The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In No More Goodbyes, Alexis A. Goring tenderly reflects on the deep sorrow of loss and the eternal hope believers have in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Matthew 5:4, this devotional reminds us that while goodbyes are painful, they are never final for those who belong to Christ. One day, in Heaven, there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more goodbyes—only joy in God’s presence and reunion with loved ones who have gone before us. Through Scripture and song, Alexis invites readers to rest in the comforting truth that death does not have the final word—Jesus does. Highlights Earthly goodbyes are temporary; eternal reunion awaits in Heaven. Sin and death entered the world through Adam and Eve, but salvation through Christ restores eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice gives believers unshakable hope beyond loss and sorrow. Heaven promises perfect peace—no pain, no separation, no final farewells. Worship songs like “Goodbye for Now” and “No More Pain” beautifully express the hope of Heaven and the comfort of Christ. Join the Conversation How does the promise of no more goodbyes comfort you today? Have you experienced peace through God’s promise of eternal reunion? Share your reflections or favorite worship songs that bring you hope with @LifeAudioNetwork using #HeavenHope #FaithBeyondGoodbyes #EternalComfort 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: No More Goodbyes By: Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 NIV A few years ago, one of my author friends shared that the doctors told them it was time to say goodbye to their daughter because there was nothing else the hospital staff could do to revive her life. Reluctantly and with deep sorrow, they said their final goodbye to their young daughter who had died. This sad story made me think of how there will come a time when we who believe in God and are faithful followers of Jesus Christ will never need to say goodbye to loved ones ever again because we will be in immortal bodies living in the presence of our Savior (Jesus Christ) in Heaven. It also reminds me of the song “Goodbye for Now” by Kathy Troccoli. Kathy opens the song singing from the perspective of someone who has lost a loved one. It feels surreal, like a dream. They cannot believe that their loved one is no longer living. That person was their world, and they feel like they cannot continue living without them. It’s to the point where they feel dead inside. She sings about how much she misses her loved one through the changing seasons of life. But then, she remembers that she has hope because, for faithful followers of Jesus Christ, death is not the conclusion. She knows that there will be a time when she will see her loved one again (when they are reunited in Heaven). Joy quickens her voice as she says how she looks forward to being reunited with her loved one and seeing their face, hearing their voice, and laughing together again. She looks forward to holding them close and never shedding a tear of sadness again because in Heaven, they will live forever and never have to say goodbye again. How she longs for that day! But for now, as she lives on Earth, she knows she has to say goodbye. Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, even if you’re just saying it before you go on a journey, but have every intention of returning and seeing them alive before they die. I think that deep inside our hearts as humans, we know that we were made for eternity, and death was not part of God’s original plan for humankind. We can read the Bible story about Adam and Eve, who brought sin and death into this world when they disobeyed God. God made them perfect in every way. They were healthy, happy, and surrounded by beauty in the Garden of Eden. They were allowed to eat the fruit on every single tree, except one tree: The...

In Jesus Knows Our Hearts, Michelle Lazurek explores how Jesus’ divine discernment reveals the truth hidden within every heart—and how believers can develop that same spiritual sensitivity. Drawing from Mark 2:8, this devotional reminds us that while people see only appearances, Christ sees the motives, pain, and wounds beneath our words and actions. Just as Jesus lovingly confronted the Pharisees’ hypocrisy and discerned the true needs of those He healed, we too are called to invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, heal hidden hurts, and guide us in extending discernment and grace to others. Highlights Jesus’ discernment reveals the deeper issues behind people’s words and actions. Healing and leadership both begin with emotional and spiritual health. The Pharisees’ outward spirituality contrasted with the impurity Jesus saw within their hearts. God calls us to develop the gift of discernment through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. True healing comes when we allow the Spirit to expose and heal unprocessed hurt, fostering unity in the body of Christ. Join the Conversation How has God revealed what’s truly in your heart lately? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to uncover wounds or patterns that need healing? Share your reflections and stories of discernment with @LifeAudioNetwork using #HeartCheck #FaithThatHeals #SpiritLedLiving. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Jesus Knows Our Hearts By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, Why are you thinking these things?” - Mark 2:8 A woman from the women's ministry team at our church requested to meet with me. As we met to discuss some difficulties she was having with gaining momentum for the ministry’s events, securing regular attenders, and integrating deep discipleship into each event, I sensed a more profound longing behind her words. As I listened, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to discern that a deeper issue was at play. I pivoted her questions to her recent exchange with another leader in the church. This leader commented that this person had not been nice to her and had made some rude comments. I then asked her what was really going on. I asked her to comment specifically on her relationship with her previous pastor, who had now been gone for several years. She put her head down and immediately began to cry. She discussed all the ways she felt the pastor had dishonored her and made her feel like she wasn't an essential part of one of their teams. We both agreed after our conversation that she, as the leader, needed some healing. We understood the importance of having healthy leadership to lead teams effectively. I asked her to hold off on beginning any new group for a few months, suggested some books on grief, and asked her to go through them. Jesus not only was a good leader, as he taught his followers how to do the work he would do when he was gone, but he also knew what was in their hearts. With the gift of discernment, he was able to understand what was truly going on in a person's heart. For example, he was able to make comments to the Pharisees about their hearts being unclean because he knew that evil lurked deep within their souls. They acted spiritual and educated, but deep down, they weren't. Their actions didn't match their words. The Pharisees wanted to dictate to everyone else how to live their lives, but their own actions didn't align with their lifestyle. Jesus knew this and lovingly confronted them on their issues. In the same way, he was able to discern whether someone was ill, demonically influenced, or just needed a bit of healing. In each situation, he was able to meet their need. Similarly, we need to refine our gift of discernment in relation to the people within our church. It is...

In Let God Light a Fire in You, Whitney Hopler invites readers to experience the transforming power of God’s fire—a divine flame that purifies, strengthens, and ignites faith. Drawing from Hebrews 12:28-29, this devotional reminds us that while the world is shakable, God’s kingdom remains unshakable, offering us refuge, renewal, and purpose. When we draw near to His consuming fire, He burns away fear and sin, filling our hearts with passion, gratitude, and awe for His unchanging love. Highlights God’s fire purifies and refines, removing sin, fear, and doubt while igniting deeper passion for Him. Hebrews 12:28-29 assures believers that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken—unlike the instability of the world around us. True worship flows from reverence and awe, as we encounter God’s holiness and power more personally. Gratitude fuels worship: focusing on God’s faithfulness anchors us amid uncertainty. As we invite God to light His fire in our hearts, we reflect His light to others and grow stronger in faith. Join the Conversation How has God’s fire refined or reignited your faith lately? What areas of your life need His purifying touch or renewed passion? Share your reflections with @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithOnFire #UnshakableKingdom #GodsConsumingFire and inspire others to draw closer to His light. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let God Light a Fire in You By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'” – Hebrews 12:28-29, NIV When possible, I love to light a candle to use during my evening prayer and meditation time. There’s something powerful about looking at a bright flame and reflecting on how God’s light brings hope into the darkness of this fallen world. There are so many ways that God burns brightly – through his passionate love, through his unlimited power, through his wisdom that enlightens us, and much more! This Bible passage tells us that our “God is a consuming fire.” A physical fire purifies the area around it as it emits light and heat. When we draw close to God’s fire, he begins to burn away the impurities in our lives, such as sin, fear, doubt, and selfishness. The process can be uncomfortable, but it cleanses us and makes us more like Jesus. At the same time, God’s fire ignites a passion within us that fuels our faith and lights up our path so we can see where we’re going. A faith that has been touched by the fire of God shines brightly, drawing others in and pointing them toward the source of the flame. We learn from these verses that we are “receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken”. Everything in our world can be shaken. Our relationships can end, we can lose our jobs, our health can fail, and we can lose much more in this world that’s full of uncertainty. But God’s kingdom is unshakable. It’s the ultimate safe place, because we’re cared for there by our loving and powerful Creator. The passage continues by saying: “let us be thankful.” In response to being included in God’s kingdom, we should have an attitude of gratitude that inspires us to look beyond our changing circumstances to our unchanging God, who always loves us. When we focus on the unshakable hope we have in God, it’s easier to feel thankful, even when we’re going through temporary situations that are shaky. The Bible then guides us to “worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” These two words, reverence and awe, involve getting to know God better and growing in your respect for God, as well as your ability to notice and be inspired by God’s wonder. The closer you grow to God, the more you can experience God’s unlimited power, his perfect holiness, and his unending love for you. You can move from knowing about God to truly...

When life feels like it’s falling apart, Megan J. Conner reminds us in Salvation and Strength that true peace isn’t found in control, hustle, or quick fixes—it’s found in surrender. Drawing from Isaiah 30:15, this devotional calls believers to embrace repentance, rest, quietness, and trust as the pathway to strength and salvation. Even when the world shakes, God remains steady, guarding, guiding, and granting peace to those who rest in Him. Highlights Isaiah 30:15 teaches that salvation and strength come through repentance, rest, quietness, and trust—not striving. When everything feels unstable, God remains our unshakable source of peace and protection. Biblical examples like Joseph, Elijah, and Esther reveal that deliverance often comes through stillness and surrender. Our efforts can fuel anxiety, but rest allows God to work on our behalf. Silence is powerful—when we quiet distractions, we can hear God’s gentle whisper and receive renewed strength. Join the Conversation Where do you turn when your world feels unsteady? How has God met you in moments of stillness and surrender? Share your reflections with @LifeAudioNetwork and encourage others to find strength in quiet trust. Use #RestInGod #FaithOverFear #QuietStrength to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Salvation and Strength By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading: “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” - Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) Does your world feel like it is splitting apart at the seams? Perhaps you are facing a tragic, unexpected loss or an unplanned change in your circumstances, and it feels like a seismic shift has cracked open the very ground beneath your feet. Or you may be overwhelmed by what you see, hear, or read in the news or on social media. Everything appears to be out of control, and you are struggling to find any measure of security or stability. Where can you obtain help? Is it even possible to discover peace? Grasping for that elusive sense of safety and security has been an ongoing struggle for all of humanity. From the Old Testament to the New, the Word of God is filled with accounts of believers facing adversity and longing for rescue and respite. Just take a look at the stories of Joseph, Elijah, or Esther, to name a few. In each narrative, we witness the demise of their anticipated plans and purposes without practical solutions. They could not solve their own problems or fight their way out of their troubles. Rather, it was through rest and quietness that their deliverance was provided. Today’s passage from Isaiah offers clear direction for those struggling through seasons of shifting sand. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15, NIV). It is not through battle, through wrestling, through hustle, busyness, or all the rest, that we obtain peace. More often than not, our human efforts will fail to bring about the desired outcomes simply because they are prompted by the wrong motives. We long for a quick escape. We want the unpleasant circumstances to change. Yet, God sees far beyond that. As unwelcome as they may be, our Good Father is using your current challenges to grow your faith and draw you closer to Him. He has not left you alone to claw your way out of your circumstances. Instead, He reminds you that He, and He alone, is the source of your strength. Your help comes from Him. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the...

Hannah Benson reminds us that even in seasons of deep heartache, God is near. Drawing on Psalm 34:18, this devotional illustrates how God gently removes our illusions of control and calls us to surrender, trusting Him through grief, loss, and uncertainty. In doing so, He transforms our pain into opportunities for growth and deepened faith. Highlights God draws near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. Painful loss and heartache can reveal areas of life where God desires greater trust and surrender. Surrendering to God, even amid fear and uncertainty, allows His grace and peace to work within us. Life’s trials can deepen intimacy with God, helping us lean on Him instead of our own control. Scripture reassures that Jesus remains constant and faithful, even when our hearts hurt (Hebrews 13:8). Join the Conversation How has God been present in your seasons of loss or heartache? Are you allowing Him to transform your pain into trust and growth? Share your reflections, encourage others, and join the conversation with @LifeAudioNetwork using #HopeInHim #TrustThroughPain #GodIsNear. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Hope When Your Heart Hurts By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18 (ESV) Tears filled my eyes. Why did it have to hurt so much? I was 15 years old, a tender homeschooled high school sophomore, and for the first time in my life, I’d thought I’d found my very own kindred spirit. We’d not known each other long, but already, it felt as if we’d known each other forever. Perhaps we’d be forever friends, like Anne of Green Gables and her kindred spirit, Diana, or Katie Weldon and Christy Miller (from Robin Jones Gunn’s bestselling Christy Miller series). But it didn’t turn out that way, and looking back, I recognize that I clung to this friendship with an iron fist until it became more important to me than God. An idol. We know from Scripture that God, rightly so, will not permit idols in our lives (Exodus 20:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Samuel 5:2-4). Anything that we hold tighter than God becomes an idol, which He will either remove or put into its proper place in our lives. The removal of something, something that might even be good, and surrendering to God’s will, hurts sometimes. When God allowed that friend to walk away from my life, it hurt so terribly. I shed countless tears. But even as I wept, in the deepest parts of my soul, something was happening. I didn’t know it at the time, but I realize now that the Lord was peeling back a layer of myself, exposing me to His grace. And as the years passed and more relationships shifted and my heart broke a little more, God gently peeled back another layer as one removes a band-aid, asking me to be more vulnerable with Him and to lean on Him. I didn’t realize until later that the Lord wanted all of me. I’d been so afraid to surrender my will that I clung to my life and the things I thought I could control with an iron fist. But little by little, God called me to let go and trust Him. As the years passed, I became increasingly aware of the fact that I wasn’t in charge, and at the age of 19, I’d lost even the illusion of control when my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I remember sitting on the wooden floor in our family room, my family clustered around Mom after her visit to the doctor. The moment she told us she had bad news, tears filled my eyes. Because I knew. It was as if a dark shadow descended over our home, striking fear into our hearts. We all know life can be fragile, but when we’re slapped in the face with something as terrible as cancer, we begin to realize for the first time how fragile it is. The next day, I journaled my thoughts in a prayer to the Lord. “It is an odd thing, truly, to be surrounded...

Aaron D’Anthony Brown reminds us that even in the midst of fear, suffering, or societal pressures, we can trust in God’s light. Drawing on Psalm 56:3, this devotional encourages believers to approach God honestly, commit to Him consistently, and seek strength in community so that darkness does not have the final word. Highlights Darkness and suffering are inevitable in a fallen world, but God’s faithful love remains constant. Honest, earnest prayer aligns our hearts with Christ and brings hope even in difficult circumstances. Commitment to God involves daily devotion, prayer, and active participation in His community. Surrounding yourself with supportive believers strengthens faith and reduces the grip of fear. Trusting God allows His light to shine through life’s challenges, replacing fear with faith. Join the Conversation How do you respond when darkness creeps into your life? Are you leaning into God’s presence and trusting His light, or trying to face struggles alone? Share your reflections, encourage others, and join the conversation with @LifeAudioNetwork using #TrustInGod #FaithOverFear #GodsLightShines. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trusting God’s Light When Darkness Creeps In By Aaron D’Anthony Brown Bible Reading: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3, CSB) Imagine dwelling in a society where people cheer on death and violence. Imagine that this excitement is directed at people like you, with your values and beliefs. Now, imagine society actively trying to bring about death and violence in your life and the lives of those you love. There are places like that in this world. That’s a harsh truth on top of the everyday things that already make us feel sad, lonely, hurt, and afraid - relationships, financial struggles, loss. No matter when you come into this world, or where, there’s always suffering. When the darkness creeps in, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the darkness doesn’t win. We may be tempted to give up, and tempted to give in, but we certainly don’t have to. We never do. Talk Earnestly to God Perhaps you know this, but don’t quite believe it. God wants to hear from you. Yes, He knows what darkness has crept into your life, and the truth is, He has allowed it. Yet, at the same time, God cares. And if He cares, then there must be a reason for the suffering. Ask Him why. Talk openly and honestly about the pain. In Psalm 13, David sings to God, asking some rather tough questions about his suffering. “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Imagine saying that to someone or someone saying that to you. We don’t talk to God to inform Him but rather to conform ourselves to the image of Christ. David knew he could approach the throne, but knew that God was in control of everything. That’s why, after these deep questions for God, he ends on a note of optimism. He has decided to “trust” in God’s “faithful love.” Commit Yourself to God Yes, committing yourself to God involves prayer, but it also involves so much more. Many who consider themselves to be Christians only talk to God when calamity hits. They plead for God to help and often thank Him when He does, but afterward, the Lord is yet again an afterthought until the next crisis hits. If you want solid trust in God, then you have to start with commitment. Pray when life is down, but also when things are looking up. Go to church and get involved, even in a small capacity. Read Scripture and meditate on God’s Word daily. The more you think about the Lord and His righteousness, sovereignty, and power, the less of a stranglehold the darkness will have over you. You’ll be tempted to fear, but you won’t because you’ll remember the Truth. Find Strength in Others God did not design the first man to be alone, nor did he create us to be alone. He made us for community. When you...

Whitney Hopler reminds us in Run Hard and Fast in Faith that each day is a gift from God, and we are called to live it with purpose, wonder, and faith. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:11-12, this devotional encourages believers to seize the life God has called them to, embracing His love, pursuing righteousness, and living intentionally for eternal impact. Highlights Every day is a gift from God, filled with opportunities to live intentionally. Pursue a righteous life marked by wonder, faith, love, steadiness, and courtesy (1 Tim. 6:11-12). Recognizing God’s work in our lives strengthens faith and inspires action. Living with intention helps us focus on what has eternal value, despite daily distractions. Running hard in faith brings us closer to Jesus and aligns our lives with His purpose. Join the Conversation What does “running hard and fast in faith” look like in your daily life? How can you focus more on God’s work and presence today? Share your reflections, inspire others to live intentionally, and join the conversation with @LifeAudioNetwork using #RunInFaith #SeizeTheDay #FaithInAction. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Run Hard and Fast in Faith By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:11-12, The Message These Bible verses were on the front page of a memorial service program for one of my father’s close friends. Aubrey (who went by the nickname “Smitty”) was known for living each day to the fullest. He found a lot to enjoy as he lived each day with an awareness of God’s presence. As a high school English teacher, Sunday School teacher, father, husband, and community volunteer, Smitty passed along his joy to lots of people during his earthly life. He was able to do so because he was intentional about pursuing a righteous life of running hard and fast in the faith, as the Bible encourages us all to do in 1 Timothy 6:11-12. Every new day God gives us is a gift. The fact that the sun rises in the morning is only because God designed it to do so. Even the fact that we can take our next breath when we need it is because God gives it to us. Each day, and all the opportunities it brings us, are gifts from our loving and generous God. When we really think about it, we can see how every day is a miracle! God wants us to open the gift of each day and use it to the fullest, not drift through it casually without appreciating its value. God calls us to do much more than live dull, routine lives. These Bible verses encourage us to live righteous lives where we pursue wonder, faith, love, steadiness, and courtesy. Each of these qualities is an important part of making the most of our time each day. When we open our eyes to the wonder of God’s work around us, our faith can grow stronger because the more we see of God’s wonder, the more we’re inspired to seek closer relationships with him. Our stronger faith opens us up to receive more of God’s love and share it with others. Then, as we put God’s love into action, we can live with more steadiness and courtesy in all situations. Living like this – running hard and fast in faith – we can experience the meaningful lives God wants us to enjoy. We can seize the life God has called us to and spend our valuable days focusing on what matters most. On some days, we may get distracted as we deal with challenges that come up in our schedules. But if we go into each day with the intention to run hard and fast in faith through it, we’ll usually be able to take advantage of the best opportunities God gives us. We’ll be able to set our minds on what has eternal value, live into our God-given purpose, and enjoy the...

Wondering about the power of God’s Word and your own calling? Megan J. Conner reflects on John 1:1-5, showing how God’s Word has been present since the beginning, creating life and shining light into the darkness. This devotional reminds us that we carry God’s light within us and are called to bear it in the world. Highlights God’s Word existed from the beginning and created all life (John 1:1-3). The light of God penetrates darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:4-5). Believers carry God’s light within them, called to be ambassadors of His mission (Matt. 5:14). God’s Word guides, transforms, and shapes our lives, even fulfilling dreams He places in our hearts. Personal stories illustrate how God fulfills His promises in unexpected and meaningful ways. Join the Conversation What dreams or callings has God placed in your heart? How are you letting His light shine through your life today? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust God’s Word. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #LightInTheDarkness #GodsWord #CalledToShine to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: In the Beginning… By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (NIV) It was 2001, and I was working in a faith-based coffeeshop and bookstore (a revolutionary concept back then), when a man struck up what would be a life-altering conversation with me. He had traveled up from Los Angeles to my city and stumbled across our unique shop. He started chatting and shared with me that he had formed his own Christian theater company. As an actor, dancer, choreographer, and director within the performing arts arena myself, this was beyond inspiring. Something in my spirit leaped inside of me, and I had this glimpse, this knowing, that one day I would walk in similar footsteps. I daydreamed while he continued to talk, and I imagined a dark stage illuminated by a single light and this exact scripture from John chapter 1, echoing through the auditorium. To this day, nearly 25 years later, the impact of that scripture has never left me. It has become deeply etched into my heart and has served as an anchor to my soul in both the good times and the bad. In the beginning was the Word. The Bible tells us that God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The One who was, and is, and always will be (Rev. 1:8). He was there before the foundations of the world, and through his WORD all life was created (Gen. 1). Isn’t that incredible? As someone who studies and practices the craft of writing and spends most of her days considering, sharing, and utilizing words, it is beyond humbling to recognize the weight of language and its power to form and transform. Yet God did not just create the world with words; He gave us His Word to guide and direct us through life, to share His unfathomable love for us, and to direct us towards Him at all times. Truly, nothing has been made, nor will be made, without His expressed direction, acknowledgment, and permission. He then goes on to establish that all of these works were made by and through Him, that in Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. That light pierces through the darkness of the world, of hearts, of lives, and the darkness cannot overcome it. God boldly declares that all life, every aspect of creation, from the smallest atom to the vast constellations, was made through Him. And, in the midst of all life is the light of God, Himself. That means that you and I carry the weight and the glory of the Lord...

Feeling powerless amid upheaval or uncertainty? Jennifer Slattery reflects on Daniel 1:6-9, showing how God remained with Daniel during exile and worked through him to influence a nation. This devotional reminds believers that even in times of political, social, or personal turmoil, God is sovereign, present, and always working for the good of His children. Highlights Daniel’s faithfulness in exile demonstrates God’s ability to protect, elevate, and use His people, even in foreign or difficult circumstances. God’s favor can work through unlikely individuals—including secular leaders—for His purposes. Biblical truth affirms God’s control over earthly powers (Proverbs 21:1). Darkness—whether personal, societal, or global—cannot overcome God’s light (John 1:5). Anticipating God’s work in our lives fosters hope and resilience, even amid chaos and hardship. Join the Conversation How have you seen God work in unexpected ways during challenging seasons? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust His sovereignty. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithInTheChaos #GodRemains #LightInTheDarkness to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The God Who Remains with Those Who Feel Exiled By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel. - Daniel 1:6-9 Political change, company takeovers and buyouts, national or global unrest often leave us feeling unsettled and anxious, and understandably so. Those who lead our state and country wield significant power—but not even the most powerful earthly institutions and officials can thwart God’s plans for us or His kingdom. He remains on His heavenly throne, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office—or holds the position of CEO in the company for whom we work. He is our Father and King who loves to lavish His children with favor and grace, as He did with Daniel, the exiled Hebrew teenager selected to receive special training to enter the royal service. The chief of staff also gave him a Babylonian name, as the IVP Bible Background Commentary states, to “exercise authority over them and their destiny,” adding that “since names often made statements about deity, Babylonian names would impose at least a subtle level of acknowledgement of the Babylonian gods on the young men.” This is, in part, why today’s passage holds such significance. According to Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs, “the faith of one man, Daniel, influenced and helped preserve the faith of a nation. He took his stand for God and was rewarded for his faith. He became, in effect, the prime minister (Dan. 2:48). And he continued in some sort of leadership role until the first year of Cyrus (Dan. 1:21) and even into his third year.” His courage, position, and influence likely allowed the other exiles to practice their faith in a foreign land with decreased fear. Intersecting Life & Faith: As I said at the beginning of today’s reflection, upheaval and change, nationally, and globally, economically, and in our workplaces, can leave us feeling vulnerable and defenseless, like our well-being rests in someone else’s hands. But God’s protection and elevation of Daniel, and all the Lord did through him during the exile, assures us this is never the case. God remains on His eternal throne, advancing His will, always and forevermore. He never abandons His children. Because of Christ, who surrounds us and resides within...

Have you ever looked back and felt the sting of a missed opportunity? In Missed Opportunities and Growth, Vivian Bricker reflects on Ephesians 5:15-17 and reminds us that while fear can cause us to step back from God-given opportunities, His grace still leads us to growth. Even when we stumble, God redeems our regrets and uses them to strengthen our walk with Him. Highlights Ephesians 5:15-17 calls us to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. Fear often blocks us from stepping into new seasons of growth. Missed opportunities can lead to regret—but also reflection and transformation. God provides continual chances to grow in wisdom, courage, and faith. Learning from setbacks prepares us for future opportunities aligned with His will. Join the Conversation Have you missed an opportunity God placed in your path? How did He use that moment to help you grow? Share your story and encourage others to walk in wisdom and courage. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithAndOpportunities #GodRedeemsRegret #WalkInWisdom to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Missed Opportunities and Growth By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). Typically, we only think of growth and change during the year's beginning or end. However, there can be opportunities for growth throughout the year. Most of these opportunities are given to us by the Lord. He is always giving us opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and grow in our walk with Him. As Christ followers, we need to make sure we are taking advantage of these opportunities and not wasting them. Most of us turn away from opportunities due to fear. Fear blocks our path and causes us to steer away from something new. I have seen this in my life, and you might have seen it in yours as well. Maybe God placed an opportunity for a new job, a new friend, or a new connection group at church. However, you walked away due to fear in your heart. Rather than using these opportunities to grow, we run away. This is entirely normal, but we must fight against it as much as possible. I have wasted many opportunities for growth in the Lord because I was afraid. Fear of rejection or not being good enough polluted my mind, so I turned these opportunities down. I feel a lot of regret over missing out on these opportunities, and one in particular sticks with me still. I was supposed to go on my second mission internship during my master’s degree, yet my opportunity was missed. My only choice was to give all my donated funds to someone else who was still trying to raise enough support or donate it to the mission board. I felt ashamed over the fact that so many people had donated to my mission fund, and they weren’t even going to get their funds back. It was embarrassing and challenging to say the least. Even though I lost the chance to go on this mission trip, I learned from it and began working on myself because of it. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). As Paul says in this passage, we need to be careful in how we live and to be wise. We need to make the most of every opportunity because evil is so prevalent in the world. Rather than being foolish, we need to understand the Lord’s will and hold fast to it. Think about what you are going through today. Maybe you are expressing grief over a past opportunity you missed. Bring these regrets over to the Lord; however, also apply the biblical...

Grief and loss can feel like ashes, but God promises to bring beauty, strength, and hope out of our pain. In Become Like an Oak Tree, Whitney Hopler reflects on Isaiah 61:2-3, reminding us that God grows us into “oaks of righteousness”—deeply rooted in His love, resilient through life’s storms, and a living display of His splendor. Highlights God transforms mourning into joy and despair into praise (Isaiah 61:2-3). Oak trees symbolize strength, endurance, and deep-rooted faith. Trials and grief become the soil where God plants new hope. Spiritual roots—through prayer, worship, and trust—anchor us in storms. Our testimony of faith gives others shade, comfort, and encouragement. Join the Conversation Where have you seen God bring beauty out of your ashes? Share your story and encourage others to stay rooted in faith. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #OaksOfRighteousness #BeautyFromAshes #FaithThatEndures to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Become Like An Oak Tree By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “… to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:2-3, NIV Walking across the Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland one day, I was struck by how beautiful the place was. The ugly reality was that it was the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, on September 17, 1862. Yet despite the fact that more than 22,000 men died there, the rolling hills and fields of bright green grass dotted with wildflowers made it look like I was just strolling through a gorgeous park. Beauty surrounded me everywhere. But the old trees – some of which were old enough to have witnessed the Civil War – were especially beautiful. Some of those old trees were oak trees, with branches stretching out wide and another year’s worth of new leaves growing from those strong and graceful branches. In Isaiah 61:2-3, God promises his people that he will bring beauty out of their painful grief, and that they will become “oaks of righteousness” – strong and beautiful people who display the power of God’s work in their lives. What kinds of grief are you going through in your life? Maybe you’re grieving the death of someone you loved. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of another important loss, like a job layoff, an illness, or a broken relationship. Life can feel like a battlefield, where hope can seem hard to find as you’re struggling with suffering. But God promises to comfort you. God will take the ashes of your pain and transform them into something beautiful. Where the pain of grief has touched your life, God will pour out the oil of joy. Where there was despair, God will clothe you in praise. God doesn’t forget your pain, just like God doesn’t forget the painful history that happened at Antietam. But God will seeds of hope in the soil of your suffering, and over time, he will grow them into something as strong as an oak tree. The process of becoming an “oak of righteousness” involves trusting God’s timing and staying persistent in prayer while you wait for God’s answers to arrive. Oak trees grow slowly. Their roots reach deep into the earth, anchoring them against harsh conditions like strong winds. Likewise, God wants to establish a deep faith in you so you won’t be uprooted when you face challenges. This growth won’t be easy. There will be seasons of drought when you feel spiritually dry, and storms that test your faith. But challenges like these are opportunities for you to learn to trust God more deeply. As you lean into your relationship with God, he will strengthen you, expand your spiritual roots, and...

Conflict within the church can be painful and complicated. Michelle Lazurek’s Be True Peacemakers walks believers through biblical conflict resolution using Matthew 18:14-18. This devotional emphasizes private confrontation, mediation, and, when necessary, church discipline—all with the goal of restoration and reconciliation. Highlights Address conflicts directly and privately first Bring a trusted leader as a mediator if initial attempts fail Church discipline is for restoration, not revenge Avoid gossip, triangulation, and slander Seek integrity and humility in all steps to maintain unity in the body of Christ Join the Conversation Are you currently navigating conflict with a brother or sister in Christ? Reflect on steps you can take toward reconciliation today. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TruePeacemakers #Matthew18 #FaithfulConflictResolution to share your experience and encouragement. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Be True Peacemakers By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:14-18 In a previous church, concerns were raised about relationships within the church. When my husband sat down with the leaders, we quickly knew this was no ordinary meeting. As each person spoke, it was clear that rumors and gossip had been flying for quite a while. While there were grains of truth to some statements and outright lies in others, one thing was clear: No one had confronted my husband directly. Once the rumors were cleared up, and the situation went back to normal, we couldn't help but reel from the fact that people choose to gossip and spread rumors and lies, disparaging my husband's reputation, with no thought or consideration to him at all. If they had come to him, he could have cleared the air, and we could have been spared much more time and energy working to dispel rumors and working toward the Kingdom. After that, it was clear there was a lack of trust from both sides. Matthew, in his gospel, outlines a straightforward way to lovingly confront someone, point out their sin, and work toward reconciliation and purity of the church. Although many people take the above verse as the model for conflict resolution, that's not the purpose for which it was written. It was written for people to point out someone's sin so that the purity of the church can be maintained. The above verse explains that the first step in lovingly confronting someone always begins with a one-on-one private confrontation. This spares the offender from shame or public humiliation. Those things do not belong in a church body. If the person will not listen, then it instructs that a person should bring another person along. Ideally, an elder or a pastor should be the person in that situation. The leader or the pastor should act as a mediator to resolve the conflict. The mediator mustn't have a bias toward the person offering the complaint. In some ways, it's a way to gang up on the offender. God sees the bigger picture and knows the full intention of each person's heart. No one person has all the truth. That's why it's essential to bring a mediator along to help diffuse the situation and extract the truth from it. If the situation remains unresolved, then church discipline can be instituted. This does not mean a person is allowed to bring a person up in front of the church when leaders disagree with their complaint. If their complaint is unfounded, it does not mean the...

Feeling distant from God? Megan J. Conner reminds us in Hide and Seek that even when we hide from Him—whether through sin, fear, or heartache—He is patiently waiting to be found. Drawing on Deuteronomy 4:29, this devotional encourages believers to seek God with their whole heart and soul, trusting that He is always near. Highlights Hiding from God is natural, but His presence is never absent Childhood hide-and-seek illustrates how we often distance ourselves from the Lord God patiently waits for us to reach toward Him, even in dark or difficult seasons Scripture reassures us of God’s unwavering presence: Deut. 31:6; Matt. 28:20; Acts 17:27 Seeking God wholeheartedly leads to restoration and intimacy with Him Join the Conversation Are you hiding from God today, or seeking Him with your whole heart? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust in God’s presence. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #SeekGod #FaithInTheWilderness #FoundInHim to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Hide and Seek By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading: “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deut. 4:29, (NKJV) Over the summer, my husband and I were blessed to host three special littles and their parents. They stayed with us for eleven days and thought Uma and Umpa’s house was THE best. Why? Because they said it was the perfect house to play hide and seek. And oh, did we play hide and seek! Round after round, we took turns hiding while the chosen seeker sought us out. Sometimes, the players concealed themselves so well, the game lasted quite a while. One round, I was assigned the role of hiding and scrunched myself into a tiny corner of our basement laundry room, tucked underneath the ironing board. It was a pretty good hiding spot, if I do say so myself. Well, it ended up being so good that it took all three of the kids and my teenage daughter almost 30 minutes to finally discover me. Relief and a hint of frustration were on the faces of my seekers as they grabbed my hand and helped me exit my small, uncomfortable space. “Uma!” they declared. “It was so hard to find you!” “Well, thank goodness you found me,” I replied. “I was getting lonely down here all by myself in the dark.” “We’ve got you now, Uma!” they laughed triumphantly as they rescued me with smothered hugs. What an interesting comparison between this innocent children’s game and our walk with the Lord. Perhaps you can recall moments when you have been in a similar circumstance. When heartache, disappointment, or the slippery slope of sin has drawn you intentionally or unintentionally away from God. Why is it that when we face challenges, we tend to distance ourselves from the Lord? Utilizing our own expert hiding spots, we curl ourselves inward and assume the darkness will provide a respite from the pain. Then, before we know it, we long for the complete opposite. Where is our rescuer? Why can’t we find the Lord in the midst of all that is plaguing our hearts and minds? We remain secluded in isolation and assume God is intentionally remaining aloof and does not want to be found by us. But the truth is, He is there patiently waiting for you to reach out towards the light, to reach out to Him. The Word of God assures us, “the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you,” (Deut. 31:6, NIV), that He will be “with you always, even to the end of the age,” (Matt. 28:20, NLT). There are seasons where our Heavenly Father allows us to wander in the desert, but He has not left us there alone. “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.” Acts 17:27 (NIV) Whether you have been called to a wilderness season or simply have separated...

When fear and weakness threaten to overwhelm us, God calls us to courageous obedience. Just as He told Gideon in Judges 6:13-14 to “go in the strength you have,” the Lord invites us to trust His power, not our own. Jennifer Slattery shares how God’s presence transforms impossible situations into testimonies of His strength and victory. Highlights Gideon’s story shows God calls ordinary, fearful people to extraordinary purposes “Go in the strength you have” reminds us our weakness is the stage for God’s strength Personal story of stepping into a difficult calling with limited resources God doesn’t expect perfection—He expects obedience and trust True victory comes from God fighting our battles for us Join the Conversation What’s one area where God is calling you to step out even though you feel weak? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust God’s strength. Tag @LifeAudio and use #CourageousObedience #FaithOverFear #StrengthInChrist to join the discussion. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Courageous Obedience When We Feel Weak and Afraid By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:13-14, NIV Have you ever sensed God asking you to do something you knew would be incredibly difficult, say yes, and find yourself in what felt like an impossible situation? One that took every ounce of strength you had, and you still felt like you were perpetually failing? That was precisely where I landed, years ago, when my husband and I opened our home to a teenager with a really rough background, and numerous behavioral challenges for which we weren’t prepared. As is often the case, this situation came in the middle of an already stressful season, and for the youth, this was an emergency. We were empty nesters at the time, I was leading an international ministry, completing my Christian ministry degree, working to meet numerous writing deadlines, and preparing for speaking engagements I’d accepted long before we answered God’s call to love on this deeply wounded, and incredibly angry teenager. To complicate matters, this was a busy time for my husband as well, as he was doing a lot of traveling for work—leaving me to parent this kid alone. Adding to the chaos was the fact that the teenager hated women and, frankly, was bigger and stronger than me. As you can imagine, I was more than overwhelmed and, sadly, often reacted to the teenager from my overwhelm rather than allowing God’s love and grace to flow through me. But, on those occasions when I paused my frantic efforts to manage it all in my wisdom and strength and sought God’s presence, I received instant peace, clarity regarding the situation, a Holy Spirit glimpse into the youth’s wounded and frightened heart, and the strength I desperately needed to overcome my fears, insecurities, and unhealthy tendencies. Reading Gideon’s story, recorded in Judges 6-9, reminded me of that difficult but enlightening season during which I needed to “go in the strength I had”—not so I could win the victory, but rather, so I could reveal Christ’s supernatural strength at work in me and through me. You might recognize this biblical account. This occurred during a dark period in ancient Israel’s history during which they repeatedly rebelled against God, experienced oppression from other people groups, cried out to the Lord for rescue, received the...

God still performs miracles today—and He invites us to pray big, bold prayers. In Habakkuk 3:2, the prophet asks God to repeat His wondrous deeds in their own time. Whitney Hopler shares a powerful personal story of her mother’s healing and salvation, showing how God responds when we dare to pray for something awesome. Highlights Habakkuk 3:2 reminds us to pray with awe and boldness Story of miraculous healing that led to salvation Why we often settle for small, “safe” prayers God’s power is the same yesterday, today, and forever How to expect God’s awesome work daily Join the Conversation What’s one bold prayer you’re asking God to answer? Share your story and encourage others to pray expectantly. Tag @LifeAudio and use #PrayBoldly #FaithInAction #GodStillMoves to join the community conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pray for Something Awesome By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:2, NIV I’ll never forget the day my mother told me that she had seen an angel! After 23 years of praying for her to come to faith in God, I had grown frustrated wondering if God would ever answer my prayers. Mom eventually did come to believe in God, but she still struggled to believe that God would love her enough to save her. She still hadn’t started a relationship with God by the time she was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized – fighting both the blood cancer and pneumonia in her lungs. But one night, she saw an angel appear in heavenly form and send glowing bits of energy into her chest. The next day, tests revealed that the leukemia was in remission and the pneumonia was gone! But Mom’s physical healing wasn’t the biggest miracle. What was even more miraculous was that God had convinced Mom he loved her personally by sending her one of his heavenly messengers to minister to her. Mom was in awe of God’s deeds, and she finally placed her faith in him. The wonderful way God helped Mom showed me that God is just as willing to do miracles today as he was in earlier times. Habakkuk 3:2 reminds us that, when we think about God’s famous miracles, we can ask God to do something awesome in our own lives right now. When we face big problems – like health struggles, broken relationships, or money worries – we pray small prayers too often. We might just ask God to help us get through the day as we deal with problems we don’t expect to be solved. But Habakkuk shows us that we can pray bigger prayers. We can look back at God’s mighty deeds and dare to believe he can do something awesome for us right now. God is the same God now that he always has been. He’s the same God who performed all the wondrous miracles from the Bible, such as feeding thousands of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread, raising Lazarus from the dead, and opening prison doors for Paul and Silas. This same awesome God listens to your prayers today and does wonderful work in your life every day. Even when we remind ourselves that God is still powerful and merciful, sometimes we hesitate to pray big and bold prayers because we’re afraid of being disappointed. What if God doesn’t answer the way we hope? But God can see what’s really best in any situation. Praying like Habakkuk involves praying for God’s best and truly expecting that God will answer our prayers by doing something awesome. What would happen if you began to pray for God to do something awesome in your own life? What if you prayed not just to survive, but to thrive? What if you looked beyond your circumstances to the God who is in control of them? God has unlimited power, and he uses that power for good in your life, because he’s good and he loves you! Instead of dreading the stressful situations...

God’s provision and faithfulness are unshakable, even in life’s hardest seasons. Isaiah 46:4 reminds us that the Lord carries us, sustains us, and rescues us from beginning to end. In this devotional, Michelle Lazurek shares her story of church planting, financial struggles, and moments of doubt—only to discover God’s sustaining hand through every sacrifice, setback, and unexpected blessing. Highlights Isaiah 46:4: God promises to sustain us through every stage of life How financial struggles and sacrifice can test our faith Stories of unexpected provision through God’s people Why gratitude and reflection reveal God’s faithfulness in hindsight A reminder that God never forgets us and always has a plan Join the Conversation How has God sustained you during a season when you felt abandoned or overwhelmed? Share your story with the LifeAudio community and encourage others to trust God’s provision. Tag @LifeAudio and use #FaithfulGod #ChristianLiving #GodProvides to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Sustains Us By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah. 46:4 Many years ago, my husband and I planted a church. We planted it from a mother church where he originally pastored as an associate pastor. It became challenging to find people to be sent out to join us in our endeavor. We recruited 12 people from various backgrounds and areas of our lives, as well as a few from the church we were currently attending. From day one, it was a challenging experience. We moved several times, had to take several pay cuts, and experienced frequent turnover among our congregation members. Many people who came to us had previously experienced hurt in a church and were seeking a new kind of church. However, that emotional baggage that they brought with them, they dropped right at the church's doorstep. Because of all the financial, emotional, and mental issues involved in it, it was tough for us to deal with all the issues surrounding it. After the first pay cut, there were times when we couldn't always pay our bills. There were moments when my husband didn't eat dinner that night because there wasn't enough food. In those moments, it felt as if God had abandoned us. We were making all these sacrifices; why did we have to make those sacrifices when everyone else got to live their lives how they wanted? The church plant had a profound impact on my spiritual life. I became angry at God for the things I thought I was entitled to or deserved. God had called me to sacrifice, but it was clear he wasn't calling anyone else to make those same sacrifices. Because of this, I grew resentful. It deeply affected my spiritual life. I stopped praying and was going through the motions of the faith. As I look back now, I understand more completely the distinction between the two. As I reflect in the mirror now, donning many gray hairs, I know that even through the challenging stages, God has been with us. Looking back, I remember so many times when God provided for us. He had friends bring us food when there wasn't enough to eat. He had people give generous donations to us to help us make ends meet. Although I don't want to go through that difficult time again, I can see all the ways that God provided for us and sustained us during that difficult time. One time, we didn't have enough money to pay for a home repair. A couple from our congregation heard of our plight and surprised us with a check for the exact amount to get our roof fixed. We were elated! We were forever grateful to that couple for sacrificing and giving of themselves so that we could live another day in our home. It is not always easy during trials to see where God is at...

A cheerful heart is more than a good mood—it’s God’s prescription for hope and healing. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that joy can strengthen our spirit, while negativity can crush us from within. This devotional explores the power of perspective, gratitude, and God’s wisdom to transform how we walk through trials. Highlights Discover why Proverbs calls joy “good medicine” for the soul How your outlook impacts mental, spiritual, and physical health The danger of letting negativity spiral into despair Practical ways to cultivate gratitude and a cheerful heart in hard times Encouragement that God can shift your heart from hopeless to hopeful Join the Conversation What helps you keep a cheerful heart when life feels heavy? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Facebook @LifeAudio, and encourage someone else who may need this reminder today. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help others find biblical encouragement. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Best Medicine By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 (NIV) Proverbs is one of the most interesting books in the Bible. Often referenced for “one-off” quotes like this, but, in some cases, ignored as a work of wisdom in its entirety. It seems as if most of us aren’t really sure what to do with the Book of Proverbs, so we simply skim over the content or only digest it in small doses of daily scripture reading. I have had the true privilege of editing and consulting for a beautiful Christian author who is incredibly passionate about the works of Solomon, specifically Ecclesiastes and his contributions to the Book of Proverbs. Her work and message have transformed my entire perspective on the value of this ancient wisdom, especially in light of the eternal nuggets of truth that it offers us. Today’s scripture is one of these prized nuggets. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 (NIV) The first part of this quotable quip could be a cute bookmark or slogan on a coffee cup. Perhaps you have run across one at a bookstore or boutique. However, the latter part of the passage hits hard. The contrast of these two paradigms is so stark that it is actually startling. They are extremes at opposite ends, but I sense that is exactly what the author was aiming for. Why? Because that is how strongly the position of our hearts can influence our overall mental, spiritual, and even physical states. When you face challenges, disappointments, or hardships of any kind, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by negativity. Especially if the struggles you are facing are serious or life-altering. There is a strong pull beckoning you to crawl back under the covers and hide away from it all. Anxious and depressing thoughts start to convince you that all is lost, things will never change, or the pain will never go away. If you are not careful, you can be drawn into a dark, downward spiral that will begin, a little at a time, to fully crush your spirit and dry up your bones. How do I know this? Because I have lived it. Not once or twice, but repeatedly throughout my own twenty-year journey through trials. It has taken me years, literally years, to learn the power of a cheerful disposition in the midst of heartache. On this side of my shift in perspective, I can assure you the truth of this proverb is valid. Does this mean I am suggesting we placate and pretend that all is well when it is not? No, not at all. I am a firm believer in recognizing and validating the reality of our emotions. But that does not mean there is no way to control them. Feelings help us recognize there is something that needs our attention. And we need that. Sometimes, we don’t comprehend how much an experience or circumstance has impacted us...

God’s love is relentless, personal, and healing—even when we run, rebel, or reject Him. In Hosea 2:14–16, we see a God who pursues His people with grace, redemption, and restoration, offering hope when we least deserve it. Just like Israel’s story of betrayal and reconciliation, we are pursued in love by a Savior who refuses to let us go. Highlights Discover the depth of God’s faithful love in Hosea 2:14–16 Why God compared His relationship with Israel to a broken marriage The powerful picture of grace in the face of betrayal and rejection How God turns judgment into restoration and hope What it means to be pursued by God in your own faith journey Join the Conversation How has God pursued you in moments of failure or rebellion? Share your story with us on Instagram and Facebook @LifeAudio and connect with others walking this journey of grace. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more people discover encouragement from God’s Word. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: You Are Pursued in Love By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. 15 There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor[b] a door of hope. There she will respond[c] as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. 16 “In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master.’ Hosea 2:14-16, NIV We’ve all experienced the pain of shattered relationships, of betrayal and rejection. Sometimes, these experiences shock us and leave us battling indignation. Other times, we expected the relationship to fracture and the other person to withdraw—because of how we behaved. But oh, what healing when we encounter someone who sees us at worst and chooses to not only stay, but reaches for us, bridging the canyon our hurtful actions created and meets our ugliest deeds with grace. The Lord’s ever-present, never-ending, oh-go-gracious love has, and is, bringing healing to the wounded places in my soul and is helping to shatter the shame from some of my, relationship-harming behaviors—including those things that I know grieved the Lord’s heart and abused His grace. A grace He lavishes, in abundance, upon each of us. He pursues us when we regularly read our Bibles, pray, give and serve. He also pursues us—in love—when we choose His gifts over His presence, turn our backs on Him, and rebel. As we see again and again and again in His response to ancient Israel. For thousands of years, they treated His faithful kindness with contempt, disdained His life-giving commands, and only pursued Him when they landed in an insurmountable crisis. Hosea, the Old Testament prophet who wrote the book from which today’s passage comes, stepped into ministry during a challenging season in ancient Israel’s history. Delivering God’s message when his contemporaries Micah and Isaiah did the same, he conveyed similar warnings of judgment and promises of restoration and reconciliation with the Lord, but in a unique and powerful way. God told him to marry a “harlot”, which some commentators believe meant she worked as a prostitute, while others suggest the name points to a promiscuous lifestyle. The shocking and scandalous marriage revealed the depth of relationship God desired with His people and the intense grief He experienced from their betrayal. The text invites the reader to pause and consider their most intimate human relationship, and how they’d feel with an unfaithful spouse. If you’ve ever experienced this type of rupture, you know the intense pain this causes. Infidelity shatters trust and any sense of emotional safety once held, often leading to divorce or a long, arduous road of repair. God wanted His people to understand the damage they’d...

Worry doesn’t have to dominate your life. In Turn Your Worries into Prayers, Whitney Hopler reflects on Psalm 34:4 and shares how prayer can transform fear into peace and courage. Listeners will learn practical steps for turning anxious thoughts into prayers, experiencing God’s strength in challenging situations, and trusting Him to guide their hearts even when circumstances don’t change. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking freedom from fear, deeper trust in God, and practical ways to make prayer a daily habit. ✨ Highlights Psalm 34:4: prayer frees us from fear Turning worry into prayer shifts attention from the problem to God God may not always change circumstances, but He strengthens and changes us Practical tips for praying immediately when fear arises Learning to walk with courage and peace through life’s challenges Reflection: identifying specific fears and giving them to God 💬 Join the Conversation What worries have been weighing on you lately? How can you turn them into prayers today? Share your experiences with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithOverFear #PrayerPower #TrustGod #CourageThroughChrist to encourage others to find peace in God’s presence. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Turn Your Worries into Prayers By: Whitney Hopler “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4, NLT I struggled with many fears while growing up. After my parents’ divorce, remarriages, and moves, I rarely felt secure. Every day brought more stress that led me to worry a lot. As a young adult, I still struggled with the bad habit of worry, even though by then I had a relationship with Jesus. It wasn’t until I finally decided to pray – every single time I noticed that I felt afraid of something – that I finally broke free of my fears. By turning my worries into prayers, I welcomed God into my struggles. I didn’t just ruminate on my anxious thoughts; I did something useful with them by giving them to God to handle. That made all the difference! Soon, I learned that God is always willing to fight anxiety for me. Now, I still feel afraid sometimes in this fallen world, like everyone does. But I don’t get stuck in fear. I pray whenever a worry enters my mind – and God frees me from my fears by giving me the peace and courage I need, even in scary situations. What fears are you struggling with in your own life? You were never meant to carry those burdens alone. Psalm 34:4 describes a life-changing truth: prayer is the action that turns your fears over to God. Prayer moves your attention away from the source of your fear and toward the source of your strength: God. When you pray, you stop letting fearful thoughts run wild in your mind and get rid of them by asking God to handle them. A quick prayer that you say as soon as you catch yourself worrying will work. God already knows your thoughts, and he already knows how to help you, as well. Sometimes, God might change the challenging circumstances that are causing your fears. But more often, God won’t change your circumstances. Instead, he will change you. God will give you the courage to walk right through your challenges without worrying about them. The freedom God gives is a strong sense of peace that settles over you even when challenges are going on around you. You’ll know that you’re not alone and that God’s strength is more than enough for you to handle any challenge that comes into your life. You’ll still feel afraid sometimes. But you can overcome your fears, because of the confidence God gives you that he’ll help you do so. So, the very next time you notice a fearful thought in your mind that’s tempting you to worry, let that be your signal to pray. Don’t let the thought spiral. Instead, immediately say a prayer about it to God. You can say a brief prayer, either...

Tragedies can be sudden, shocking, and heartbreaking—but they also remind us of life’s eternal reality. In Why Tragedies Lead Us to Eternity, Lynette Kittle reflects on 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 and explores how witnessing or experiencing loss can point us to the hope we have in Christ. Listeners will be encouraged to consider their eternal destination, understand the gift of salvation, and trust that Jesus has conquered death, offering everlasting life to all who believe. This episode is essential for anyone seeking clarity, comfort, and assurance in the face of life’s fragility. ✨ Highlights 2 Corinthians 2:15-16: Christians are the aroma of Christ to the saved and unsaved 1 Thessalonians 4:13: Comfort for those grieving with hope in Christ Hebrews 2:9: Jesus’ death and resurrection bring eternal life to believers Eternal choices: Daniel 12:2 and Matthew 25:46 explain the reality of judgment The futility of trying to cheat death vs. the promise of resurrection through Jesus John 5:24, John 8:51, John 11:25-26: Belief in Christ ensures victory over death Reflection: Do you know where you will spend eternity? 💬 Join the Conversation Have you considered how sudden tragedies point to the hope we have in Jesus? How does trusting Him change the way you live today? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #EternalLife #TrustInJesus #ChristianHope #SalvationInChrist to encourage others to embrace the gift of eternal life. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Why Tragedies Lead Us to Eternity By Lynette Kittle “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”--2 Corinthians 2:15-16 Our nation has witnessed some horrific tragedies including fiery plane crashes, destructive fires, devastating floods, explosive tornadoes, and more. In all of these, we’ve witnessed individuals’ lives end in an instant, with no prior warning, leaving this world in a moment’s notice and headed for eternity. Christians whose loved ones pass away have the hope of seeing them again, in eternity. But to those who don’t believe and haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior, there is no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, explains, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” The Good News is that Jesus has tasted death for us, so we don’t have to, and those who perish knowing Christ, move from life to life, walking into their new forever lives in a second. Hebrews 2:9 explains, “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Bystanders to Tragedies Can Still Choose Being witnesses and bystanders to these tragedies leads us to eternity. Even if we don’t know those who are leaving this earth, their passing lives remind us that we need to be ready for it. Some individuals aren’t worried about dying, believing that their lives will just cease to exist at death, an eternal oblivion. But life continues after physical death, whether we accept Christ or not, our life will continue eternally. It’s just a matter of where we choose to live it. Daniel 12:2 describes what is to come: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” In Matthew 25:46, Jesus describes what happens, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Cheaters Never Win Others believe they can cheat death and live forever, hard at work trying to stop it from...