The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Do you ever feel unseen, unworthy, or unloved? In this devotional, we unpack what it means to be precious in God’s sight and how your identity in Christ gives you lasting value. Drawing from Isaiah 43:4, we explore God’s promise that you are deeply loved, fully known, and chosen—no matter your past, mistakes, or insecurities. Highlights Why God calls you precious, honored, and deeply loved How Isaiah 43 reveals God’s heart for His people, even in rebellion Finding security when relationships feel distant or rejection creeps in God’s compassion and grace in the middle of our brokenness Practical steps to anchor your worth and identity in Christ 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever struggled to believe you’re valuable and loved by God? Share your story with us—we’d love to hear how Isaiah 43:4 speaks to you. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #PreciousInHisSight to join the conversation and encourage others who need this reminder today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4, NIV Do you ever feel like a burden, unimportant, or insufficient? Maybe you’re a parent of an adult child, and you wonder if your son or daughter truly wants to hang out with you. Or maybe they’re in that young adult phase where, developmentally, they’re figuring out who they are, and are forging new relationships and, for a time, separating from you. And maybe that feels like a rejection that triggers negative self-talk. Or maybe there’s another relationship that doesn’t quite feel emotionally safe or reciprocal. Those circumstances can leave us feeling insignificant and unvalued. I understand how that feels. For much of my life I battled feelings of insecurity and wounds that challenged my ability to see myself as valuable, let alone precious. Yet, that’s precisely how God sees me. Even on my worst, most sinful and emotionally dysregulated days, He calls me precious. I say that based on the context surrounding today’s verse and all that was occurring with the nation of Israel when God first spoke these words through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. God’s people had rebelled against Him, for generations, to worship idols. They abandoned the Lord who watched over them, loved, protected, and guided them. The people resorted to violence, oppressed and used one another, and perpetuated injustice. For centuries, the Lord urged them to return to Him and live in the freedom for which He created them, but they refused. This grieved the Lord. The very fact that He addressed their sin through numerous prophets and in many chapters, shows how much He longed for a restored relationship with them and for them to love one another well. For His kids to stop abusing His kids. Listen to His heart, expressed to His rebellious children, in Isaiah 30:18: Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. (NASB) Then, about 12 chapters later, He promised to send His Son who, according to Isaiah 42:3, would show gentleness to those weighed down by their burdens and who felt ready to break. Then we get to Isaiah 43, one of my favorite passages in Scripture because it reminds me that we’re never alone in our chaos, even when we’ve landed in messes of our own making. Intersecting Life and Faith God remains with us when we feel like we’re drowning and He promises He won’t let the waves overtake us. Why? Because we are precious to Him. He calls us precious when we faithfully read our Bibles, pray, serve in ministry, and regularly attend church. He also calls us precious when we react out of fear or frustration, give in to our pride, and do and...

Are you facing a situation that feels impossible to fix on your own? This devotional reminds us that God can do what we can’t do and invites us to fully trust Him in circumstances beyond our control. When we reach the limits of our own abilities, God’s power begins where ours ends. Drawing from Luke 18:27, we’re reminded that “what is impossible with man is possible with God.” Whether it’s a strained relationship, financial hardship, health struggle, or an unanswered prayer, God invites us to surrender our worries and rely on His strength, timing, and plan. ✨ Highlights God can do the impossible — Our limitations don’t limit Him. Faith grows in the waiting — Trusting God deepens when we surrender control. Prayer comes first — Instead of forcing solutions, bring your needs to God first. Surrender releases peace — Handing our impossible situations to God allows us to rest in His power. God’s strength shines through weakness — Our struggles become opportunities for Him to display His glory. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one situation in your life right now that feels impossible? How are you learning to trust God and make prayer your first response? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #GodCanDoTheImpossible. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Can Do What We Can’t Do By: Whitney Hopler “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’” - Luke 18:27, NIV I’ve been praying every day and night for many months about a job situation for a family member that’s incredibly important. My family and friends have all been praying regularly for the same situation. Despite our prayers, however, the situation hasn’t changed yet. It’s frustrating, because there’s nothing that any of us can do ourselves to change this situation. Only God can do it! So, all we can do is keep praying and keep trusting God to answer our prayers. It’s painful for me to wait for God to act on this, since it’s something we need very much, and the uncertainty is stressful. But it’s impossible for me to do anything else other than pray and trust, or just give up. So, I’m choosing to keep asking God for help until his answer arrives. Jesus’ words in Luke 18:27 have encouraged me a lot during this time. I believe that God can do anything – even what’s impossible for me and the others who are praying with me. While I wait for God’s answer, my faith can grow stronger, since I know that I must completely rely on God instead of on myself or on anyone else for this. We can’t always change our circumstances, but God can. God can do what we can’t do! What are you facing right now that feels impossible? Maybe it’s a difficult relationship, a financial struggle, or a health crisis. We’ve all been in situations where we’ve done everything we can, and it’s still not enough. We’ve tried to make change happen, but we’ve hit a wall. It’s easy to feel hopeless and discouraged in impossible situations. But this verse reminds us that our limitations don’t limit God. When we’re at the end of our own abilities, we’re in a position to let go and let God take over. When we pray for situations where we can do absolutely nothing ourselves, our faith is tested. We have to surrender our need to control the outcome and trust that God will do what we can’t. Our first instinct is often to try harder when we face a problem that seems too big to solve. We make a plan and get to work, doing our best to make a solution happen, no matter what. But Jesus calls us to take a different approach. Jesus invites us to come to him first, and to trust that he will work to meet our needs in ways we can’t even imagine. Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. When we face a situation we can’t change, we need to pray something like this, with humility: “Lord, I’ve done all I can,...

Have you ever wondered what it really means to be made in the image of God? Genesis 1:27 reveals that being created in God’s image isn’t just about our unique qualities—it’s about our purpose. In Scripture, God appoints humanity to represent His character and authority on earth, reflecting His love, order, and goodness wherever we go. This devotional explores the deeper biblical meaning behind being made in God’s likeness, revealing how we were created not only with identity but also with divine responsibility. Like royal ambassadors, we are called to bring light into darkness, peace into chaos, and God’s presence into every sphere of influence. ✨ Highlights Being made in God’s image goes beyond identity — It’s about living out God’s authority and reflecting His goodness. Purpose and responsibility — We are meant to represent God’s character wherever we live, work, and influence others. A biblical perspective — Ancient Near Eastern kings used statues to represent their reign; in the same way, we represent God’s kingdom on earth. Humanity’s mission — Bring God’s order, kindness, and love into the spaces around you, from your home to your community. Practical reflection — Use your unique gifts not only to build yourself up but to magnify God’s presence and goodness in the world. 💬 Join the Conversation What does being made in God’s image mean to you? How are you using your gifts to reflect God’s character in your home, workplace, and relationships? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ImageOfGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What It Really Means to Be Made in the Image of God by Deidre Braley Genesis 1:27: So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (NIV). The verse from Genenesis about God creating mankind in his own image is a clear fan-favorite amongst Christians; it is often interpreted from an individualistic perspective as a way to applaud our innate giftings. People look at their own unique skills, qualities, and personality traits and consider them inherited attributes from God. And while this view certainly holds value, it’s important to also understand that that’s not all there is to the story. See, when the Bible says that God made humankind in his image, it doesn’t only mean that he gave people a similar spirit or likeness to his own. It also means that he gave them a purpose and responsibility. Let me explain. In Ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings would create royal statues of themselves—replicas of their own likeness that they could place throughout their empires to demonstrate their dominion even when they couldn’t physically be there. Given this context, the ancient audience of the Bible would have understood that when the author of Genesis said, “So God created mankind in his own image…” it meant that God had, in a similar sense, created humankind as a visible representation of himself when he could not be visibly seen otherwise on earth. Bible scholar Richard Hess explains it this way: …at the completion of God’s creation, he left ʾādām as his image to represent his authority on earth. This suggests that the function of the image is to reflect the divine will on earth in such a way as to extend God’s kingdom into every area of nature, society and culture. This is exactly what happens with the first man in Genesis 2.1 So what does this mean for us? In a world where nihilism runs rampant and many question whether their lives hold any value or purpose, this interpretation of Genesis 1:27 hands us a dazzling mission: to reflect God’s divine goodness in a world that craves light. We are not meant to just build our individual nests and keep to ourselves; we are meant to bring order, kindness, peace, and love into every corner we can reach. 1...

Are you overdue for a spiritual check-up? If you’ve been wondering how to know if you’re growing spiritually or what the Bible says about renewing your mind, this devotional will help you reflect on your faith and realign your heart with God’s Word. In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us not to conform to the world’s standards but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Yet, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others—whether friends, celebrity Christians, or social media influencers—instead of measuring our hearts against Scripture. Drawing from Paul’s humility and honest self-reflection, this devotional encourages us to stop competing, stop comparing, and start aligning our lives with God’s standards. True spiritual growth comes when we consistently examine ourselves and allow Scripture—not the culture around us—to shape our transformation. ✨ Highlights Why spiritual check-ups matter — Regularly examine your faith, attitudes, and heart alignment with God’s Word (2 Corinthians 13:5). Comparison is a trap — Measuring ourselves against others can lead to pride, shame, or complacency. Paul’s example of humility — Despite his influence, Paul called himself the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), reminding us we all need grace. Renewing the mind — Transformation begins when we filter our thoughts, habits, and actions through God’s Word rather than worldly standards. Pressing toward the goal — Focus on Jesus and the calling He’s placed on your life, not the noise around you (Philippians 3:14). 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you had a spiritual check-up? What’s one area God is calling you to grow in right now? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithCheckUp. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our Sister shows— Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Spiritual Check-Up 101 By Lynette Kittle “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will-- Romans 12:2 Like we go to the doctor or the dentist, do we go to God for a spiritual check-up to see how we’re doing spiritually overall? Or, do we look at the surrounding crowds of individuals around us, comparing our current condition with how they are doing, checking the latest celebrity Christians to measure ourselves next to them and see if we’re spiritually keeping up? Are we measuring our spiritual condition with the world then deciding whether we’re doing better or worse than them, whispering a ‘thank you” to God that we’re not walking in their shoes, relieved about ourselves, but not being very gracious when it comes to those who are struggling? Many of us may not realize that looking at others to feel better about ourselves is prideful along with having a haughty spirit. In comparing ourselves to others around us, we’re setting ourselves up to fall, as Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” God’s Word Sets the Standard Of course, as Christians, we know deep down that people aren’t how we measure our spiritual condition, but rather the word of God is what we need to hold up to our lives, to see how we’re doing. 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” When we do, it alerts us and points out areas in our lives where we may be off-track and needing of correction and that is probably why many of us are reluctant to examine ourselves, because we may not want to know the truth or like what we find. The Apostle Paul’s Self-Examination Many of us think of the Apostle Paul as a Saint, yet, in his own words, he counted himself the worst of sinners, which is hard for us to believe because he wrote...

As Moses approached the end of his life, his focus wasn’t on regret, bitterness, or personal loss—it was on God’s people. In Numbers 27:15-17, Moses prayed that the Lord would appoint a leader to guide Israel so they wouldn’t be “like sheep without a shepherd.” Despite his mistakes and missed opportunities, Moses left a legacy of faith, humility, and care for God’s people. This devotional reminds us that true spiritual leadership looks beyond ourselves and points others toward the ultimate Good Shepherd—Jesus—who leads us into rest, protection, and eternal promise. ✨ Highlights Moses’ selfless prayer — Even at the end of his life, Moses was focused on God’s people, not his own loss A legacy of faith — Despite failure, Moses’ life still pointed others toward God’s promises Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd — The fulfillment of Moses’ prayer is found in Jesus, who leads us to spiritual safety and rest (John 10:11) Kingdom perspective — God calls us to live with an eternal mindset, thinking beyond our present circumstances and investing in future generations Carrying God’s light — As Christ-followers, we are called to shine His light wherever we go and leave the world “better than we found it” 💬 Join the Conversation How are you leaving a God-led legacy in your life? What practical ways are you pointing others toward Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithfulLegacy to encourage others on their journey of faith. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 25:15-17, NIV A recent guest on the Faith Over Fear podcast shared how his wife, when battling illness that placed her on bedrest and fearing for her future, encouraged him not to wait too long, once she passed, to marry someone else. Needless to say, this completely shredded his heart, in part because he was dealing with his own fears and grief regarding his wife’s illness, but he was also deeply concerned for her, and empathetic toward her anguish. Thankfully, she is doing much better—no longer on bed rest, able to go on vacations with her family, and enjoying her 11 grandchildren. But her statement highlights something. Love thinks beyond today and certainly beyond how things affect us personally. Often, when we consider the last year of Moses’ life, we fixate on his mistake—the moment when he acted out of pride and a brief lapse of faith and forfeited entry into the promised land. That had to sting. But as today’s passage indicates, it also greatly concerned Moses—but notice, as his life neared its end, he wasn’t focused on himself. He could’ve been. Frankly, had I been him, I probably would’ve been battling guilt, shame, sorrow and regret. And maybe even a tinge of bitterness or despair. I mean, the man had spent 40 years trekking through the wilderness, leading a massive group of individuals who did not make Moses’ role easy. At one point, they even threatened to stone him. For four decades, Moses had served God well—humbly, faithfully, sacrificially. But then, like I said, in a moment of weakness, or frustration, or maybe both, he blew it at the cost of entry into the promised land. It’s important to note, however—his sin didn’t cost him his relationship with God or entry into heaven. Based on what I read elsewhere in Scripture, he still received entrance into the ultimate promised land—eternal paradise. But he wasn’t able to lead the ancient Israelites, people for whom he deeply cared, during what would be their greatest, most exciting and, likely frightening, transition of their lives. And in today’s...

When life feels overwhelming and your heart is troubled, Psalm 4:8 reminds us of God’s promise: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” In this devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares a personal story of how God used the song “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez to bring peace in the middle of anxiety. Through Scripture, prayer, and resting in God’s presence, we are reminded that we can lay our burdens down and trust that He never abandons us. ✨ Highlights God never leaves us — He promises to be with us always (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20) Honesty in prayer matters — God invites us to bring our deepest pain and struggles to Him (Psalm 62:8, Hebrews 4:13) God is our safe place — No matter how uncertain life feels, His presence offers protection and peace (Romans 8:35-39) Resting in Him — By casting our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7), we can release our anxiety and sleep in peace, knowing He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4) Practical encouragement — Share your heart with God, meditate on His promises, and trust Him to handle what you cannot 💬 Join the Conversation How do you find rest in God when life feels overwhelming? Do you pray, listen to worship music, or meditate on Scripture? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #RestInGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Rest in God By: Alexis A. Goring “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” — Psalm 4:8 NLTOne night as I was preparing to go to bed, my mind was too troubled to sleep. So, I turned to prayer. I asked God to remind me how real He is and within seconds of that prayer request spoken directly to God, He brought a song to my mind with lyrics I hadn’t listened to in years. “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez ministered to me and gave me great hope. The song lyrics begin by painting the picture of a person feeling like they are surrounded by darkness and deep in despair. They feel like their world is caving in. The person begins to seek God by being honest about what they are experiencing. They tell God that their mind is playing games yet again but deep inside they know that God is right there in the dark with them and He’s never abandoned them. Realizing the hope in this, they ask God to bring them back to the safe place they remember having with Him when they were growing up in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. A place where they knew God’s personal care intimately. They desire to return to the safe haven that they knew so well in their childhood. In those days, it felt like they could free fall into God’s open arms and be covered by His all-surrounding protection. They want to rest in God. There are so many takeaways that one can glean from this song. Let’s focus on a few: Takeaway #1: God has never and will never abandon you (Hebrews 13:5). Sometimes, we may feel like God has left us to face life alone but that is not true because the Bible says He will be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Takeaway #2: God encourages us to be honest with Him. He can handle the depths of our pain, especially when we are feeling despair. Nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). He knows our thoughts before they form in our mind. Given this truth, we may as well tell Him everything that’s weighing heavy on our heart (Psalm 62:8). He waits patiently for us to come to Him just as we are and cast our burdens on Him (Matthew 11:28-29). Takeaway #3: God is our safe place. Period. No matter how unsafe our world may feel and no matter where we live on this Earth, we can go to God for safety. His Presence is fully accessible to us everywhere on this planet. He knows all and sees all (Proverbs 5:21). The Bible says nothing can separate us from His Love (Romans 8:35-39). When we feel scared and hopeless and...

Mornings can feel overwhelming when to-do lists, responsibilities, and worries start piling up the moment you wake up. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reminds us that Psalm 46:5 offers a powerful promise: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” When we start our mornings with prayer, invite God into our schedules, and trust His guidance, we can face even the busiest days with peace and confidence. God’s presence is constant, His help is timely, and His strength is enough for whatever comes our way. Highlights Why mornings matter — how starting your day with God’s help sets the tone for peace and focus The promise of Psalm 46:5: God’s presence keeps us steady and secure Practical tips for beginning your morning with God: Pray first — surrender your worries and ask for His strength Read Scripture — meditate on God’s promises for the day ahead Declare truth — speak God’s Word aloud and align your mindset with His promises How trusting God at the start of the day shapes your response to challenges Why September’s busy seasons are an opportunity to rely more on God’s help 💬 Join the Conversation How do you start your mornings with God’s help? Do you pray, journal, meditate on Scripture, or declare a favorite verse? Share your morning routine and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #StartWithGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Start Your Day with God’s Help By: Whitney Hopler “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5, NIV Shortly after I wake up each day, all the items on my schedule and to-do list for that day start swirling around in my mind. I can feel overwhelmed if I wait too long to do that one thing that prevents unnecessary stress for me each morning: pray. However, if I start my prayer devotional time within the first few minutes of waking up, I can direct my attention beyond my responsibilities to the One who will help me manage them. It only takes a brief time of connecting with God intentionally to start to notice God’s presence with me. As soon as I focus on enjoying God’s presence, I receive his peace. That gives me the confidence that I won’t fall – no matter how much I have to do during the day ahead – because God will be walking through the day with me. God will be there to give me whatever I need, for whatever situations I face, so I can’t fall as long as I’m relying on God’s help. September mornings can be especially busy, since many people move into a faster pace at work, school, and church after the slower summer season. The new responsibilities can feel heavy. Psalm 46:5 assures you that no matter how crowded your calendar becomes, you don’t have to handle it alone. When you invite God into your mornings, you can begin your busy days with the reassurance that God will be there to help you with all you have to do. Each morning is a fresh opportunity to walk in faith by trusting God to help you with whatever you need. You may wake up feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, burdened by yesterday’s struggles, or anxious about what your new day may hold. But God promises to be right there with you, to keep you from falling. God’s help is available at the break of every new day! The way you start each morning affects your ability to handle whatever comes your way. When it says “God is within her,” Psalm 46:5 reminds you that God is within you through his Holy Spirit, and because of God’s presence right there with you, you won’t fall, no matter what happens during your day. The promise “she will not fall” reminds you of God’s unlimited power. You may stumble, but you won’t fall down into despair. You’ll face challenges during your day, but with God at your side, you’ll be able to overcome them. God will hold you steady and give you the grace you need for...

In Psalm 34:18, we’re reminded that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” But in seasons of heartbreak, unanswered prayers, or overwhelming busyness, God can sometimes feel distant. Cindi McMenamin shares how we can quiet the noise, draw near to God, and experience His presence as close and real as the air we breathe. ✨ Highlights Why God sometimes feels distant and how to reconnect with Him Four practical ways to experience God’s presence: Take a Divine Pause — slow down, breathe deeply, and be still (Psalm 46:10) Whisper His Name — use simple “breath prayers” like “Jesus, I need You” (Acts 4:12) Read His Word Aloud — Scripture is “living and active” and draws us closer (Hebrews 4:12) Start Praising Him — worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s goodness The promise of Jeremiah 29:13: when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you felt God’s presence as close as your next breath? Share your story and inspire others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #AsCloseAsYourBreath. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: As Close as Your Breath By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NASB) Does it sometimes feel like God is far away? Heartbreak, struggles, hurts from the past, unanswered prayer, or just filling your schedule with everything but Him can make you believe God is distant. But Scripture abounds with evidence that He is as close to you as the air you breathe. Psalm 139 assures us that God knows every detail of our lives and in verses 7-12, we read there’s nowhere we can go outside of His presence and away from His watchful eye. Hebrews 13:5 also tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. But maybe you know all that and you still long to know He’s there. When we feel like God is far away it’s often because we are the ones who have distanced ourselves. Perhaps other loves have stolen our heart away. That feeling that He’s distant can be an indicator that we need to put ourselves in the position where we can sense His presence, hear His voice, notice His work around us, and invite Him closer to our hearts. Intersecting Faith and Life: How can you be assured God is right next to you? Take a Divine Pause—Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise. Too much confusion. Too much anxiety. Too many apps or windows open. Too many voices and thoughts running through our minds. Center your mind on Him (Colossians 3:1-2) and start to breathe deeply. Try it. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. Exhale your pre-occupation with self. Inhale a desire to know Him more completely. Exhale the worries of the moment. Inhale His peace. Now, don't you feel closer to His heart already? There's a reason His Word says "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 ESV). Whisper His Name—There are times we need Him but we just don't know what to say or where to begin. Start by saying His name aloud and then speak your heart's cry. Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus, not only because "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12), but because Jesus responds to His name when His loved ones call to Him. The writers of the classics called this type of whispering cry “breath prayers.” My breath prayers to sense His presence are "Jesus, I need You" or "Jesus, give me a heart for You." Calling His name just as often as we breathe is one of the simplest ways to sense His presence. And I believe the simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart—and ours—the quickest. Read His Word...

In Romans 1:1, Paul reminds us what it means to be set apart for the gospel — living fully surrendered to Christ and committed to sharing the good news with others. Laura Bailey reflects on Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and challenges us to examine our own willingness to share the gospel, even when it feels uncomfortable. Like Paul, we are called to let our lives reflect God’s grace and boldly carry the message of salvation to those who need to hear it. ✨ Highlights What Romans 1:1 teaches about living a life set apart for Christ Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and its powerful testimony Why sharing the gospel message requires faith, courage, and obedience How our stories can point others to God’s grace and salvation A reminder that we’re responsible for sharing the message, not controlling the response 💬 Join the Conversation Who in your life might need to hear the gospel message today? Has God been nudging you to start that conversation or send that note? Share your experience and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SetApartForTheGospel. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Set Apart for the Gospel By: Laura Bailey “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—” Romans 1:1 NIV I love getting mail, don’t you? Who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter from a friend or family member, especially one filled with encouragement, love, and words of affirmation? Better known as “snail mail,” letters are considered an outdated form of communication by most. Now, we converse through 280-word text limits and a series of emojis. A champion for the written word, I still pen letters, dotting my “i’s” with a heart, underlining important words, and using way too many exclamation marks! I am convinced that holding a handwritten letter from a loved one is one of the best feelings in the world. It’s an instant morale booster, and often, the sender’s words feel like they were delivered straight from the Lord. They were just what my heart needed to hear. Letters remind the recipient that someone cared enough about them to write a message they needed to hear. And that’s precisely the heart behind Paul’s letter to the new believers in the church of Rome, encouraging them in their faith. Romans is a letter to early Christians in Rome, following the historical custom of greeting, identification of the author, identification of the recipient, and the reason for writing. Paul shares that he is a servant, or slave, to the gospel. In the original Greek text, the word "servant" implies someone who sold themselves into servanthood for some time. By describing himself in this way, Paul is telling his audience that he doesn’t consider his life his own—Christ owns him. And for what purpose? To share the gospel message! Paul has given up everything to fully commit his life to sharing the gospel and encouraging other believers. Why was it so important for Paul to list out his qualifications? We read in Acts 9 that Paul, formerly called Saul, was the chief persecutor of Christians. While on the road to Damascus, the Lord called him to repent and then go and share the gospel with the Gentiles. Paul’s life was a living testimony to the power of the gospel to change lives. Paul was the perfect person to share the message of salvation and how God uses our stories for His glory. Paul was persecuting and killing the very people he was now ministering to and encouraging in their faith. These people were a little wary of this man, and rightly so. Paul understood his words could be received with some apprehension, so he explained to the Romans how his life had been changed, not because of what he had done but because of what Christ had done and was continuing to do in his life. In faithful obedience, Paul made it his...

Have you ever struggled to be quick to listen and slow to speak? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reflects on James 1:19 and how challenging it can be to practice patience, humility, and gentleness in our everyday interactions. From stressful situations to family conversations, James reminds us that our reactions reflect Christ’s character to those around us. God calls us to represent His nature by choosing compassion over anger and listening over rushing to respond. ✨ Highlights What James 1:19 teaches about patience, listening, and responding with grace How our reactions reflect God’s character to those around us Why slowing down and practicing gentleness leads to healthier relationships The connection between our faith, accountability, and emotional responses A prayerful reminder to welcome God’s correction and grow in humility 💬 Join the Conversation Do you find it hard to be slow to speak and quick to listen? How has God helped you practice patience and gentleness in your relationships? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithInAction. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak By Megan J. Conner “Brothers and sisters, let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 (NIV) – CHECK How many of us have heard this scripture and felt immediate conviction? I know I have – absolutely, 100%! I long to embody these humble sentiments, but I find myself more often than not falling short – very short. Perhaps you feel the same. Why is it that many of us struggle with quiet spirits, closed mouths, and open ears? The Book of James is one that challenges me and cuts straight to the heart in several passages (James 1:1, anyone?). Not one to mince words, James just comes right out and boldly declares we should all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. He goes on to say that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. In other words, our actions outside of this mandate counteract the work of the gospel in the lives of those around us. Ouch! So, my lack of patience with the airport personnel who just announced my flight was delayed again, thus producing the loss of my luggage again, is not pleasing to the Lord no matter how justified I feel? When I take a breath and calm down, my logical brain can clearly analyze the disconnect. However, because my reaction to a frustrating situation is immediate, my analytical brain is overrun by my heightened emotional state. What about when someone in my family comes to me to share a question or concern and I not only fail to listen, but I jump in with a quick solution completely bypassing their feelings so I can check off the next box on my list? I love my family and it is never my desire to harm them in any way, yet how easy it is to instantly react in such a manner and miss out on a possible opportunity to show them my love and the love of Christ? Right before our focus scripture today is an explanation from James on how and why we should be held accountable for our actions and reactions. “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures,” (James 1:16-18, ESV). Our loving, benevolent Father gave us every perfect and good gift so that we might represent Him to those around us. He brought us forth by the word of truth so that we would produce fruit that bears His image. If we are His image-bearers here on earth then how we act and react is directly connected to how others view His nature and character. If you are anything like me, then the reflection of...

Do you ever struggle with FOMO—the fear of missing out? In this devotional, Hannah Benson reflects on Psalm 16:6 and reminds us that God has set boundaries for our lives with purpose and intention. While it’s tempting to compare our blessings with others, God calls us to trust His unique plan and timing. Instead of chasing every opportunity or envying someone else’s path, we can rest in the truth that we will never miss out on what God has for us when we walk in His will. ✨ Highlights How Psalm 16:6 teaches us to embrace the “pleasant places” God has chosen for us Why comparison and jealousy steal joy and distract us from God’s plan Trusting that God’s timing and blessings are uniquely tailored for your life A reminder to celebrate answered prayers instead of chasing what’s next Encouragement to surrender control and find contentment where God has placed you 💬 Join the Conversation Do you ever wrestle with FOMO or comparison? How has God reminded you that His plans are better than your own? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #TrustHisTiming. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When You Wonder if You’re Missing Out A devotional by Hannah Benson “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 (ESV) Do you ever struggle with FOMO (or fear of missing out, as it’s often called)? I wrestle with this fear all the time. The fact is, we can’t be everywhere all at once even if we wish we could. As much as we don’t want to hear this, we are not meant to be everywhere. Certainly not everywhere all at once and sometimes not ever. I know this is painful to hear (it is for me, too), but we need to realize that not every space is ours to fill. Read that again. Not every space is ours to fill. As Psalm 16:6 puts it, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” This means not every opportunity is ours to have. I know it’s hard to watch someone else win the award, receive a promotion, or “move forward” (according to our definition) in life. What about when we want to be everywhere all at once? When we’re uninvited or simply can’t do everything or we’re forced to choose between two amazing opportunities? Is it possible to “miss out” on God’s will for our lives? Or what if the space we find ourselves in isn’t the space we want to be? Because of our human nature, sometimes, we are going to be envious of the blessings God has chosen to shower upon someone else. We are going to wonder why we weren’t invited. Why we aren’t as popular. Why we didn’t get the scholarship, the award, or the leading role in the school play. This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. A mixture of prideful arrogance often led me to believe I “deserve” whatever it is I want. Selfish, isn’t it? And when God in His mercy sees fit to bless someone else with the very thing I wanted, I became angry. Why didn’t He bless me the same? This was a struggle for a long time until the Lord gently pried my hands open and urged me to stop clinging to what I wanted as if it were an idol. And He reminded me that He knew best. Just because He didn’t bless me with the exact same blessings as someone else didn’t mean He was withholding good things from me. Humans are not meant to be copycats of each other. Even identical twins, siblings, best friends, and spouses. We may have a lot in common with those closest to us, but we won’t have all the exact same experiences and blessings even if we try. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us. He has a calling for you and me. Intersecting Faith & Life In case you need this reminder today, if you are following the Lord, you will not miss out on anything He has for you. Look around you. Look at where you find yourself right...

In a world filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelming stress, how can we truly experience God’s peace? Drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, reminds us that God offers an unshakable calm when we choose prayer over panic and trust over control. Through Scripture, practical steps, and personal reflection, this devotional invites us to trade our worries for God’s peace and refocus our minds on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy. ✨ Highlights Why anxiety, fear, and worry are at an all-time high—and how God meets us there How praying with an open Bible deepens trust and strengthens your faith Philippians 4:6-9’s step-by-step antidote to anxiety: pray, thank, focus, and rest Why fixing your thoughts on God’s goodness brings peace that surpasses understanding A simple, powerful prayer to surrender your concerns and experience God’s presence 💬 Join the Conversation What verses bring you peace when worry takes over? Have you seen God replace your anxiety with His calm? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CalmInChrist. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: His Calming Presence By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). It’s been said we are living in the most anxious times on earth. Post pandemic loneliness and a sense of isolation still impact many people, young and old alike. Countless people suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Mental and emotional health issues are off the charts. Stress is triggering cancer cells in our bodies and adding to our health problems. Many struggle with a sense of identity. Financially, it’s one of the most difficult times to make ends meet. And the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health crisis with devastating results. Where is God in all of this? If you’re like most believers today, you’ll say you know in your head that God is in control, but you have a hard time relying on Him in your day-to-day life. And, what I’ve observed after decades of ministry is that those who can’t bring it from their head to their hearts—from the pages of God’s Word to their daily lives—are also those who admit they need to be in the Word of God and know it much more. To know God is to know His Word. To know His Word is to know Him. I once heard my mentor author, Elisabeth Elliot, say: “Pray with an open Bible. How can we know what to pray if we aren’t reading God’s Word? And how can we understand God’s Word if we aren’t praying?” The more you open up His Word (whether it’s in book form or an app on your device), the more He will open your eyes and heart to know who He is and how He can calm your anxious heart. Intersecting Faith and Life: Philippians 4:6-7 has been a lifeline for me through the years—especially because there is much to worry about… when you’re contemplating decisions that will impact your future when you’re seeking a man to marry—or struggling in your marriage when you’re pregnant—or trying to get pregnant when you’re caring for a child, parent, or grandparent when you’re trying to stay afloat financially when your health—or the health of someone you love—causes fear or frustration Life is often accompanied by concerns that quickly turn into worries that can develop into fear or anxiety. Yet God’s Word gives us a simple, yet practical, antidote to the type of worry that breeds fear. Philippians 4:6-7 instruct: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which...

In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” But what does that really mean when life is full of stress, setbacks, and struggles? Whitney Hopler explores the difference between happiness and true joy, showing us that rejoicing in the Lord is possible even in life’s hardest moments. Drawing from Paul’s prison writings and personal reflections, this devotional reminds us that joy is not based on circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s unchanging presence and love. ✨ Highlights Why joy and happiness are not the same—and why joy lasts How to rejoice in the Lord even during trials and stress Paul’s example of choosing joy while imprisoned for his faith Practical ways to cultivate daily joy, like gratitude and noticing God’s wonder A reminder that joy isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of God 💬 Join the Conversation What helps you choose joy when life feels overwhelming? Have you experienced God’s presence carrying you through a difficult season? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ChoosingJoy. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Does It Mean to Rejoice? By: Whitney Hopler “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4, NIV When I visited the Happiness Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, I read some of the thousands of individual sticky notes left by visitors who each wrote down something that makes them feel happy. People listed pets, friends, travel, cooking, sports, reading, walking in nature, listening to music, and much more. The note I left read: “Discovering and experiencing God’s wonder” and I was pleased to see that many other people mentioned God in their own notes. While many things can give us temporary feelings of happiness, only relationships with God can give us joy. Joy is greater than happiness, and unlike happiness, joy is possible to experience in any kind of circumstances. In Philippians 4:4, the Bible encourages us to rejoice all the time. Honestly, this verse can sometimes feel unrealistic. How can we rejoice always when we have to deal with so many challenges in this fallen world? How can we do so even when we’re stressed, exhausted, frustrated, sad, anxious, or angry? If rejoicing meant forcing ourselves to try to feel happy, there would be plenty of situations where we couldn’t do so. Thankfully, though, the rejoicing this verse describes happens “in the Lord”. We can rejoice because of our relationships with Jesus, who connects us in saving relationships to God, the source of all joy. The Apostle Paul wrote this verse through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration from a prison cell in chains, as he was possibly facing being killed for his faith. His joy wasn’t tied to any circumstances that made him happy. Instead, Paul found joy in his relationship with God, who was present with him and faithfully loving him even in the worst circumstances. As your own circumstances change, your feelings will naturally change. Sometimes you’ll feel happy, but sometimes you’ll go through challenging circumstances that will knock happy feelings right out of you. No matter what, though, you can always experience joy by connecting with God. Whenever you notice God’s presence with you, you can focus on God and enjoy the joy that God will send you in the process. You can be struggling emotionally as you deal with an especially hard challenge, and still experience joy. That’s because joy is much more than just an emotion, like happiness is. Joy is a deep confidence that your loving God is with you and will help you! In this verse, Paul repeats himself by writing: “I will say it again: Rejoice!” That repetition emphasizes how important it is to not let your joy be hijacked by any kind of challenging situation. Being joyful is a choice. When you find yourself struggling in a...

Arguments can spiral quickly—but God’s Word offers a better way forward. In this devotional, Laura Bailey reflects on Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 and shares practical, biblical wisdom on managing conflict, practicing patience, and choosing peace over pride. Through personal stories and Solomon’s timeless counsel, Laura reminds us that unresolved anger leads to broken relationships—but a heart submitted to God leads to reconciliation. If you’ve ever struggled with wanting the “last word,” this devotional encourages you to pause, pray, and pursue God’s wisdom when emotions run high. ✨ Highlights How Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 teaches us to choose patience over pride Practical, biblical strategies for handling conflict and avoiding unnecessary arguments Why delaying your response can lead to better understanding and restored relationships The dangers of letting anger control us instead of surrendering it to God Encouragement to prioritize people and peace over proving you’re right 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you paused instead of reacting in anger? How did God guide you through it? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ChoosePatience to encourage others who are seeking God’s wisdom in moments of conflict. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stopping the Argument Before It Starts By: Laura Bailey “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV I’ll admit it. I am a “get the last word” kind of gal. I could blame my fiery red hair, my explosive personality, or the fact that I received the argumentative gene from both my parents. However, the truth is that I am a proud person. Not only do I desire to have the final say, but I am also reluctant to admit that I was wrong and delay seeking forgiveness. Fully aware that this runs counter to the admonishment to “ love your neighbor as yourself, ( Matthew 22:39), I’ve spent a significant amount of time in both prayer and Bible study in the hopes that the Lord will tame my tongue and soften my heart. I discovered these verses from Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Whew, talk about a gut punch. The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with sage advice and practical, godly wisdom on how to live in a way that pleases the Lord. Solomon succeeded his father, David, to the throne at a young age. Yet, God promised that he would be the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12). Shortly after taking over the throne, his wisdom is on full display when he pacifies an argument between two mothers (3:16-28). Solomon knew the benefit of resolving conflicts quickly, while staying calm and in control of his emotions. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was to wait a day before acting or responding to something that upset me. If I was still upset after a day, they encouraged me to wait a week. If I was still upset after a week, give it one more week. If, at the end of two weeks, it continued to bother me, then I should reach out. By delaying my response, the hope was, in the words of my late grandmother, “everything eventually works itself out,” or I would be clear-headed enough to have the conversation without letting my emotions prompt me to say something I would later regret. Solomon’s words echo this same sentiment, but he takes it a step further. He tells us, just let it go, don’t stew on it, don’t bring it back up, lay it rest. While I understand that there are things we should address, offenses that we should not overlook, and grievances that are suitable for airing, but, in my experience, the majority of things that “steal...

Navigating social media today can feel like a no-win situation—say too much and you're criticized, say too little and you're ignored. In this devotional, Deidre Braley reflects on Matthew 11:16-19, where even Jesus and John the Baptist faced relentless judgment from their generation. Just like in biblical times, our world is filled with strong opinions, constant debates, and digital noise. But Jesus offers us a better way forward: to repent, draw near to God, and find rest in Him as we engage the online world with grace and truth. 📖 Read more devotionals here: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse Highlights Social media struggles are nothing new — Even Jesus faced criticism no matter what He did. Repentance brings clarity — Turning toward God helps us see people as He does: beloved and worthy of grace. Resting in Christ — True peace comes when we lay down our anxieties and follow His gentle way. Living differently online — With a Christ-centered mindset, we can engage in the digital world without losing our grounding in faith. Join the Conversation Have you ever felt caught in the social media no-win cycle? How do you stay rooted in Christ when digital debates get overwhelming? Share your thoughts with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInFocus — we’d love to hear your story! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Catch 22: How to Engage With Social Media in a No-Win Situation by Deidre Braley Matthew 11:16-19: “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” The other day I fell down the rabbit hole of social media and, before I knew it, I was like Alice in Wonderland: disoriented, and suddenly feeling uncertain about reality. I had meant to just hop on and respond to a message from a client, but I got distracted by a “recommended post,” and when I clicked on it, it took me to another social media platform altogether. After I’d been carried over there, I was a goner. I began to scroll through these all-new-to-me people, each with their own strong opinions, loud crowds, and unwavering certainty. By the time I surfaced for air, I was completely dejected. I felt a sense of whiplash from the digital back-and-forth I had just witnessed, and felt a sort of ethereal confusion I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I thought, There’s just no getting it right! It doesn’t matter what you say or think; someone will always completely disagree with you—and they won’t be afraid to malign you for it either. I often hear people say that we live in unprecedented times, and while it might be true that our technology is evolving across new frontiers, reading passages like the one above leads me to believe there is actually nothing unprecedented about the human heart. In Matthew 11, Jesus voices the same frustration—the same no-win situation—that I felt that day on social media. People had something critical to say about everyone and everything—no matter what they did or did not do. John the Baptist didn’t eat and drink, and people claimed he had a demon (v.18). Jesus did eat and drink, and people called him a glutton, a drunkard, and—gasp!—a friend of tax collectors and sinners (v.19). In the meantime, the people were so busy speculating about John and Jesus and judging their every move that they missed the point: that the kingdom of Heaven was in their very midst, and that God had drawn near enough for them to actually touch. I find it interesting that in the...

In this heartfelt devotional, Hannah Benson reflects on Psalm 37:4 and God’s promises about the desires of our hearts. While we often pray for dreams, relationships, and opportunities, Hannah reminds us that true fulfillment comes when we delight ourselves in the Lord first. God wants to transform our desires to align with His will — not to give us idols that take His place. Through personal stories and biblical insight, this devotional invites us to surrender control, trust God’s timing, and find contentment in Him above all else. ✨ Highlights The deeper meaning of Psalm 37:4 — why God shapes our desires before He fulfills them How good things like careers, relationships, or ministry dreams can become modern-day idols Why God sometimes says “no” and how His redirection protects our hearts A practical way to test your desires: “If God asked me to give this up, would I?” Encouragement to trust that God’s plan is always better than anything we could imagine 💬 Join the Conversation What dreams or desires have you had to surrender to God? How has He reshaped your heart in the process? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #DelightInTheLord to join the conversation and encourage others to trust God’s timing and purpose. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Will Meet the Desires of Our Hearts, but He Won’t Give Us the Idols We Ask For. A devotional by Hannah Benson “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your hearts.” Psalm 37:4 (ESV) This verse has been an anchor for me over the past several years as I’ve navigated the challenges of high-school and now adulthood. I have so many dreams and desires on my heart. Some doors God has swung wide open, while others, I’m still wondering what is on the other side. Sometimes, God whispers to my heart: “You need to knock.” After all, didn’t Jesus say “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 ESV). We know the Lord delights to give good gifts to His children. But what happens when we’ve asked, sought, and knocked multiple times, but God says no? If the Lord doesn’t give us what we want, does this mean we didn’t have enough faith? That we didn’t ask or believe as hard as we should’ve? According to Psalm 37:4, if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Does this mean we didn’t delight enough in God? Why then didn’t God give us what we wanted? Reread the verse. Notice it says, “God will give us the desires of our hearts” not “God will give us everything we ask for.” The psalmist writes in Psalm 73:25 (ESV), “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” Dear friend, God is meant to be the greatest desire of our hearts. The verse in Psalm 37:4 could have a two-fold meaning. I can’t tell you how many times I have longed for something. Usually, one of two things happens when I have something placed on my heart. I either clench what I want in my fist and that’s when I realize it’s an idol. God will usually remove it from my life (either permanently or at least for a while until my heart changes). God wants us to surrender and trust Him. Even if He says no. Even if He asks us to make a decision that doesn’t make sense. I have found that God will meet the desires of our hearts, but He won’t give us the idols we ask for. Now, you may be thinking: “That’s crazy! I would never ask God for an idol or bow down to any other god. I’m a believer!” Intersecting Faith & Life If we long for something more than we long for God, even if it’s good, then it becomes an idol in our lives. It could be our desire for a job, a spouse, a child, even an open door to go on a missions trip. Those wants and desires aren’t wrong, but if placed above God, then that’s when things...

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” — Proverbs 20:24 Have you ever felt like you’re wandering aimlessly, unsure if you’re on the right path? In today’s devotional, Lynette Kittle reminds us that even when life feels uncertain or our choices seem unclear, God is still directing our steps. Through Scripture and personal experience, we’re encouraged to trust God’s timing, follow His leading, and rest in His promises — even when the way forward doesn’t make sense. ✨ Highlights Why our steps are ordered by God, even when we don’t see the bigger picture How to recognize God’s quiet guidance when life feels confusing or uncertain A personal story that shows how God’s direction often becomes clear after we act in faith How the enemy uses doubt and discouragement to make us question God’s plan Practical encouragement to lean on Proverbs 3:5-6 and fully trust God’s guidance 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like you were wandering — only to later realize God was leading you exactly where you needed to be? We’d love to hear your story! Share your experience and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #TrustHisSteps to encourage others walking through seasons of uncertainty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Step This Way, Please By Lynette Kittle “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?--Proverbs 20:24 Sometimes, we seem to sense God’s leading, feeling surefooted of the direction our steps are taking us. Yet, at other times, it can feel like we’re aimlessly wandering around, not hearing His voice at all and unsure where our next steps are leading us to, causing us to feel at times like we’re just stumbling around in life, making missteps, getting off track and headed directions we didn’t plan on going. Not that we’re trying to misstep, but as our steps aren’t making sense at the moment and don’t seem to be leading us in the direction we thought we were headed. Long before the popular “Star Wars” miniseries “The Mandalorian” created the catchphrase, “This is the way,” God’s been showing us the way to walk. This saying originates in the Bible, found in Isaiah 30:21, where God assures us, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” When Our Steps Seem All Over the Place Recently, I felt like I was really struggling in choosing and sending birthday gifts to a treasured friend. Spending literally days, evenings, and weeks praying for inspiration and direction, looking at various options, and so on, I finally decided in what seemed like a last-minute style on a few select items to send. So feeling let down, like I waited too long, missed the gift-giving boat, didn’t plan well, and so on and so forth, the gifts were sent but left me feeling like I had fallen short, failed, and let her down. A few days later, I received the following text from my friend who received the gifts: “I want to thank you so much for the birthday gifts. I think I can honestly say I have never enjoyed gifts as much as these. Every day for 5+ days I totally enjoyed my roses and the cheesecake was so amazing. It was perfect! I still have a few pieces of the chocolate I’m hoarding those…lol. Thank you for such wonderful gifts!” When It Feels Like a Misstep How many times do we allow the enemy of our soul to point fingers at us, causing us to doubt God’s guidance in our lives and accusing us of all kinds of shortcomings in an attempt to steal our joy away from us, rather than trusting that He is leading us, even when it doesn’t seem or feel like it at the time? This isn’t the first time that my wandering or uncertainty in a situation has brought about an inspired response, where, although it seemed like I was just roaming around...

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” — Genesis 22:2 (NIV) Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that didn’t make sense? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey unpacks Abraham’s radical obedience in Genesis 22 and what it teaches us about having unwavering faith when life feels uncertain. From trusting God’s provision to surrendering our own plans, we’re reminded that stepping out in faith leads to God’s blessings, promises, and purpose. ✨ Highlights Why Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 22 is a model for trusting God amid uncertainty How God’s provision of the ram foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb The connection between Abraham’s faith and God’s promise to bless all nations Encouragement to say “yes” to God’s calling, even when it defies human logic Living a life of surrender and experiencing the blessings that flow from obedience and faith 💬 Join the Conversation Has God ever called you to take a leap of faith? Maybe it was a career change, a move, or a personal decision that required deep trust. We’d love to hear your story! Share how you’ve seen God provide and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #UnwaveringFaith to encourage others walking through seasons of uncertainty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty By: Laura Bailey “Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:2 NIV Has the Lord called you to do something that, at the time, didn’t make sense or seemed a bit crazy? Perhaps the Lord called you to change your job, but that would mean a significant pay decrease. Or maybe He called to move to another state, but then you’d be leaving behind your strong Christian community. Possibly, you sensed that the Lord called you to adopt a child, but physical space and financial resources are already scarce. While you might not relate to the specific circumstances above, most of us have experienced a time when we felt God calling us to step out in faith and trust in His plan, purpose, and provision. Acting in faith is not always easy; in fact, most of the time it’s challenging to walk by faith, not by sight. Yet, God has longed for His children to trust Him from the beginning of creation. To even amid uncertainty, be faithful and obedient to whatever He’s called us to. And while following God’s commands at times can be daunting, especially when they defy human logic, we can recall all the ways God has been faithful to give us strength and comfort. We see God’s provision on full display in Genesis 22:1-19, where the Lord calls Abraham to do the unimaginable. Yet, Abraham, without delay, obeyed. Abraham, Isaac, and his servants set out on their journey, and after three days of travel, arrived at their destination. Abraham instructed his servants to stay behind, grabbed the fire and his knife, and told Isaac to carry the wood; they were going up the mountain alone. Isaac noticed that they were missing the central element of a sacrifice – an animal. Abraham tells him not to worry about it– “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8). Once they arrived, Abraham made the altar, bound up Isaac, placed him on top of the firewood, and raised his knife to kill his son ( Genesis 22:9-10). But, graciously, the angel of the Lord calls out from Heaven, telling Abraham not to harm Isaac. Abraham then looks over and sees a ram in the bushes and sacrifices it to the Lord, naming the area “The Lord will Provide” (Genesis 22:13-14). Then the Lord promises Abraham three things. The first two are specific to Abraham; the Lord will bless him with...

What will people remember about you when your life is over? This devotional explores what it means to leave behind a faithful legacy that blesses future generations. Through the surprising story of Alfred Nobel, who transformed his reputation from an inventor of explosives to the founder of the Nobel Prizes, we’re reminded that it’s never too late to change your impact. A legacy isn’t just about wealth — it’s about the values, faith, and love we pass on to others. God calls us to focus on what has eternal value and to intentionally build an inheritance of faith, character, and purpose for those who come after us. ✨ Highlights The surprising lesson from Alfred Nobel’s mistaken obituary and how it changed his life Why your legacy is more than money — it includes faith, character, wisdom, and prayer How Proverbs 13:22 challenges us to focus on eternal impact over temporary success Practical ways to build a faithful legacy through daily habits and intentional choices Encouragement that it’s never too late to start fresh with God and inspire future generations 💬 Join the Conversation What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Reflect on this devotional and share your thoughts with the LifeAudio community. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithfulLegacy to encourage others on their journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Legacy Will You Leave? By: Whitney Hopler “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” – Proverbs 13:22, NIV Imagine waking up, opening the newspaper, and seeing your own obituary printed there. That’s exactly what happened to Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. But the obituary wasn’t supposed to be his. It was a mistake. His brother had died, but the newspaper got it wrong and reported that he had passed away. When Alfred read the mistakenly published obituary, he saw that it criticized him for inventing and selling something that killed so many people. Alfred had made his fortune from explosives used for destruction and war. Reading his own obituary showed him how the world remembered his life up to that point. That experience motivated him to build a better legacy. Instead of continuing to build wealth from explosives, Alfred decided he wanted to leave a legacy that inspired people to contribute to the world in positive ways. Before he died in 1896, he set up the Nobel Prizes to honor people like scientists, writers, and peacemakers around the world. Now most people remember Alfred as the founder of the Nobel Prizes, which continue to celebrate positive change and inspire people worldwide. The first part of Proverbs 13:22 points out: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”. At first glance, this might seem like it’s only about passing down money. That’s part of it. The Bible encourages us to be generous with our money. But the word “inheritance” isn’t limited to money, and the most valuable parts of our legacies aren’t financial at all. We can leave our faith, our character, our work ethic, our wisdom, our story, and our prayers. All of that is even more valuable than money! Have you ever known someone who passed away and left behind a legacy of love and holiness? You may not remember all the details of that person’s life, but you likely remember how that person lived with real love and truth by focusing every day on what has eternal value. That’s the kind of legacy God wants us all to leave behind! The second half of Proverbs 13:22 says: “the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” In other words, even if people gain a lot in their earthly lives without relationships with God, their wealth and accomplishments won’t last because only righteous people who follow God’s guidance for their decisions will leave valuable legacies. So, what...

When life feels unbearably heavy, it can be hard to believe God’s goodness still surrounds us. In this heartfelt devotional, Keri Eichberger reflects on walking alongside her dear friend Allison, who recently lost her husband after a two-year battle with cancer. Through grief and heartache, Allison’s unwavering confidence in God’s promises becomes a powerful reminder that His goodness never leaves us—even in the darkest valleys. This devotional invites us to trust that, no matter our circumstances, God’s love and blessings are still present today and that He is preparing even greater goodness for our future. ✨ Highlights How God’s goodness and love sustain us in seasons of grief and uncertainty A moving story of unshakable faith through loss and trusting God’s promises Why believing in God’s goodness changes the way we endure suffering Encouragement to hold onto hope, comfort, and God’s faithful presence A biblical reflection on Psalm 23:6 and its promise of God’s everlasting care 💬 Join the Conversation What helps you hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming? Share your story and encourage others walking through hardship. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ConfidenceInChrist to join the conversation and remind others that God’s goodness is always near. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Confidence in the Good to Come By Keri Eichberger Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6) It pains me to have to report this, but my dearest friend lost her young husband after a two year battle with cancer just a few short weeks ago. It’s been a treacherous journey that we relentlessly prayed wouldn’t end this way. But all the while, I’ve been grateful to walk alongside Allison, honored to hold her up through the hard emotions and heavy moments. And because I love and care for her deeply, I have been bearing some burdens for her. One of which has been desperately desiring to remove her pain that was or would be. But the problem is, I can’t make it all go away. I can pray, show up with a hug, or lend a listening ear. I can share bible verses, send encouraging texts, and let her know she’s thought of and won’t be left alone. Yes, I can offer a little light. And so that is just what I did last week. Dropped in to listen and love. Our efforts won’t be all-sufficient, but we can all be a touch of God’s goodness and shed some of his light in the shadows for others. And sometimes, as in my case, the unexpected happens. I may never know how my gestures will help Allison, but she’s certainly serving me in the process. Because as I was leaving that afternoon, she said something so profound. I had just quoted the title of a book that I’d mentioned wanting to share with her when the time was right. Written by my Christian author friend, Lisa Appelo, it’s called, “Life Can Be Good Again.” And as soon I spoke those words, without a thought, Allison assuredly stated, “I believe it’s true.” She was claiming her confidence that regardless of her grief, God indeed still held good for her life. And this is where and why I stand encouraged, amazed, and changed by her affirmation of faith. How can it be that someone enduring the hardest of hard can still say, “life can be good again.” It’s God. And she knew that. Do you know that? Do I know that? The truth that even though life can look terribly wrong, out of order, and so personally painful, there is still goodness here and then. And also true: there will be so much more goodness. But if I’m being honest, I’m not always confident in this truth. When I’m afraid of what might happen, or what might not come to be in my future and in the lives of those I love. God says he will always be there. He says his goodness will follow us. And he says all the days of our lives. And maybe you can’t imagine this either. Maybe you’re...