish this joy through faith, gratitude, and a deeper connection to Christ. We’d love to hear how you keep a merry heart in the Lord. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you cultivate joy and peace in your daily walk with Christ? What biblical practices help you maintain a merry heart even during difficult times? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How to Have a Merry Heart By: Whitney Hopler “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22, MEV Popular culture often depicts the Christmas season as a time of fun, happiness, and togetherness. Yet many people don’t experience that idea of a “Merry Christmas.” Instead, too often, people are dealing with sadness, loneliness, or even despair as Christmas approaches. Broken relationships, financial pressures, and the weight of unmet expectations can turn what is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year into a season of sorrow. The Bible says that a merry heart is like medicine – something that heals and restores well-being. Just as medicine can relieve physical pain and suffering, a joyful heart can relieve the burdens of our souls. During the Christmas season, we can find ourselves stressed by demands like the pressure to buy gifts, the strain of hosting gatherings, or the pain of celebrating without loved ones whose loss we’re grieving. However, the joy that God offers is not limited by circumstances like those. It’s a joy that is available to us even in the middle of our challenges. Joy is much different from happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling that comes and goes, based on whether or not we like our current circumstances. But joy is possible to experience anytime – even in unhappy circumstances. That’s because joy comes from God himself. Psalm 16:11 says of God: “In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This means that joy is not something we manufacture on our own; it’s something we receive from being in God’s presence. When we connect with God’s presence, we tap into a powerful well of joy that sustains us, even when we’re facing challenges. Joy is what gives us a “merry heart.” Consider the shepherds in the Christmas story. They were ordinary people going about their daily tasks when an angel appeared and announced “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). This joy wasn’t based on their circumstances; it was based on the arrival of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Similarly, our joy today is rooted in the reality that God is with us and that his love for us is complete and unconditional. If you’re struggling this Christmas season, here are a few ways you can develop a merry heart that will boost your well-being like medicine: Focus on God’s presence, not perfection. This Christmas, let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on the miracle of God’s presence in your life. Spend time reading God’s Word and communicating with him in prayer and meditation. Let the simple yet significant blessing of God’s presence fill your heart with joy. Practice gratitude. When you take time to thank God for his blessings, you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Make a list of things you’re thankful for each day, and watch how your perspective changes. Gratitude unlocks joy and can transform even the most difficult seasons. Practice kindness. Sometimes the best way to lift your own spirits is to lift someone else’s. Consider ways you can intentionally spread kindness to others – whether it’s through volunteering, sending a kind message, or simply being there for a friend in need. Connect and forgive. If you’re struggling with loneliness or the pain of broken relationships, reach out to someone caring and trustworthy for encouragement. Let go of bitterness by choosing to forgive the people who have hurt you and move on with the peace God will give you when you ask for it. You can have a Merry Christmas and a merry heart authentically when you’re struggling, because joy can coexist with sorrow. Jesus is Immanuel – “God with us” – not only in your celebrations but also in your struggles. When you turn to God in your pain, you can find a joy that can carry you through any circumstances. May this Christmas season be one where you discover the true medicine of a merry heart, centered in the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how God will give you a merry heart in any kind of circumstances, reflect on these questions: In what areas of your life are you struggling to find joy this Christmas season? How can you invite God’s presence into those areas? How does the knowledge that God is Immanuel – “God with us” – affect your outlook on your current challenges? Further Reading Psalm 16:11 John 15:11 Nehemiah 8:10 Philippians 4:4 Romans 15:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the importance of having a role model in our Christian walk. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s character, and having someone to look up to can inspire us to live more like Him. Together, we’ll dive into Scripture to understand who the ultimate role model is and how we can follow His example in our daily lives—whether through faith, love, humility, or service. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear about the role models who have shaped your faith journey. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—Who has influenced your walk with Christ, and how has their example impacted the way you live and serve? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Who Is Your Role Model? By Aaron D’Anthony Brown “Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-8 Who Is Your Role Model? I’ve long been under the impression that we all worship something. People, money, ideas. If you’re wondering what you worship, then look at where you spend most of your time. As Christians, we’re called to worship God, and only God. Still, being the sinful humans that we are, there’s a natural inclination to stray away from Him sometimes. We leave God to worship other things that cast influence on us. In that influence, we should also make another realization, we’re not just always partaking in the act of worship, we are also always learning. Think about it. When we worship God, we are learning from Him. Prayer, fellowship, reading the Bible, all of this teaches us how to live out His will. We mature and gain wisdom as we hopefully become more like Christ. Jesus is the role model. However, if you don’t know the Lord or have grown idle in your faith, then who fills that space? Something has to if you want to derive purpose from life. Even if you are active in your faith, sin presents an ever ready disconnect between us and God. We too face the threat of losing sight of Him and propping someone or something else up, even if temporarily. The simple truth that every Christian should heed is that without Christ as our role model, we start to resemble the world. Our culture is constantly talking to us through what we see on television or the music we listen to. Can you think of one recent example of a show or movie from Hollywood that portrayed Christianity in a positive way? Yet, how many shows or movies have you seen where our faith is shown as just the opposite? The world wants us to believe that they have the answers, that their way is not just better, but right. If we’re not careful, not only will we forget who we ought to be following, but we will substitute Him for something lesser, something unrighteous. Intersecting Faith & Life: Today, I’m willing to say that Jesus Christ is my role model. Though, if I’m being honest, I know that there are days when I don’t want to see Him. Days when I want to go my own way, do my own thing, pretending that I know better. Can you relate? Once we snap back to reality, we need to ensure Jesus is our role model by doing the following: Reexamine Your Life Introspection is a must if you want to follow Christ. If we’re always learning, then we need to reflect on the lessons of old and new. Reflection is how we determine which ideas we hold are accurate, true, and which are not. Hopefully, the way you think today is more mature than how you thought five years ago or ten years ago. Continue to examine yourself for the purpose of finding truth. The closer to truth we are, the closer to Jesus we are. Identify Any Idols As we examine ourselves, naturally, we are going to spot sin, even idols. Once you’ve spotted them, weed them out. Replace the bad with God. How exactly do you do that? You turn to your role-model, Christ. Look at how He lived and seek to imitate that. Pursue God How foolish are we to ever think that God doesn’t want a relationship. He loved us before we loved Him, before we even loved ourselves (1 John 4:19). The world doesn’t love us unconditionally, if at all. Yet, the world is always trying to preach something to us. Telling us what’s right and what’s wrong. Well, God wants to do the same, only His love is unconditional. We ought to pursue Him to the best of our ability, knowing that when we do, we will look more and more like His son. Likewise, we resemble the world less and less, throwing away all evidence of unrighteousness that holds us back. Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1 Matthew 5:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the timeless message of the Christmas star and what it means to follow God's guidance in our lives. Just as the wise men were led to Jesus by the star, we too are called to follow the light of Christ in our daily walk of faith. Together, we’ll explore how Scripture invites us to seek Christ with intentionality, trust His direction, and let His light guide our hearts through every season. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how following the light of Christ has transformed your journey. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—How has God's guidance shaped your life, and how are you responding to His call this season? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Follow the Star After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10 My husband and I strolled in and out of the booths at a recent community fair in our town. There were homemade crafts, food and drinks. Local churches also gave out cards and invites to the church. But we were surprised to see the amount of New Age and occultic-derived materials there were as well. They were interwoven in between the other booths like it was normal. Many people visited both the New Age booths and the church booths as if they were equal in value. But we were careful not to purchase or interact with anything that might have been derived from an occultic source. Those who did not have a religion would have interacted with any of these booths with ease. But Christians like us could discern the spiritual ramifications of interacting with those goods. Everyone is looking for direction in life. But the Bible warns against consulting mediums, astrologers, and other practices that get their information from demonic sources. People go to these sources in a desperate attempt to get closure on their losses or see if there is hope for their future. Believers and nonbelievers need to ask God for their direction rather than a spiritual posing as someone with pertinent information about the future. The religious leaders of Jesus’s day knew Jesus would be born, but they didn't know who he truly was or his ultimate role in the world. Born from an unwed young mother, the religious leaders believed Jesus was nothing more than the offspring of a lowly shepherd. They didn’t think a king would come as a baby or in that manner. The Magi were on a journey to worship a king who, although he didn't look anything like what they would expect, believed he was king of the Jews. But they needed direction. Without the star of Bethlehem, they never would have been able to find him, much less worship him. The Magi knew they needed to consult the one true star. The star guided them to the miraculous birth and allowed them to be the first to worship him. In a culture not much different from today's, astrologers use the stars to tell a person's future or direction for their life. Astrologers abounded during that time. Many people would consult an astrologer for information about the future. The star of Bethlehem also led people, except this one prompted the Magi to an ordinary child who, when grown, would provide salvation to the world. Some people today need clarification about who Jesus is. They think astrologers or psychics are phony or not real. But that’s not true. While some pose as psychics, others consult Satan and receive his prophetic words that they then give to customers for money. But those who trust in the Lord will receive his direction because he is the only one who truly knows the future. Even when we are confused about what God is doing, who he is, or his presence in our lives, God always directs those who want to find him. Whoever seeks him will always find him, even in times of great confusion. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to lean on our understanding but on God’s voice. He will always direct and guide us in our steps: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Take a moment to reflect on how you have taken Jesus for granted or been confused about who he is or his role in your life. Let God reveal how he guides and directs you toward his perfect purpose and plan. Father, be faithful in finding us if we seek you. Please make yourself known to us in new ways, not only in the season of Advent, when we expect you to come, but even in times of confusion. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life Where do you go for direction? Do you go to the Bible for its wisdom? Further Reading Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the transformative power of living with a heart of gratitude. We’ll dive deep into how cultivating a thankful attitude can change our perspective, deepen our faith, and help us overcome life's challenges. Together, we’ll look at what Scripture says about gratitude and how embracing this practice can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life in Christ. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how living with gratitude has impacted your life. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—How has cultivating a thankful heart helped you in your faith journey, and what Scripture has inspired you to live with more gratitude? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Some days, thanksgiving comes easily. When life hits hard, however, and sorrow and grief flood our souls, it can feel nearly impossible to see anything good. In those seasons, passages like today’s can feel unrealistic, if not cruel. Does God really want us to rejoice always? As someone with chronic pain, I know how challenging it can be to see past our current struggles. There was a time, in fact, that my situation felt so overwhelming, I found myself slipping into despair. God used Paul, the first century church planter who wrote today’s passage, to speak hope and encouragement into my bruised and weary soul. If you’re familiar with Scripture, you might know some of his journey. Living during a period hostile to Christ-followers, he experienced a great deal of intense persecution. He recounted some of his suffering to the church in ancient Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, he wrote: 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches (NIV). He endured a depth of hardship most of us never will. He also recognized the diverse difficulties faced by Christ-followers in Thessalonica. Early in his letter to them, he wrote: You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:6, NIV). Pause to consider his phrasing. The man who’d been beaten, flogged, stoned, and thrown into the deepest area of an ancient dungeon referred to the Thessalonians’ suffering as “severe”. He acknowledged their pain, but he also called them to give thanks. Perhaps, in part, because he knew the power of praise to protect, comfort and strengthen the human heart. The more we reflect upon all we have, in and through Christ, the less prone we are to despair. We remember that we aren’t abandoned, forsaken, or alone. According to Dr. Marcus Warner, gratitude also helps turn on the “relational circuits”—the area in our brains that help us connect with others, God included. This heightens our awareness of His presence, sensitivity to His voice, and ability to receive comfort and strength from His love. But practicing gratitude does more than that. As I shared in an iBelieve article a few years ago, thankfulness increases our ability to recall positive memories and release toxic emotions. It also increases our dopamine and serotonin, two important mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Intersecting Life and Faith This reminds us that God truly has our best in mind, even when asking us to follow challenging guidelines, like His call to give thanks always and rejoice continually. The more we understand Him, His heart, and His ways, the more we realize everything He does stems from His perfect wisdom and love. This doesn’t mean He wants us to deny or suppress our emotions with a forced halleluiah. To the contrary, the raw anguish revealed in the Psalms and Lamentations invites us to bring our unfiltered selves to the Lord. Our pain feels most manageable, however, when cushioned in the truth of who He is, all He’s done, and all He’s promised. He is our faithful, attentive, all-powerful Father who sent His Son that we might experiencing thriving life. He has promised to bring good from all we encounter today (Romans 8:28). When difficulties arise, may we follow Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:6, which tells us to bring our requests to God “with thanksgiving”, trusting Him to guard our hearts and minds with His peace (Phil. 4:7). Further Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-8 Colossians 4:2 Psalm 106:1-2 Psalm 100:1-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God's miracles are all around us—sometimes they're the big, awe-inspiring moments we can clearly see, but often they're the quiet, everyday blessings that go unnoticed. From the healing of bodies to the restoration of relationships, God's hand is at work in ways we can't always measure or even understand. These uncountable miracles remind us of His constant presence, His grace, and His love for us. Whether it's the miracle of a answered prayer, a changed heart, or the gift of another day, His miracles are countless and His faithfulness is beyond our ability to number. Join the Conversation:What miracles have you witnessed in your life, both big and small? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—How have God's uncountable miracles encouraged your faith? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/  Full Transcript Below: Miracles that Cannot Be Counted By: Whitney Hopler “But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” – Job 5:8-9, NIV. This verse highlights God's unlimited power. Our God is a God of miracles! When I see countless Christmas lights shining brightly on a dark night, I like to think about the fact that God is constantly up to something wonderful – much more often than I can count. God's light is always overcoming the darkness in our world. We just have to pay attention to notice it.  God operates in ways that are far beyond our limited human understanding. God's wonders are too great to fully grasp, and this is precisely what makes them miraculous. When we encounter situations in our lives that seem impossible, we must remember that nothing is too difficult for God to do.  This verse also speaks of God performing so many miracles that they can't be counted. God's miraculous power is not confined to a few select moments in history. Instead, God is constantly doing miraculous work in such abundance that we can't even understand or count it all. From answering prayers to working through creation, God is performing miracles all the time – even if we don't always recognize it.  When you think about it, how many times have you been protected, provided for, or blessed without even realizing that it was God at work? The breath in your lungs, the beating of your heart, and the peace that sustains you through difficult times are all evidence of God's wonderful work in your life.  God is always ready and willing to do something wonderful for you, if you ask him to do so. God invites you to come to him with your needs and dreams. He wants you to pour out your thoughts and feelings honestly, and to seek his help. God is approachable, compassionate, and eager to intervene in your life. So, you don't need to hesitate to ask God to perform a miracle when you need one.  God's miracles are often linked to faith. While God is not limited by your faith, God loves to know that you trust him and his power to help you. When you come to God with faith, believing that he is really able to help you, you open doors for God to do miracles in your life.  One of the challenges you face is waiting for God's miracles, especially when you're going through difficult challenges. But just because you don't see a miracle immediately doesn't mean that God is not at work. Sometimes, God's timing is different from yours because he sees the bigger picture. God's delays are not denials. Instead, they're divine setups for something greater than you can imagine.  Not all miracles are dramatic or spectacular. Some miracles are as simple as a timely word of encouragement, an unexpected provision, or a broken relationship healing. It's important to learn to recognize and appreciate these everyday miracles because they're just as significant as extraordinary miracles. God is constantly working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for your good.  So, live with the expectation that God is always ready to do something wonderful in your life. His wonders are beyond what you can understand, and his miracles are beyond counting. Approach God with faith, lay your causes before him, and wait expectantly for God to answer you.  No matter what you're facing today – a financial burden, a health crisis, a broken relationship, or a season of uncertainty – know that God is able to perform miracles beyond what you can imagine. He is not only capable, but also willing to intervene on your behalf!  Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how God can do something wonderful and miraculous in your life, reflect on these questions:  When was the last time you witnessed or experienced a miracle, big or small? How did it affect your faith?  In what areas of your life do you need to appeal to God and lay your causes before him? What is holding you back?  How can you start expecting God to work wonders in your life?  Are there any “small” miracles in your life that you may have overlooked or taken for granted? How can you develop a greater sense of gratitude for God's daily blessings?  How can you encourage someone else who is struggling to see God's miracles in his or her life? What testimony can you share to inspire faith? Further Reading Psalm 77:14 Jeremiah 32:27 Ephesians 3:20 Mark 11:24 Isaiah 43:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, it's easy to lose sight of the hope we have in Christ. But no matter the trials or struggles we face, our hope in God is steadfast and unshakable. This hope is not based on circumstances, but on His unchanging love and faithfulness. When we anchor our hearts in His promises, we can take joy, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. Our hope in God is the source of true joy, a joy that transcends our circumstances and strengthens us in every season. Join the Conversation:How has your hope in God brought you joy, even in difficult times? Share your story with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—What Scriptures or moments have reminded you to rejoice in the hope we have in Christ? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/  Full Transcript Below: Take Joy in Your Hope in God  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12 2021 turned out to be a challenging year. My husband and I suffered through many difficulties: financial strain, health issues, and relational conflict. First, a litany of bills and repairs taxed our bank account. Then, I went through a health challenge that impacted my ability to work and forced me to take some time off to rest. Then, conflict with my husband's job brought a looming black cloud into our home. No matter how hard we tried, the trials kept coming. It was quickly becoming too much to bear.  One day, during my prayer time, I cried out to God: Why are you doing this to me? Don't you care about me? Can't anything be easy? Although the tribulations kept coming, I noticed something: my reaction to them changed. I no longer came home complaining about how terrible my day ended. Instead, I went to the Lord. I journaled my feelings and read the bible more often. Soon, the Lord's love expressed through the Bible changed my heart. I read about the mercy and grace of Jesus. I saw him express His love to others in each book. I was inspired to become more like a disciple than a Pharisee.  As I read, I realized I was more like a Pharisee than I thought. I found that I complained rather than was grateful, and I didn't believe that Jesus was who He said He was. But as God changed my heart, I began to feel God could turn things around. I started to see trials as a good thing rather than a bad thing. Soon, I looked forward to having my time with God. Eventually, the trials subsided, and my circumstances got a little easier. But the suffering brought me closer to God in prayer than I'd ever been.  Trials that I thought were a punishment were really a blessing in disguise. When we had financial concerns, my friends helped us. When I faced the health challenge, I had my church uphold me in prayer. When conflict arose, we used the best conflict resolution skills possible and resolved it as best we could.  Although I don't want to go through those trials again, God didn't waste my pain during those times. God used it to make me more grateful. I turned my tears into gratitude, transforming my thoughts and, ultimately, my heart. He drew me closer to him and improved my prayer life. I heard his voice when I listened as well. My relationship with God deepened like never before. Sometimes, the worst things in life turn out to be the best things after all.  Advent is a season of expectation and anticipation. While the people expected the Savior to be a king who would take away all their suffering, our king emerged in the most unusual circumstances. Jesus was far from what they expected their king to look like. What they thought they wanted turned out to be not what they expected. Life is like that sometimes.  Life may look far from what you expected it to be. You may feel disillusioned or jaded with how life has turned out. You may be complaining or confused as to what God is doing. If this is you, take joy in your hope in God. Come to God faithfully in prayer. Let Him turn your mourning into gratitude. Be grateful for what God has already done. Let God turn even the most challenging situation around for your good.  Count your blessings. Be content in this season of life. Take joy in the life God has given you. Be patient in your trials. Place your hope in God. Praise God for what he already has given. Put your hope into turning around even the most challenging situation. He always changes things around for our good and His glory.  Father, help us to be joyful as we hope in you. Rejoice in knowing that even when life looks far from what we think it should be or if we're dealing with relentless trials, we can still delight in having hope in you. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life In what ways can you exude patience, unconditional love or joy to others today? Further reading Philippians 4:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the midst of life's struggles and uncertain seasons, we often find ourselves feeling lost, weary, and alone. But even in the wilderness, God speaks tenderly to our hearts. His words bring comfort, hope, and reassurance when we need them most. Just as He spoke to His people in the desert, offering encouragement and guidance, God continues to speak words of love and promise to us today. His gentle whispers remind us that we are never truly alone, and His presence is a refuge in every storm.  Join the Conversation:Have you experienced God's tender words in your own wilderness moments? Share your story with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—What Scriptures or prayers have brought you peace and hope during difficult times? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/  Full Transcript Below: Tender Words in the Wilderness  by Deidre Braley  Hosea 2:14: Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.  In the book of Hosea, the Lord rebukes Israel for her idolatry—namely for chasing after other gods and forgetting her first love, and for forgetting that it was God who gave her every good thing she'd ever had. Her worship had been misplaced: she'd mistaken the worldly things around her as the source of goodness.  God says, “She does not recognize that it is I who gave her the grain, the new wine, and the fresh oil. I lavished gold and silver on her, which they used for Baal” (Hosea 2:8). As a consequence, he proclaims that he will take these gifts away, listing them one by one to show how forsaken Israel will be without her God. “I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord” (Hosea 2:13).  As the shadows grow long on this year, I can't help but reflect on all the Baals I've worshiped these past months, all the worldly things I've wandered towards, misunderstanding them to be the source of the riches and joys that I have and that I want. And yet even as I've gotten my fingers around them, they've turnt and spoiled. Like a carton of milk that is fine one day and sour the next, I am holding something that I once thought was good, but now know will make me sick if I consume it.  What a terrible and frightening thing, to be left bowing and offering sacrifices to the fickle whims of man or chance. Here in the desert place, I repent of the lovers I've gone after this year, panting after praise or acclaim or worth or self. I long for my first love, here where I hold what I thought I wanted, only to discover it's worth nothing at all without my Lord.  I imagine this is how Israel felt, too—and perhaps there was no other way for them or for me to realize that we don't like to be in the hands of that which never loved us nor provided for us. We have to experience the full and crushing weight of life without God before we can know that this is our worst fear—and our greatest heartache.  But, hallelujah, God doesn't leave us here. In Hosea, we see God's mercy toward his people when he says, “Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her” (Hosea 2:14). He allows us to come to a place without him to understand that we were always meant to be with him, but then he doesn't shake us or yell at us or slap us back into submission—no, it's quite the opposite. He leads us into solitary places where he can speak softly and tenderly to us, loving us as we've always longed to be loved until we remember that he is the Source and the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).  Intersecting Faith & Life  In this season of Advent, as we await the coming Christ, let's each take an honest look at the Baals which we've worshiped and followed after this year—whether that's the praise of man or financial gain or inflation of ego or the comfort of any substance. Let's acknowledge the ways we've placed them before the Lord and then repent, turning around and allowing ourselves to be led back into the wilderness by our first love, by the One True Living God who is waiting to speak tenderly to us, to wash us in his mercy and grace.  In this season of Advent, let us return to the Source and let him press balm to our tired and wounded spirits. Let's come to rest in the security of his hand, allowing it to cup us and protect us from this world we thought we wanted.  Further Reading  ● Hosea (the entire book)  ● Isaiah 1  ● Acts 3:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's never easy when others criticize, belittle, or misunderstand us. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our worth isn't determined by the opinions of others, but by God's love and purpose for us. In times when people put us down, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus, too, was despised and rejected, yet He overcame it all. Through Him, we find our true identity, our strength, and our value. Remember, God's truth about you is far greater than any negative words spoken by others. Join the Conversation:How have you found strength and healing when others have put you down? Share your story with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—In what ways has God's love helped you rise above hurtful words or criticism? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/  Full Transcript Below: When People Put You Down By Kelly Balarie ““Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 NIV Every time I spoke, the woman would in one way or another slight me, saying things like: “I told you this already…” “You should know that…” “No, that's not what you should do; you should ____.” The frown on her face said it all. Not knowing how to fully connect with her, I decided to engage in small talk. Maybe that would lighten her up.  “It's such a cool morning.” I pronounced. She snapped back, “I'm not focused on that at all; I am focused on getting to my destination on time.” Okay, I thought, I'd better just keep my mouth shut.  So, I did. All the same, while we quietly walked together, I wondered, is it me? Am I the problem? Does she not like me? Possibly. Not everyone will like me. She very well may not like my talkative personality. Or, my loud laugh. Or, my chipper attitude as it pertains to life. Yet, I am not responsible to make her like me, I am responsible to serve Jesus.  ““Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 NIV) If I let what she thinks about me, define me, suddenly I serve the purpose of convincing her that I am likeable, wonderful, and worthy. In a sense, serving her only serves me and my ego. Getting my value from man can easily get me off-track with the Lord. I cannot afford to serve man more than my Master. Upon coming to this realization, I see this woman's issue with me is her issue; it does not belong to me. My concern is to walk in love and not judgement, forgiveness and not bitterness. I haven't walked a day in her shoes. What do I know about all her problems? What do I know about how to fix her? What can I do to ever please her?With all this settled in my heart, I realize that I must exert one of the most incredible superpowers I have in Christ Jesus, forgiveness. I choose to forgive her time and time again. She gives me a face – forgive. She responds irritably – forgive. She tells me that I should have known something – forgive. She responds with a contrarian opinion – forgive. I am not powerless; I am powerful when I, by the grace of God, forgive much like Jesus forgave me. Forgiveness is a superpower for those willing to get over themselves in order to love like Jesus. I can't say I always do it right, either. Sometimes, I lash out or criticize people in my mind. After, I feel upset with myself about how I acted. Have you ever noticed the hardest one to forgive – can often be ourselves?  Forgiveness is not solely given; it is often received. After we tell Jesus we are sorry, we can receive His love and grace and let go of all we hold against ourselves. For instance, I had to ask Jesus to forgive me for judging this woman. But, after that, by His grace, I received the free gift of a slate wiped-clean.  I am wholly loved and clean in Jesus' eyes thanks to what He did on the cross. So are you, too, when you come to Jesus this way. Intersecting Faith & Life: Who is annoying you? What would it look like for you to walk in constant forgiveness? How might you be holding anger towards yourself? Take a second to write down on a piece of paper everyone you are angry at, annoyed with or accusing in your mind. After writing that list, take a second to forgive each person. Perhaps, after completing that list, ask God to forgive you for whatever you have done, such as judging or gossiping.  Then, receive His grace and forgiveness that makes you white as snow. Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly's blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God's Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people's faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly's work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN's 700 Club, Relevant and Today's Christian Woman.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God never intended for us to walk through life alone. In times of joy and in moments of struggle, having friends by our side brings strength, encouragement, and a glimpse of God's love. Through friendship, we experience the warmth of companionship, the wisdom of shared faith, and the reminder that God's presence shines brighter when we come together. Life truly is richer, fuller, and more meaningful when we walk it with friends who point us to Christ. Join the Conversation:We'd love to hear how the friendships in your life have made a difference. Share your stories with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—What role do your friends play in helping you grow in faith and walk in God's light? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

it's crucial to remember the powerful truth: Light is greater than darkness. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and through His light, we are given hope, guidance, and victory over the darkness we face. This Advent season, no matter how dark your circumstances may seem, God's light shines brighter. Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear how praising God has helped you in your own challenges. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—What areas of your life or the world around you feel dark right now? How can you invite God's light to shine into those areas? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode encourages us to embrace the uncertainty, knowing that God is always with us, guiding us, and working all things for our good. No matter what the future holds, we can trust that He is in control and that we are never alone in the unknown.  Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear how praising God has helped you in your own challenges. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—Share a verse or story that has helped you find peace in the midst of uncertainty. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.