The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to be anxious for nothing and to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. We discuss the significance of choosing peace over worry, emphasizing that true tranquility comes from trusting God with our circumstances. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on how life's challenges can trigger anxiety, but through prayer and gratitude, we can access a peace that surpasses understanding. We’ll explore the practical steps to combat worry and how embracing God's promises can lead to a more fulfilling life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you manage anxiety in your life? What role does prayer play in your journey toward peace? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another as we seek to live in God’s peace! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: An Alternative to Worry By Kelly Balarie “Be anxious for nothing. But, in everything, with prayer and petition, and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then, perfect peace which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV As I pulled into the airport, a sign caught my eye: “Terminal.” My heart sank. I was on my way to confront a challenging situation that felt overwhelmingly daunting—one of my greatest fears. That moment made me think, “Oh no, my situation is terminal.” I wondered if others felt the same way. Perhaps someone facing cancer treatment saw that sign and felt their heart drop. Or a parent visiting a child in rehab felt the weight of despair. Did they think, "This is it; everything is going wrong"? The sign seemed to herald panic and worry. Suddenly, I shifted into planning mode: how I would tackle the problem, what steps I would take to gain control. But I realized that my meticulous planning didn’t change the situation. God was reminding me that even when I think I’m in control, I truly am not. We often believe we can manage our lives, but sometimes life manages us. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until life punches them in the face.” Are you facing a terminal situation in your life—financially, emotionally, or professionally? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? I’ve thought a lot about this, and I’ve come to see that God offers us a clear action plan: Choose Not to Be Anxious: Make a decisive choice to let go of worry. Repent and change your course the moment anxiety arises. Pray and Ask God: Bring your needs to Him. He invites us to share our requests. Express Gratitude: Thank God for hearing you, for knowing the best path, and for guiding you toward hope. When we do this, God steps in. He offers us perfect peace that transcends understanding. This peace shows us that we don’t need to grasp every detail of our problems. Worry is rooted in our limited understanding, while peace is a divine assurance that God is in control. We have a choice: we can worry and fret without Him, or we can pray and petition Him. One path leads to anxiety; the other leads to peace. Which will you choose? Intersecting Faith & Life: Peace is not something we have to fight for; it’s a gift from Jesus. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) How can you release the world's pressures and embrace the peace that Jesus offers? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith and encouragement. You can follow her blog and discover more about her work on the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast. Kelly is also the author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Her insights have been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, and more. Discover more Christian podcasts at...

The powerful story from 2 Kings 6:15-17, where Elisha’s servant feels overwhelmed and vulnerable, surrounded by an enemy army. Elisha reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” When Elisha prays for the servant’s eyes to be opened, he sees God’s army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. We encourage you to pray, “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see,” asking God to reveal the ways He is providing for and protecting you. By recognizing this spiritual truth, we can find comfort and strength in our daily lives. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When have you felt God’s protection in your life? How can you remind yourself of His presence during difficult times? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other in recognizing God’s unwavering protection! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Reality of Invisible Protection by Deidre Braley 2 Kings 6:15-17: When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. There are times when I feel terribly vulnerable in this world, as though I’m walking about like a turtle without her shell. I feel alone and unprotected—and it feels like I could succumb to any number of bad circumstances. Perhaps you sometimes feel this way too. It doesn’t take much to inspire a sense of total panic these days; all we have to do is turn on the news and feel as though all of society is tailspinning. The servant of Elisha felt exactly this way when he woke up one morning only to find that the city where he and his master were staying—Dothan—was surrounded by horses, chariots, and a massive army. Elisha responded, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” I’m sure the servant thought Elisha was crazy—they were visibly outnumbered. But his perspective changed the moment Elisha prayed. “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see,” he said, and in that moment, the servant looked around to discover that their surroundings were filled with horses and chariots of fire (presumably from God’s army). This story is a stunning reminder that the spiritual world is an active reality—just as real as the floor at our feet or the mug in our hands. Much like Elisha’s servant, we often go about our days without seeing this spiritual world at play, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Today—and whenever we feel particularly afraid or alone—may we remember to pray Elisha’s bold prayer over ourselves: “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see.” And then, may we discover all the ways in which God’s protection and provision are surrounding us now—and always have been. Further Reading: Daniel 10 Ephesians 6:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ephesians 4:1-2, which urges us to live a life worthy of our calling. We discuss the importance of humility, patience, and love, as well as the necessity of shedding bitterness and anger. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of healing from anxiety and the transformative power of aligning our lives with biblical principles. We’ll delve into the process of understanding our emotions and reactions in light of Christ’s love and redemption. By recognizing our identity as chosen daughters and sons of God, we learn to respond to challenges with grace and strength rather than succumbing to negative feelings. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you process your emotions in a way that aligns with your faith? What practices help you maintain peace and joy in difficult situations? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live in the freedom Christ offers! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." — Ephesians 4:1-2, 31 After decades of living with frequent and intense anxiety, I’ve embarked on an equally intense healing journey that has deepened my appreciation for passages like today’s. I’ve long understood the spiritual importance of aligning my life with biblical principles like those listed in Ephesians 4. But I’ve only recently focused on the impact my obedience, or lack thereof, has on my peace and joy. In the past, when I read passages like today’s and compared them to my typical responses, I realized how short I fell from God’s desire. I’d then determine how I’d behave differently the next day, only to find myself pulled into anger or bitterness over some offense. I still recognize my need for growth. However, I now approach that growth differently. I’m learning to resist surface-level behavior modification and to seek Christ’s insights regarding why I reacted a certain way. What in my soul doesn’t align with His heart? More specifically, I’m learning how to process my emotions, thoughts, and experiences with God. I usually begin by reflecting upon the calling I’ve received—not just in terms of my role as a Christ-follower, but also as His chosen and empowered daughter. This inevitably leads my thoughts to the price Jesus paid for my redemption, which assures me of His inconceivable love for me despite my weaknesses and sin. While I sit in His presence, He reminds me who I am, soothing the lies and insecurities aggravated by the “offense” I received. This was often how Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote today’s passage, approached sin. He’d begin by reminding whomever he was addressing of who they were to Christ and in Christ. Through faith, Christ had broken every chain that previously held them bound. In his letter, Paul was teaching them how to live free. I’m learning that same lesson. The more I yield my soul to Christ, the less power others have over me and my emotions. When hurt, slighted, or mistreated, before we respond in kind, may we turn to Christ and sit in His presence, receive His comfort, seek His perspective, and draw from His strength. Further Reading: Psalm 119:143 Philippians 4:5-9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 33:8, which calls us to fear the Lord and stand in awe of Him. Whitney Hopler shares insights on the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts who see Earth from space, highlighting how it deepens their appreciation for God’s creation. This shift in perspective reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the beauty of our planet. Whitney emphasizes that awe can shrink our worries and grow our faith. By intentionally seeking out experiences in nature—like watching a sunrise or hiking with friends—we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Sharing these experiences and stories of God’s work in our lives with others enriches our faith community and enhances our sense of awe. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When was the last time you felt awe toward God? How do you seek out experiences that highlight His wonder? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s celebrate and worship our wonderful God together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stand in Awe of God By Whitney Hopler “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” (Psalm 33:8, ESV) Many astronauts who have spent time aboard the International Space Station describe a profound change in perspective when they look down on the earth. Suspended in the vastness of space, they see our planet as a stunning, interconnected home – a place where all of humanity lives together, sharing the same air, water, and sky. From that vantage point, national borders disappear, conflicts seem small, and the beauty of God’s creation takes center stage. What they describe is something that scientists call the “overview effect.” It’s a shift in focus that happens when someone sees the earth from space. They can see the awe-inspiring beauty of this world God has created. They notice how the vast stretches of land and water are connected. This feeling of awe has led some astronauts to spiritual experiences that have helped them connect with God. Even though most of us will never travel to space, we can experience a similar sense of awe. The same God who made the stars and galaxies also designed the intricate details of our daily surroundings. When we take the time to recognize this, we naturally feel a sense of awe. Psalm 33:8 encourages everyone to fear God and to stand in awe of Him. God has filled this world with glimpses of His glory, from the night sky to the delicate details of a butterfly’s wings. God invites us to slow down and be amazed by who He is. Awe is a powerful emotion. It reminds us that we’re small yet deeply loved by a big God who is infinitely greater than we can understand. When we stand in awe of God, we can notice His wonderful presence, which shrinks our worries and grows our faith. We can feel more awe by intentionally pursuing God’s wonder in our daily lives. One way is to step outside and immerse ourselves in His creation. Go for a walk at sunrise, marvel at a towering tree, or stargaze with family. Sharing these experiences with others enhances our sense of wonder and helps us reflect on God’s work in our lives. God is always revealing His wonder. Let’s pause, notice, and respond with awe that motivates us to celebrate and worship our wonderful God! Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you felt a deep sense of awe toward God? What experience led you to feel that? How can you intentionally seek out experiences that help you recognize God’s wonder around you? Who in your life can you invite to join you in experiencing and talking about God’s wonder? What stories of God’s wonder have you experienced recently that you can share with others? How does standing in awe of God affect your perspective on your life each day? Further Reading: Habakkuk 3:2 Proverbs 9:10 Psalm 65:8 Psalm...

Proverbs 3:5, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. Kelly Balarie shares her personal journey of prayer and the challenges that arise when we feel overwhelmed or confused during spiritual moments. We discuss the powerful truth that God’s ways surpass our comprehension, emphasizing that His goodness remains unchanged, even when we struggle to understand our circumstances. Kelly reflects on a transformative prayer experience with friends that revealed how often we misattribute our struggles to God, instead of recognizing the enemy's schemes. Through the story of Job, we learn that God allows trials not as punishment but as opportunities for growth and strength. In every situation, God’s plans are ultimately for our good. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What have you blamed on God that may have been a scheme of the devil? How has this affected your faith? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other as we navigate our faith journeys! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: God is Good By Kelly Balarie “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT) My friends were praying for me... And here’s the funny thing: as they were praying, I couldn’t quite figure out how to be. In times of deep prayer, I aim to open my heart and believe with my soul, as if I have something to do with what’s happening. So, that’s what I did in this instance. However, I couldn’t help but notice all the gold-weighted words in this prayer; they were substantial. Would I remember everything? Was I grasping it all? I wasn’t so sure; they were speaking fast. I tried to command myself to remember. I wanted to process their words. I wanted to write it down. Could I tell them to slow down? Have you ever experienced pressure amid powerful prayers? Now, in retrospect, and with some distance between that prayer-time and this moment, I see things more clearly. I realize that prayer led by the Holy Spirit sometimes absolutely will surpass our natural mind. The truth is — we don’t have to conceive everything to receive everything. God’s ways are not our ways. Neither should we expect to lean on our own understanding. God’s Spirit is good and effective even if our mind feels confused or out of order. It doesn’t matter so much if we understand or not; God is still God and God is still good! God is good to work, even when our mind doesn’t work. God is good and faithful, even when we can’t perfectly dissect or understand all His work. God is good to help us, even when we can’t help ourselves. God is good to provide grace even when we can’t figure out how we are remotely worthy of receiving it. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5 NLT) So, in that moment with my friends, I abandoned my understanding and opened my heart to receive what God was doing via the Holy Spirit. “Kelly,” my friends addressed me during this prayer time, “The devil had a plan to attack and devour you all throughout your life, but God had a plan to save you and keep you!” God won. Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head. Oh. My! Something hit me: I have been blaming God for what were premeditated attacks of the enemy on my life. As if God was the punisher. As if God was doing all this to me. As if God set up hit jobs and sinkholes for me to fall into. God is good. Just because I can’t understand those things, doesn’t mean that negates God’s goodness. In the book of Job, the devil goes to the throne of God and God suggests His son Job for trial. Does this mean that God isn’t good? No. It means that God believes in Job to stand firm and to stand strong even under attack. In the end, God more than blessed Job. God’s plans are not for evil; they are always for good. Even when we can’t...

Luke 11:8, where Jesus teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and the importance of approaching God with shameless audacity. Reflecting on personal experiences, we discuss how our early prayer lives can sometimes feel transactional—like using God as a vending machine. As we grow in faith, we learn that God desires a deeper relationship with us, encouraging us to ask not only for our needs but also for the big desires hidden in our hearts. We share a testimony of how boldly asking God for a writing opportunity led to unexpected blessings, illustrating His goodness and generosity. We’ll also touch on the balance between desire and contentment, reminding ourselves that while God wants us to ask for good gifts, we must trust in His sovereign will, even when the answer is no. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What is one thing you want to ask God for but are too afraid to? How can you take a step to increase your faith in asking? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we grow in our prayer lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: Shameless Audacity “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:8) “God, help me get a good grade on my test.” When I was young, I prayed very little. I often only talked to the Lord when I needed something. I would sometimes test God, not study for a test, and then see if he would help me pull through. Sometimes he did; sometimes he didn't. I used God like a genie in a bottle. Like a vending machine, I put in my 2 quarters of prayer, pulled the lever, and hoped to get a prize. Once I became a born-again Christian and yielded to the Lord, I quickly realized that my prayer life was shallow. If I wanted to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, I couldn't pray only for what I wanted. In my early years of Christianity, I avoided asking God for anything. I lived in fear that I would treat him again like I had when I was a little kid. I only prayed for other people and their needs, neglecting my own. In my quiet time, God whispered to my heart. He challenged me to stop putting him in a box. He reminded me of the above verse, where the person who asked his friend for a loaf of bread kept knocking and asking until the man got out of bed and gave him what he wanted. God does not intentionally withdraw his good gifts from his children. But he does want us to ask. Not only does God want us to ask for little things, but he also wants us to ask for the big things. Recently, I asked God to move in my writing career. I asked him to allow his favor to grant me a contract with a publisher. It was a long shot. Because I had no working relationship with this publisher, the chances were not in my favor that they would grant me a contract. Then I asked anyway. I've seen God work in my life too often to ignore that He is a miracle worker. Just when I had given up hope that this would come to pass, I received an email with an offer from that publisher. I was elated. No longer had I treated God like a genie in a bottle. I asked him for big things, but I was also content if he chose not to give them to me. Because it was a selfish desire, I was afraid to ask because I didn't want to only use God for selfish desires. However, God, in his goodness, still gives us good gifts even if we've become distant from him or have sin that blocks us from knowing Him intimately. God wants to give good gifts to his children. But he wants us to pray earnestly, balancing desire and contentment. It's normal to have desires and enjoy things in life. We must also be content and trust that God's will is sovereign. If God wants us to have it, he will grant it. But there are times when we ask for things where God says no. In these moments, we must remain...

Proverbs 9:10, emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We discuss the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, highlighting how true understanding comes from applying our knowledge through godly choices. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of a passionate young believer eager to deepen his biblical knowledge for the sake of evangelism. We’ll explore why wisdom matters in our daily lives and how it enables us to make choices that honor God, leading to fulfillment and purpose. By soaking our minds in Scripture and our hearts in prayer, we can trust our instincts as they align with God’s guidance. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you differentiate between knowledge and wisdom in your life? What practices help you cultivate wisdom? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live wisely! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Knowing the Wise Choice and Living Wisely By Keri Eichberger The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. (Proverbs 9:10 AMP) I’ve been undeservingly blessed with a Jesus loving son. And I’ll gratefully admit, this is the greatest gift a parent could ask for. In fact, all five of my kids claim to truly love the Lord. But my son specifically has been going on and on lately about his passion to gain biblical knowledge. Claiming he wants to know more, so he can share more. To disciple the lost. To evangelize and save souls. And what an admirable desire no doubt. But something started to strike me along his mission for knowledge, that I couldn’t help but ever so tenderly approach him with my observation. It was this: knowledge is necessary, but it is wisdom that gives understanding and life to the information we consume. Wisdom means so much more. Wisdom helps us make choices with what we know. Knowledge without wise choice and action may get us nowhere. Not so coincidentally, our church began a sermon series on wisdom at the introduction of Will’s newfound passion. Of course he was beyond excited, under the assumption that wisdom equals knowledge, while I was excited for his opportunity to begin understanding the difference allowing him to better live out his calling. I was also looking forward to growing in my own understanding, so before the series took off, a quick Google search landed me on a helpful perspective of differences. Crossway.com shared: “‘knowledge’ tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while ‘wisdom’ is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, or ‘skill in the art of godly living’.” I found this very insightful. And considering I’ve valued wisdom more and more as I’ve grown in faith, and the Bible devotes an entire book to the subject in the book of Proverbs, I suppose we should probably all have our ears perked and eager to dive into the importance of wisdom. But why should wisdom really matter so much? In general, I believe as christians we want to gain wisdom, apply “godly” knowledge rightly, and make wise “godly” choices, because this is how we honor and glorify God. But on a personal level I’ve noticed, making wise godly choices, choices in line with God’s plan for our lives, opens the door to fruitfulness and fulfillment. And don’t we all deeply desire the purpose that comes from fruitfulness and fulfillment in our lives? I sure do. Well, how exactly do we walk in wisdom? How can we be confident we are making wise choices that lead to glorifying God, to fruitfulness, and fulfillment? I bet you’ve wondered what choice to make or path to take at some point. Yes? We might be all filled up...

In this episode, we explore Hebrews 13:5, which reminds us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to find contentment in God's unwavering presence. We discuss how challenging it can be to feel secure and content during turbulent times, especially when unexpected financial pressures arise. Drawing from the experiences of early Christians facing persecution, we reflect on the importance of trusting in God's promises and how His presence brings power, provision, and peace. We'll also look at Old Testament examples that illustrate God’s faithfulness, and share practical steps for deepening our relationship with Him during difficult seasons. Learn how to overcome feelings of doubt and anxiety by focusing on the truths of God’s character and past faithfulness. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you cultivate contentment in your life? What strategies help you remember God’s faithfulness during tough times? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we navigate our faith journeys together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Transcript: Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (NIV) For me, it’s easiest to feel content when I’m in a financially secure place. I find this much more challenging when my life feels topsy-turvy, upside down, and unexpected bills flood my mailbox. That’s when I most need to remember, and hold tight to, the second half of today’s verse. God Almighty, my ever-present help in times of need and victorious Savior, remains with me, always. This was an important truth the author of Hebrews knew first-century Christ followers needed to read. Scholars believe this letter was written sometime between 64-69 AD, during the reign of Emperor Nero, a horrifically cruel and insane leader who used a fire in Rome to launch a violent, government-led persecution against Christians. Meaning, these men and women weren’t just losing jobs and property, and therefore experiencing intense financial insecurity, but also feared imprisonment and death. Those are not circumstances in which one expects to experience contentment—especially if they feel abandoned and alone. It’s easy to feel that way when we land in a crisis, and those seasons are also when the devil, the enemy of our souls, attacks us with his lies. We fend off his attacks by turning to God, recognizing and resting in His presence, and thinking deeply on His truth. For me, this means reading passages that have strengthened my soul, journaling on them, and reflecting upon what those passages reveal regarding God’s heart, power, unchanging character, and past faithfulness—in Scripture and my life personally. The men and women reading the letter our Bibles call Hebrews had a thorough knowledge of Old Testament history. They knew how the Lord had rescued their people from 400 years of slavery and oppression in Egypt. They remembered how He’d led their ancestors through the wilderness for forty years, and how He’d revealed His presence through a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. They also knew about all the miraculous ways He’d provided for them during that time, by raining sweet wafers called manna from the sky, sending them enough quail to feed all 2 million-plus of them, and causing water to gush from a rock—again, enough for all of them and their animals. Granted, their overwhelming circumstances might have caused them to temporarily lose sight of these events. Even so, I’m certain the words in today’s verse would’ve immediately turned their thoughts to that pivotal period in their nation’s history. You see, the person writing the letter quoted from Deuteronomy 31, which recorded the time when Moses, the man God used to liberate His people and lead them from...

In this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. Using the biblical story of Jeroboam from 1 Kings 13, we explore how God offers restoration even when we stray from His path. It's natural to question and seek understanding during difficult times. We'll discuss practical steps for navigating these feelings, how to find hope and reassurance in God's promises, and the incredible truth that He desires to heal and restore us, no matter our past. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Transcript: The God Who Restores Withered Things by Deidre Braley 1 Kings 13:6: “Then the king responded to the man of God, ‘Plead for the favor of the Lord your God and pray for me so that my hand may be restored to me.’ So the man of God pleaded for the favor of the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it had been at first.” On the day that the prophet Ahijah anointed a man named Jeroboam as the future king of Israel, he gave him this promise from the Lord: “...if you obey all I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight in order to keep my statutes and commands as my servant David did, I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give you Israel” (1 Kings 11:38). But Jeroboam—much like most of Israel’s poorly behaved and ill-fated monarchy—did not walk in God’s ways. He committed idolatry by setting up new places to worship aside from the temple in Jerusalem, and he appointed people who were not Levites (God’s chosen priesthood) to be priests over the high places, instead (1 Kings 12:25-31). One day, another prophet came to Jeroboam while he was burning incense at one of his altars. The man said, “Altar, altar, this is what the Lord says, ‘A son will be born to the house of David, named Josiah, and he will sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who are burning incense on you” (1 Kings 13:1-2). Incensed by this judgment, Jeroboam reached out his hand and cried, “Arrest him” (1 Kings 13:4)! But when he did, his hand became withered, and he couldn’t move it (1 Kings 13:4). Horrified, he asked the prophet to plead with God for his hand to be restored. The prophet did, and Jeroboam’s hand was immediately restored to its former state (1 Kings 13:6). This narrative is so much more than a simple Bible story stating the facts. No—what happened with Jeroboam’s hand was an intentional message from the Lord himself. By restoring Jeroboam’s withered hand immediately upon his turning to him, it was as though God was extending an amazing invitation: Turn back to me, and I will restore things back to wholeness. Though you’ve messed everything up, I will fix it all. Intersecting Faith & Life How often do we mess things up and then—either because we think God is angry with us or because we think we’re too far gone—we don’t turn back for God to heal us? God had promised Jeroboam everything that a king could desire: his presence, a kingdom, and a lasting dynasty. All that he asked in return was for Jeroboam’s obedience. And while Jeroboam couldn’t even give him that, God sent him a message through the healing of his withered hand that said, There’s still time for you to obey. I still want to heal you—just come back. See, our God isn’t a God who just tosses us out after we’ve made a mistake. Rather, he’s a God who pursues us, again and again, and urges us to come home, obey his good directions, and be healed and whole. So today, if you’re feeling as though you’ve wandered away from God—either intentionally or unintentionally—and you...

In this episode, we explore the urgency of fulfilling God’s mission for your life, reflecting on Job 14:5 and the call to live each day to its fullest. Lynette Kittle emphasizes how our time is limited, urging us to share the Gospel with those around us. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' example and the film The Blues Brothers, we discuss what it means to be on a divine mission. Discover how to recognize and embrace your calling as a fragrant aroma of Christ in the world. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Have you considered that God has a mission for your life? How can you be a light to those around you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another to live purposefully! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Fulfilling God’s Mission for Your Life By Lynette Kittle “A person’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed”-- Job 14:5 How many messages do we receive each day through the media, texts, online, and in emails telling us that “Time is running out” on the latest offer or opportunity? There’s an urgency attached to it, along with the fear of it being too late to receive. Immediately upon taking office, the United States’ 47th President, Donald Trump, hit the floor running in his presidency, signing executive orders and working to right wrongs as he saw it, at a very fast pace. After surviving an assassination attempt, he doesn’t seem to be wasting any time, seemingly understanding like never before that every day and every minute count. It seems like he is on a mission, trying to right as many wrongs as he can and accomplish it as quickly as possible before time runs out. As well, with our country recently witnessing the sudden, horrific aircraft crashes, we see the reality of how quickly lives can be lost bringing the reality that today is the time for each of us, and God calls us to live each day, each moment, to the fullest, whether it’s caring for our families, serving in a ministry, or being a light in our workplace or community. Like the President’s rush to action, along with the tragic air crashes, it’s a reminder to Christians to reevaluate how we look at the immediacy of presenting the Gospel to those around us. None of us know how much time anyone has left on earth and how long we’ll have the opportunity to share the love of God before leaving this earth. Because we don’t know, 2 Timothy 4:2 urges, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Daily Fulfilling His Calling Jesus demonstrated what it means to live each day to the fullest knowing His death on the cross was imminent. He knew His days would end in walking the earth and that He needed to accomplish all that God had called Him to do within the time He had given. In John 17:4, Jesus said, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” Unlike Jesus, there is often a lack of urgency on Christians’ behalf, thinking there is plenty of time to tell others up the road when they have more time, but do they consider, do we consider, how all our missions on earth have time limits? Jesus knew His did and we are wise to consider ours do, too. No Time to Waste In the classic musical action film, “The Blues Brothers,” the lead characters, brothers Elwood and Jake, believed they were on a mission for God. Because they believed God had called them to save the orphanage they grew up in, and time was short, nothing could deter them from accomplishing their goal. What would happen if each of us, as a believer in Jesus Christ, believed as sincerely as they did, that we, too, are each on a mission for God? Although we don’t want to follow their example in breaking the law to accomplish it, their commitment and...

In this episode, we dive into John 20:11-16, where Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief and confusion, she initially fails to recognize Him. We reflect on our own struggles with loss and the longing for answers, and how Jesus gently calls us by name, transforming our sorrow into joy and despair into hope. Discover the profound truth that Jesus knows you personally and is always present, waiting for you to recognize Him. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When have you felt like Mary, overwhelmed and searching for answers? Have you ever missed God's presence in your life? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek to recognize Jesus in our lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Jesus Calls Your Name By Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” — John 20:11-16, NIV This scene after Jesus’ resurrection shows Mary Magdalene overwhelmed by sadness, confused by circumstances, and searching for answers. How often have you found yourself feeling the same way in a painful situation? You pour out your heart to God, and maybe even direct your frustration at Him. Just like Mary, you can also feel lost and abandoned, wondering where God is in the middle of your suffering. Mary is focused on her loss. She’s looking for a body – a tangible reminder of someone she loved. She’s so consumed by her grief that she misses the most extraordinary truth standing right in front of her. She sees Jesus, but fails to recognize Him. She mistakes Him for the gardener of the area near His tomb. When have you looked for God but not found Him in the way you expected? When have you been surprised to find God’s presence close to you, in a way you didn’t expect? Jesus doesn’t reveal His identity in a dramatic flash of glory. He doesn’t rebuke Mary for her lack of recognition, either. Jesus simply speaks her name: “Mary.” When Jesus says that single word, everything changes. It’s the voice Mary knows – the voice that spoke life into her soul, the voice that called her out of darkness into light. It’s the voice of hope! That single word has tremendous power. It cuts through the fog of grief and misunderstanding as it reminds Mary that her Creator knows her personally and loves her completely. She turns with this new perspective and cries out, “Rabboni!” Mary’s cry of recognition is full of love and joy. As she hears Jesus call her, and as she calls back to Him, the reality of the resurrection crashes over her. Jesus is alive, and He is right there with her, personally! This passage isn’t just about Mary. It’s about each of us – including you. Jesus knows your name. He knows your hopes, your dreams, and your joys. He also knows your struggles, your sorrows, and your fears. He sees you in all of life’s ups and downs. He knows every detail of your life at all times. He knows what you’re thinking and feeling – and He cares. Jesus constantly calls you by name, speaking words of loving hope over your life. He calls you to turn to Him, to recognize Him, and to experience the wonder of connecting with Him. Just as Mary’s perception was changed by the sound...

In today’s devotional, we explore Matthew 7:11, which reminds us of God’s incredible generosity. We reflect on personal experiences of growing up with a mindset of earning everything and how that can shape our understanding of God’s gifts. We discuss the importance of accepting God’s good gifts without feeling the need to earn them, recognizing that He delights in blessing us simply because we are His children. Learn to increase your faith and trust that God wants to shower you with blessings! Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Do you try to earn good gifts from God? How can you accept God’s good gifts without feeling like you need to work for them? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in embracing God’s generosity! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Ask for Good Gifts Bible Reading: “If you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” — Matthew 7:11 Growing up, I worked for everything I had. Rarely did my parents give me something for free. When I reached my teen years and was old enough to get a job, I'd pay for anything I wanted out of pocket. My parents didn't just give me luxuries in life; I had to earn them. I paid out of pocket for every prom dress and every Driver's Ed course. When I became a born-again Christian at 18, this affected how I saw God and His generosity. Because I didn't have parents who just handed me money, I often felt I had to work to gain God's approval and good gifts. In one of our first churches, we led a small group. One day, before the holidays, we discussed some of our childhood gifts that we never received but wanted. I remarked that I always wanted an Easy Bake Oven. Although my parents were generous during Christmas, there were some gifts I never received. The Easy Bake Oven was one of them. After we resumed the group after the holidays, the group handed me a gift. When I unwrapped it, it was the Easy Bake Oven! It made me feel incredibly loved, and I was glad my group went out of its way to present me with a gift I had always wanted. In that moment, I understood God's generosity a little better. Although I work for luxuries in life, this is something I still struggle with today. I still hesitate to ask Him for the big requests in life. One day, in my quiet time, God whispered to my heart: “You wait for the other shoe to drop.” That convicted me deep down in my soul. It was true. When I received something good, I always waited for the subsequent lousy thing to happen. I never realized how much this skewed my worldview of God, but it did. I was trying to earn those good gifts in life yet again. The above verse speaks to God's generosity. As a parent, I love watching my kids open gifts on Christmas, or the look on their faces when we give them a gift simply because of who they are. My heart leaps with joy when I watch my children enjoy a good gift. It’s the same with the Lord. He delights in giving His children good gifts. He does not expect us to earn them, as there's nothing we can do to earn God's love, approval, or salvation. God delights in watching us get something we always wanted. God’s generosity knows no bounds. We cannot outgive God. What we give out of obedience to others, God can triple, quadruple, or even provide a hundredfold more than we can ever give. Furthermore, He already gave His ultimate sacrifice: His life for our sins. I'll never be able to match that level of generosity. Do you try to work for the good gifts in life as well? Do you tend to minimize your prayer requests simply because you fear the other shoe dropping? Increase your faith today and trust that God wants to give you good gifts simply because you are His child. There's nothing you can do to earn those good gifts. Accept God's good gifts...

In this uplifting devotional, we explore the powerful truth that when people walk out of our lives, God walks in. Using Deuteronomy 31:8 as a foundation, we reflect on how God is always present, offering support, love, and healing even in our darkest moments. We discuss how Jesus empathizes with our struggles and invites us to maintain an open line of communication with Him. Experience the transformative power of God’s presence in your life, and discover how He can turn your brokenness into beauty. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How does it feel to know that when people walk out of your life, God walks in and rescues you? Will you trust Jesus Christ to be your light in the darkness? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we grow in faith! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: When God Walks into Your Life A devotional by Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV Years ago, I heard someone say, “When people walk out, God walks in!” I have found that statement to be true because I’ve seen how sometimes, you may be too much for people, but you’re never too much for God! He never tires of hearing from you and is always willing to help. The song “God You Are” by We Are Messengers speaks about how God steps into our dark places in life to help us. He’s not afraid of what intimidates and devastates us and repels others. Not at all! The Bible says Jesus Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20) and He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This means that absolutely nothing, human-made or supernatural, frightens our Savior. He’s fearless! And He’s able to save us from anything and everything. Jesus understands the human condition. That’s why He left the perfection of Heaven and stepped into our imperfect world darkened by sin (John 3:16-17). The Bible says He’s acquainted with our grief and pain (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus knows and empathizes deeply with everything we go through because He became human and walked on this Earth for 33 years. The last three years of His life were spent in public ministry to the masses. People sought Him out for healing and hope. And Jesus faithfully, compassionately, and effectively met their every need. Our Savior is living forever, serving as our High Priest in Heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16), and He still heals us on Earth today! We can go to Jesus in prayer and ask Him for anything and everything we need. He’s also here to listen to our heartache. He loves it when we keep an open line of communication with Him, day-in and day-out, talking to Him like our Best Friend about everything on our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to bring to God in prayer. He loves you with all His heart and wants to hear from you and be there for you. I learned this Biblical truth firsthand because God was with me in one of the darkest seasons of my life. When I experienced a major health crisis that pushed people away because they were afraid of what I was going through, God stepped into my dark time and shone the Light of Jesus Christ into my soul. Just like the Bible says in Psalm 40:1-2 (NIRV), God heard my cry for help. I was sliding down into the pit of death, and He pulled me out. He brought me up out of mud and dirt and set my feet on a rock, giving me a firm place to stand. God didn’t just rescue and restore me; He secured my position in His Kingdom and gave me strength to make it through my trials. When people walked out of my life, God walked in, transforming me from the inside out and renewing Christ’s place in my heart. Now the light of Jesus Christ that shines through me draws people, replacing the darkness that once repelled them. That’s the beauty of what happens when you give your life to Christ and...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. It’s natural to question and seek understanding, especially during difficult times. We’ll explore biblical examples of doubt, practical steps for navigating these feelings, and how to find hope and reassurance in God’s promises even when our faith feels shaky. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Believing, Even When We Are Afflicted By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: "I believed, even when I said, 'I am severely afflicted.'" — Psalm 116:10 (HCSB) One day, when my son was only eight years old, he was walking our dog down the street. Usually, the dog is pretty calm and doesn’t pull the leash. That day, my son wasn’t even gone for five minutes before I heard a scream. When I looked out the window, I saw him running back toward the house. The dog was pulling frantically on the leash to go back down the street. After my son entered the house, I bent down and examined him. He was bleeding on his knee and his t-shirt was ripped. He was crying and holding his arm as well. As I cared for his cuts and bruises, he told me that the normally calm dog had seen a squirrel. I knew then what had caused the fall. Although a quiet and sweet dog, she had made it her life mission to rid the world of squirrels. That day we decided that he might be too young to walk the dog until she either calmed down or he was stronger. Through all of the confusion, I realized something. My son had come to me right away after falling. He wasn’t angry with me; in fact, after taking that horrible spill, he ran directly to me. As I thought about that simple act from my son, I couldn’t help but think about God. Throughout scripture, we see God reference Himself as “father” to us. In Psalm 116 today, we see the psalmist run to God, even when he is afflicted. Psalm 116 starts out with, “I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy.” God’s ear is turned toward us. Just as my ears heard right away the scream from outside, I knew the sound of my son’s cries and immediately went toward him. You and I face devastating trials and afflictions year after year. Maybe you are in a season right now where one affliction after another seems to be piling up. It would be easy to avoid God during these times or even be angry with Him. What if, instead, we ran to God? Over the years, I’ve learned that running to God is actually the best thing I can do. Why? Because His ears are listening for our prayers and cries to Him. The next verses in Psalm 116 detail how the psalmist suffered, even facing death, but God was his helper. I love verse ten because it seems to be the pinnacle of the psalm. He says, “I believed, even when I said, ‘I am severely afflicted.’” What the psalmist is saying is that he did not shy away from telling God all about his afflictions. The pain did not keep him from crying out to God. And the heartache didn’t keep him from believing in God either. There are truths here that the psalmist hung onto, even when he was afflicted. The truths we see here are God’s grace, righteousness, and compassion (Psalm 116:5). Where do we see those characteristics of God in our lives today? Jesus! Jesus was God’s righteousness for us. He lived a perfect life because we could not. He allowed His life to take our place so that when God sees you and me, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus is also God’s grace to us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”...

We address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. It’s natural to question and seek understanding, especially during difficult times. We’ll explore biblical examples of doubt, practical steps for navigating these feelings, and how to find hope and reassurance in God’s promises even when our faith feels shaky. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: What to Do When You Doubt God By Vivian Bricker “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 Although many Christians will adamantly deny they have ever doubted God, most of us have. If we are being realistic and transparent, we can acknowledge that all of us have doubted God at some point in our lives. Rather than trying to promote the idea that all “faithful and strong” Christians never doubt God, we need to be honest with ourselves as well as others. Doubting God is common, but we cannot move forward if we never acknowledge this has happened to us. I have doubted God many times in my Christian walk. Most of the time, this was when I was going through a depressive episode or a health scare. I doubted Him because I was afraid. Maybe you also doubted God because you were afraid. Doubt comes in many forms, yet most of us doubt God when we are afraid about something, someone, or the future. Scary times should bring us closer to God, yet sometimes they leave us feeling doubtful of God’s goodness and protection. When we doubt, the first step is to accept our feelings. Rather than running from them, we need to acknowledge their presence and accept that this is how we are feeling. God knows we will doubt, but He doesn’t love us any less. His love is not dependent on our actions, thoughts, or behaviors. He loves us because love is His very being (1 John 4:8). After we have accepted our feelings, we need to turn our hearts to God. Yes, we might feel doubtful right now, but we need to look at His past faithfulness. When I doubt God, I remember His love and faithfulness in past situations where I was afraid. Once I can get myself in this mindset, the doubt quickly flees as darkness does when someone shines a light. The doubt dissipates because I have been reminded of God’s goodness, protection, and love. Intersecting Faith & Life: Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” As the writer of Hebrews tells us, we cannot please God without faith. When we doubt Him, we are not expressing faith in Him. Having faith in God is not blind faith; rather, it is a faith we can rely on. The faith we have in God is built firmly upon the Bible, history, and what we have personally experienced in life. When we are doubting, we need to remember these things. We have to let go of doubt and hold onto faith. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, we have to come to Him in faith, believe that He exists, and rest in the promise that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Letting go of doubt will also give us true freedom. As mentioned, doubt is often rooted in fear. Once we are able to let go of doubt, we can let go of fear. At this point, we will be able to walk in faith and trust God in every area of our lives. Hard times will come around again and try to make us doubt, but we can choose to remember God's faithfulness rather than feed into doubt and fear. Faith can be hard to find at times, yet...

Prayer is not just a ritual; it's a way of life that can deepen our relationship with Him and guide us through life's challenges. We’ll discuss practical tips for integrating prayer into our daily routines, the significance of maintaining a prayerful heart, and how to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous connection with God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you incorporate prayer into your daily life? What are your favorite prayer practices? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s uplift one another as we commit to a life of prayer! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Pray Without Ceasing “Pray without Ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Lord, help me.” This is what I recited to myself as I waited in the lab to have my blood drawn. This was part of the doctor's orders for some health challenges that I had been dealing with since the summer. I prayed again once I got my blood drawn and went home to work. “Lord, I can't do this without you. I'm asking for complete and total healing for my body. Help my thyroid levels to raise to appropriate levels. Let my lab work come back normal. Allow me another day to serve you. Amen.” I went about my day, checking items off my to-do list. As I sat down to dinner, I said grace. “Lord, thank you for this food. Thank you for this day. Thank you for another productive day. Let us be grateful for your provision. Amen.” As I laid my head down on the pillow to go to sleep. Many thoughts went through my head. “Lord, help me to calm my racing thoughts. Please help me to put away the cares of the day. Please give me the rest I need to wake up refreshed tomorrow. Thank you for another day to serve you. Amen.” I admit I never understood what praying without ceasing meant. Because my mind often wandered toward work and other responsibilities of raising children and being a wife, in addition to serving in my local church, my mind didn't always think about praying. I often went through the day starting my day off in prayer, only to lay my head down at the end of a long day and fall fast asleep. Though I've matured over the years, I realized that praying without ceasing means stopping and asking the Lord for his presence in all aspects of my life. Whether it's my morning prayer time, praying for the requests of friends and family, saying grace, or asking God to give me restorative sleep to get me through the next day, it's all part of praying without ceasing. If we're honest, we all need help in this area. Like me, we often skate through our days without a thought about the Lord. Many of us live our lives inviting God into what we're doing. However, praying without ceasing involves asking the Lord what he wants from our days. As we pray and ask God for his guidance, presence, and provision, we may find divine interruptions throughout our day. For example, we may be focused on our lives, only to find a phone call from a frantic friend that makes us stop and pray for them and with them. We may deal with financial or health crises, needing God's guidance throughout the day, sometimes every hour, or even every minute. When we must cling to Jesus because our only hope is in him, it may find us praying like never before. We may find our thoughts drifting toward crying out to the Lord throughout the day. This gives new meaning to what it means to pray without ceasing. Analyze your thought life. Do you find you go throughout your day, skating through each activity, giving little or no thought to the Lord? Do you often invite God into your actions rather than ask him for guidance? When we yield our lives entirely to him, we may find he has a different agenda for us than our lofty to-do list. We may find we must cross off an important task to address God's agenda for the day. These divine interruptions accomplish God's agenda: to...

In this thought-provoking episode of What Withholding Forgiveness Reveals About Our Hearts, we delve into the deeper implications of holding onto grudges and the impact it has on our spiritual and emotional well-being. We’ll explore the biblical principles of forgiveness, how our unwillingness to forgive can reveal hidden wounds, and the freedom that comes from extending grace to others. Join us as we reflect on the transformative power of forgiveness and its essential role in our relationship with God and others. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What has your journey with forgiveness taught you about your heart? Share your insights and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in understanding and embracing the power of forgiveness! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: What Withholding Forgiveness Reveals About Our Hearts (813 words) By Lynette Kittle “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy time seven times’”—Matthew 18:21-22 In watching rerun episodes of the classic hit television show “I Love Lucy,” the Church could learn a few lessons in how to forgive one another, seeing how over and over again, the characters forgive each other. If unfamiliar with the show, the lead characters, who are also neighbors and best friends, Ricky and Lucy Ricardo and Fred and Ethel Mertz, repeatedly go through misunderstandings, quarrels, disagreements, and even knock-down, drag-out fights, exchanging hurtful words and actions, but eventually working through them, ending each show by making up and declaring their love for one another, vowing to be lifelong friends. It’s a picture of what relationships are supposed to be, not the hurtful words and actions, but the forgiving, making up, and loving one another regardless of past hurts. Sadly Lacking in Forgiveness Sadly, even Christians today are lacking in knowing how to forgive and reconcile with each other, following secular counsel more than God’s counsel concerning forgiving one another. Colossians 3:13 urges, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” But instead of following God’s direction and repeatedly forgiving someone, some are setting up their own rules by dropping people right and left from their lives, canceling them out, unwilling to forgive the 70 x 7 that Jesus instructs us to follow. But still, God is the author of forgiveness, not us. Yet, some are skipping over Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Counter to Jesus’ words, some churches are even encouraging and supporting individuals casting people aside who they deem “toxic,” rather than bringing them to redemption and reconciliation. But what if the people who refuse to forgive others are actually more toxic than those who need to be forgiven? What if their hearts are filled with pride, setting their standard for forgiveness above God’s requirement for forgiveness? We’re All Born Toxic God’s way is to forgive toxic people; if it wasn’t, then He wouldn’t have given Jesus to the world as John 3:16 explains. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Since Adam’s fall in the garden, humans are born toxic, contaminated by sin. Romans 5:12 describes, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” It’s not until we receive God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that we become detoxified. As Romans 5:19 explains, “For just as through...

Many of us struggle with the desire to control our circumstances, but true peace and freedom come when we release our grip and trust in His plan. We’ll discuss practical strategies for surrendering control in our lives, the importance of faith, and how this process can lead to deeper spiritual growth. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What areas of your life are you learning to release control over? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another as we embrace the freedom that comes with surrendering to God! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Releasing Control by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” Isaiah 26:3 ESV) It took me awhile, but I’ve finally come to the conclusion that you and I are not in control of our lives, as much as we’d like to think we are. I learned this lesson during 2020, after experiencing a series of losses. Thankfully, I didn’t lose anyone close to me during the pandemic. But I did lose other things that hurt deeply. I lost the opportunity to be with and hug my little nephews. I lost a speaking opportunity at a prestigious writers conference for which I had waited more than a decade to be on the faculty. And I lost the ability to visit some favorite places of mine where I felt near to God and His blessings. While the loss of opportunities and daily routine was difficult, why did it take a pandemic –and the fear it arouses, the mandates it included, and the restrictions put in place—to make me feel I had no control of my life and circumstances? What I really lost during that time was the belief that I was in control—as if I ever really was. We thrive today on the notion that we make our own reality. If you can dream it, you can do it. We think and therefore we are. And yet, how much peace–and how much less striving—we would experience if we daily acknowledged that there is really only One who is in control…and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God’s own Son, we have the assurance that when it looks like things are out of control, when were convinced we have no control, He is still very much in control. And all His ways are good. Through Jesus, we can experience peace, not the endless striving to control, and the resulting frustration of not being able to control. Intersecting Faith and Life: Loss and frustration impacts every one of us at some time in our lives, even when we’re trusting in God. Loss happens because we’re living in a fallen world. In the midst of a relationship with God, loss threatens our happiness, it tries to kill our joy, and in some extreme cases, it makes us believe we’ll have unending heartache. Because you and I were created to live eternally in a sinless world, and experience life with others who will live eternally, we weren’t created with a mental and emotional capacity for loss and death. Yet because we now live in a world of sin and death, we must rely on God for an otherworldly ability to cope with loss. And that happens as we release our sense of control and acknowledge that God is in charge and He is still good, In the New Living Translation, Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” In other words, as you keep your heart and mind fixed on Jesus, regardless of your circumstances, regardless of your losses, you will experience what Scripture calls “perfect peace”—not momentary peace, not worldly peace, not a mystical self-confidence type of peace, but a perfect, incomprehensible, only-from-the-presence-of-God peace as you trust in Him. That kind of peace is not a blanket promise to all who simply believe God exists. It’s a guarantee to those who are steadfast, unmoving in their faith in who God is, His absolute...

We invite you to embark on a spiritual decluttering journey. Just as we tidy up our homes in the spring, it’s time to refresh our hearts and minds. We’ll discuss practical steps to let go of emotional baggage, nurture our spiritual health, and invite new growth into our lives. Discover how spiritual renewal can lead to a deeper connection with God and a more vibrant life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What areas of your life are you seeking to refresh this season? Share your spring cleaning tips and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in creating space for spiritual growth and renewal! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Spring Clean Your Soul By: Whitney Hopler “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV On a sunny spring day, a beam of sunlight shone into the front hallway of my home, revealing lots of dirt I hadn’t realized was there. Yuck! I thought. It had been easy to ignore my dirty home when I didn’t see what was really there. But now, I took a fresh look around and noticed other parts of my home that needed attention, such as my cluttered living room. Soon after that, I started spring cleaning, but I felt bored while I cleaned – so I let my thoughts wander. It wasn’t long before I found myself ruminating on a situation that made me angry. A family member had mistreated me, and I replayed her behavior over in my mind with bitterness. Then it hit me that I needed to clean more than just my home. I needed to spring clean my soul, as well. Letting anger and bitterness remain in my soul was even more dangerous than allowing dirt and clutter to stay in my home. So, I set my floor mop aside and said a prayer, forgiving my family member and asking the Holy Spirit to renew me. When we clean our physical spaces, how often do we consider the state of our spiritual spaces? Cleaning our souls is even more important than cleaning our homes, because doing so affects not only our own well-being, but also our relationships with God and others. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges us to get rid of all the dirty attitudes that are lurking in our minds and instead make healthy choices like being kind to each other and pursuing and practicing forgiveness. These verses are a vital call to action. Just as we need to clean our homes to be healthy physically, we need to clean our souls to be healthy spiritually. Think about it: a dirty, cluttered home can make us feel stressed and uncomfortable. But an unclean soul creates a much deeper level of stress for us. Bitterness can lead to isolation and loneliness. Uncontrolled anger can destroy families and friendships. Slander can ruin reputations and break relationships. Malice can prevent us from embracing and spreading God’s love. When we allow negative emotions to stay stuck in our souls rather than dealing with them and then clearing them out, that blocks our spiritual growth. Just as physical clutter can prevent us from finding what we need, spiritual clutter interferes with our connection to God. That makes it hard to notice God’s presence with us, which blocks us from experiencing peace and joy. So, how can you start spring cleaning your soul? First, you need to acknowledge the clutter. Take an honest inventory of your inner life. Are there areas where bitterness lingers in your mind? Do you struggle with anger or resentment? Have you spread gossip or slander? Next, bring these issues to God in prayer. Confess your struggles and ask for God’s help to clear out unhealthy attitudes and actions from your life. God is the ultimate cleanser, capable of washing away the stains of sin and healing you from pain. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to reveal the root causes...

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. We’ll explore what it means to embrace our true identities in Christ and the steps we can take to cultivate a life that reflects our best selves. From overcoming self-doubt to setting intentional goals, this conversation will empower you to pursue a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What steps are you taking to become your best self? Share your insights, experiences, and favorite resources with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s motivate one another as we strive for personal growth and deeper connections with God! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.