The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

What does divine protection really look like? In this moving devotional, Alexis A. Goring reflects on Psalm 121:7 and explores how God, like a loving parent, shields us from dangers—both seen and unseen. Using relatable stories and Scripture, she reminds us that God's boundaries are not restrictions, but rescue. If you’ve ever struggled with trusting God’s direction or wondered why certain paths are blocked, this episode will reassure you of His loving guidance and constant care. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why trusting God’s wisdom protects us from spiritual harm (Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 46:10) How God acts as our ultimate protector—even when we ignore His warnings (Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 10:13) What it means to follow a “Good Good Father” who disciplines out of love (Hebrews 12:6) The difference between spiritual restrictions and divine rescue Practical encouragement to seek God’s guidance before making life decisions (Philippians 4:7, Psalm 139:16) 💬 Join the Conversation Has there been a time when God protected you—even when you didn’t realize it? Share your story or your favorite “God protected me” verse by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork with #HeavenlyProtector. Let’s celebrate the safety we have in our Good Father together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: A God Who Protects Us By: Alexis A. Goring “The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers.” —Psalm 121:7 (CEV) Did you know there is a God who will protect us and keep us safe from danger? I was reflecting on this Biblical truth one day while observing a professional actress watch over her baby girl as she filmed their day together on social media. Her toddler was acting cute in front of a mirror as she played with a rubber band in her hands. But as soon as her daughter put the rubber band into her mouth, Mom said in a high alert tone of voice, “That’s dangerous!” She put her phone down and went to rescue her daughter, taking the band out of her baby’s mouth before she could choke and die. Just like any good parent would drop everything to save their child from danger, we have a God who will protect us at all costs. The Bible shows us that God is a good Father who cares about our well-being and safety. He will always be there for us if we let Him. God warns us about danger but sometimes we’re too stubborn and shortsighted to listen. However, God still covers us and protects us. Another example about how God protects us is a cartoon I saw in a Christian publication many years ago. There was a big fence bordering a plateau on spacious land. A man ran toward the fence shouting that he’s tired of all these restrictions around him. His friend chased after him saying, “Stop! The fence is there to protect you!” But the man proceeded to jump over the fence and fall to his death because he didn’t realize that the fence was protecting people from falling off the steep cliff behind it. I think that illustration rings true for us as mere mortals today. This cartoon reminded me of our human condition. As humans, our wisdom is limited. We can only see so far ahead of us. We can only be wise to an extent. This is yet another reason why we need God. Sometimes, we feel like God is restricting us or keeping us from having fun. When we’re wanting to gratify our fleshly desires and do what feels good or enjoy what looks good in the sinful moments, we cannot see the consequences behind it. So just like the shortsighted man in that cartoon, we rush toward the restrictions, determined to either bulldoze through it or jump over it. But we don’t realize that such a brazen act could end our life. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12 (NLT), “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” This is why it’s so important to trust God and seek His infinitely wise counsel before we make our plans and proceed...

In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker explores the biblical command to care for others—especially the weak, lonely, or overlooked. Drawing on Psalm 41:1-3 and her personal upbringing, she shares how compassion is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of Christ at work within us. If you’ve ever wondered how to serve God more deeply, start by noticing those who need a friend. Highlights (What You’ll Learn): Why caring for the weak reflects the heart of God (Psalm 41:1-3) How compassion flows from a Spirit-led life (John 13:34-35) What Scripture teaches about loving the forgotten (James 1:27, Ephesians 4:32) Practical encouragement to live with empathy, kindness, and a pure heart God’s promise to sustain and bless those who extend love to the vulnerable 💬 Join the Conversation: How have you seen God work through your care for others? Who in your life needs a little extra compassion this week? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #CaringWithChrist and share your story or a favorite verse that reminds you to love like Jesus. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Importance of Caring for Others By Vivian Bricker “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness” (Psalm 41:1-3). From a young age, my mom taught me the importance of caring for others. If someone was sick, crying, or in pain, I was supposed to help them. If a kid was sitting alone at lunch or playing by themselves on the playground, my mom taught me to be their friend. I actually met my best friend in elementary school by following my mom’s advice, and I have continued to do this without thinking about it. Whenever someone seems hurt, brokenhearted, or struggling, I tend to migrate to them and I’m quickly able to build a friendship with them. I give the credit for this skill to my mother because she wanted to ensure I was a friend to the people who didn’t have any friends. As someone who has often been on the other side of this scenario in my adult years, I have often wished there was someone who would come sit with me when I was alone at the lunch table or silently looking out the window at group events. Sadly, not everyone is taught this same teaching in their childhood. However, there is much that is said in the Bible about caring for others. The Bible tells us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus tells us we are to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34-35). We are also told to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27). From these teachings, we can see how important it is to God that we care for others. How can we do this if we are turning a deaf ear to their cries for help? As Christians, we are called to love and care for others. Anything short of this is ignoring the Lord’s commands. The love, kindness, and care we extend to others are a natural overflow of our faith. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us bring glory to the Father and the Son by loving others as they have loved us. Intersecting Faith & Life: Psalm 41:1-3 says, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” As this psalm tells us, we are blessed if we have regard for the weak. This means we will extend care, concern, and compassion to them. Love, kindness, and support will be our priorities toward others. For those who have regard for the weak, the Lord...

Follow the Wind by Megan J. Conner explores how the Holy Spirit often moves like the wind—subtle, powerful, and unseen. Through a vivid moment on a quiet balcony overlooking the ocean, Megan reflects on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:8 and encourages us to embrace the evidence of God’s presence, even when we can’t physically see it. This devotional invites listeners to deepen their faith walk, embrace spiritual discernment, and trust God’s guidance—even when the path isn’t clear. Highlights Reflecting on the invisible but undeniable movement of the Holy Spirit A faith-building reminder that God leads us even when we can’t see the full picture Encouragement to take a personal inventory of areas where faith feels strong versus where doubt creeps in Scripture focus: “The wind blows where it wishes…” – John 3:8 Practical prayer prompt and journaling activity to strengthen your trust in God Join the Conversation Have you ever felt the quiet nudge of the Spirit or seen God’s hand guiding you when the road ahead was unclear? Share your experience and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInTheUnseen. We’d love to hear how you’re following the wind. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Follow the Wind By Megan J. Conner “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV) Warm cup of coffee in hand, Bible and journal in my lap, I greet another new day. However, today’s view is a bit different. Rather than my usual wooded scenery, I sit on a warm balcony overlooking the gulf. The ocean and the stunning white shores appear endless from my picturesque perch. Wave after wave crashes, and I am in awe of the sheer power. Who is this God who created such infinite beauty? I cannot help feeling overcome by the majesty before me. But beneath the grand landscapes, something subtle speaks. There is a whisper of the Spirit that gently beckons within the wind. Have you ever truly considered the wind? It can be a gentle and leading breeze or a forceful and powerful gale. However, because it is an unseen force, it is often overlooked and sometimes even misunderstood. It can be the same with our awareness and understanding of our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. When Jesus explains to Nicodemus, the Pharisee, the mystery of how we must be born again of the Spirit when we come into faith, He uses the natural force of wind as an illustration. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV) We accept that the wind exists because we can sense it. We cannot grasp the wind, but we can feel its gentle brush against our skin. We cannot see or taste it, yet fragrance is often a travel companion to a breeze. Though intangible, there is evidence that affirms the existence of the wind. And we readily accept this truth without questioning its validity. The same should be true about the Lord, yet we struggle to believe in what is unseen when it comes to our Heavenly Father. Just like the wind, the reality of a living and active God in our lives is evident, if only we would have the eyes to see. Every day, we journey through our lives in an artistic masterpiece. Stunning vistas, impressive geological sculptures, complex beings in all of their animate and inanimate forms, nurture our bodies and souls with their beauty and provisions, allowing us to survive and thrive here on this earth. Though visible, these earthly attributes remain hidden by the busyness and noise of all that demands our attention, and the worries that consume our hearts. It is my prayer today that we quiet our souls, lean in, and listen for that gentle whisper, that fragrant...

Keri Eichberger shares a vulnerable reflection on enduring seasons of deep emotional and physical discomfort. From her father’s sudden brain hemorrhage to chronic scoliosis pain and financial strain, she wrestled with losing every worldly comfort—only to discover that the true source of peace and strength is found in God alone. Based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, this episode invites listeners to rethink where they turn when life unravels. ✨ Highlights: Real-life encouragement on trusting God in suffering Why worldly comfort fades but God’s comfort is eternal A reminder that God meets us in our pain, not just to rescue us, but to refine us A powerful call to seek comfort in God Himself—not just relief 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced a time when everything felt like it was falling apart? We’d love to hear your story. Tag us @LifeAudioNetwork and share how God became your comfort using #FaithInTheFire. Your testimony might encourage someone else walking through the same valley. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Comfort We Long For By Keri Eichberger Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) I can clearly recall a moment last fall when I said out loud, with tear-filled eyes, I feel like God keeps stripping away comfort after comfort and I don’t understand why? Starting six months back I’d endured profound emotional discomfort through my Dad’s life-altering brain hemorrhage, an unexpected and detrimental loss of financial comfort, and then the loss of my best friend’s comforting companionship at home when my husband—who after five years of working remote—was called back into the office full-time and indefinitely. I literally felt like one thread at a time the comforts of my life were beginning to unravel beneath me. I will thankfully say, through seasons of discomfort I had learned to understand two truths. One, that God didn’t promise comfort and ease in all situations and circumstances in life. In fact, he promised the opposite. And two, I understood that in our discomfort, God wants to remind us to look to him. So, though a bit slowly and reluctantly, I took heart in my confusion of adversity knowing this was part of the refining process that would lead to the blessings of a more resilient faith. What has caused you discomfort? Have you had moments recently, or that you can remember, when you had comforts stripped away as well? Maybe something in your home surroundings shifted unfavorably, or you experienced a painfully stretching financial strain. Maybe you’ve dealt with the onset of a health or mental struggle that caused considerable difficulty. I bet you can recount many circumstances or memories of instances where you had to sort through and handle losses of comfort in your life. Personally, what I didn’t know last fall when I started to wear thin as the comforts kept crumbling, was that there was even more in store. Because a month later my scoliosis, which had been paired with manageable pain for years, finally passed the tip of tolerable and became debilitating to the point of surgery a few short months later. But before I began to lash out at God once again for another layer of comfort peeled from my path, something struck me. I had been seeking comfort in all the wrong places. I had been blindly looking to the world for sufficiency and security. Sure, I understood that God never promised comfort from the world, and that he wanted me to rely on him for comfort. But he does not want me to seek him for the world‘s comforts. He wants me to seek him for him. For HIS comforts. Because he IS the comfort. And he is where I began to seek more and...

In this relatable devotional inspired by Psalm 23:1, we're reminded that God is our shepherd—even in everyday frustrations like broken lawnmowers and unexpected expenses. When everything felt like it was falling apart, this family discovered how God provides in unexpected ways, using others to show His faithfulness. Whether you're facing financial stress, emotional weariness, or simply trying to make ends meet, this story encourages us to trust God to provide exactly what we need—right on time. ✨ Highlights: Psalm 23:1 meaning – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” God provides, even when the need feels small. Faith in hard times – God showed up through the kindness and integrity of others. God provides in unexpected ways – A broken mower became a reminder of His perfect timing and provision. Trusting God to provide – This story is a powerful example of relying on Him, even in the little things. Rest matters to God – Our physical and emotional needs are never overlooked by our Shepherd. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God’s unexpected provision? What “impossible” situation has He carried you through? Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #TrustTheShepherd—your testimony could be just what someone else needs to hear today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trust the Shepherd “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 Watching my husband spend endless hours cutting the lawn with a push mower each week after two weeks’ worth of torrential downpours, I knew it was time for a change. After working long hours, he had little time left for any recreation. Having to spend hours cutting the lawn and doing yard work was cutting into what little valuable free time he had left. “I think it's time to get a riding lawn mower,” I said. My husband had owned riding lawn mowers in the past but always got them used from social media sales markets. His luck had been less than stellar when it came to finding one that lasted. As he looked online, he found one that we could afford and felt it would last. He went over to the man's home, checked the motor, checked the gas, and took it for a spin. He was so happy he wouldn't have to spend long hours cutting the grass again. That was, until he started it up the following day. After one swipe around the yard, the engine started to race. He turned it off quickly, and a puff of white smoke came out of the end. As he lifted the motor cover, he quickly discovered a crack in the motor. An hour later, I went outside to find him pushing the push mower once again. My mind started racing with the thought of how we would find another riding lawnmower. After all, we had spent a few hundred dollars on this one, only to discover that it was broken after the first day. We certainly couldn't afford to get another riding lawn mower only to find it would do the same thing. My husband sat down next to me, dejected. “Why is my luck always like that?” he asked me. I tried to comfort him, but to no avail. Why was this happening to us? I asked him to contact the gentleman who sold it to him, and he let him know the situation. He got him in touch with the man who had serviced the lawn mower last fall. Before that, the owner had put it away for the winter. They worked out a deal, and the man was able to fix the mower and the motor under warranty. The Bible promises us that God is our good shepherd. Shepherds lead and guide their flock. They don't leave them alone, as they are unable to find food or water. He leads them to good things because he is the ultimate provider. God knew the lawn mower would break. But he also provided a man of integrity who would promise to fix it under warranty. He could have easily refused or said it was too far past the service period, but the man, compassionate over my husband’s plight, chose to do...

Trusting God to Guide Us Through Painful Unknowns When life feels like a dark, uncertain path, Isaiah 42:16 reminds us that we are never walking it alone. In this deeply personal devotional, Jennifer Slattery shares how God restored her marriage and led her and her husband through a season of brokenness they couldn’t fix on their own. Through Scripture and raw testimony, we’re reminded that God will guide you, even when the road ahead is unfamiliar and painful. His promises hold firm—even when we can’t see what’s next. ✨ Highlights: God lights the way in darkness – Isaiah 42:16 offers hope for those feeling lost or stuck. Faith in hard times leads to spiritual healing – God doesn’t just show the way, He walks with us. Healing in marriage is possible – Even toxic patterns can be restored by divine intervention. We don’t have to have it all figured out – Trusting God through uncertainty brings peace and direction. God’s promises are personal – He meets us in our pain and leads us forward with grace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt blind in a season of life? How has God led you when you couldn’t see the road ahead? Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #GuidedByHisGrace—your journey could be the light someone else needs. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trusting God to Guide Us Through Painful Unknowns by Jennifer Slattery I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16, NIV) About five years into our marriage, my husband and I almost got divorced. Although love, strong and pure, had drawn us together, our mutual dysfunction nearly tore us apart. We didn’t actually want to end things. But neither did we want our toxic patterns to continue. The problem was, we didn’t know how to repair the mess and heal the hurt we created. One night, while my husband was at work and our daughter asleep upstairs, I sat in our dark, silent living room, feeling so alone. Knowing what Scripture said about divorce, I concluded that the Lord wanted me to remain miserable for the rest of my life. I simply couldn’t imagine my husband’s and my relationship getting better. Frustrated, I told the Lord, “Fine. I’ll stay, but You’ve got to do this for me, because I’m done.” Although the prayer was more flippant than genuine, the Lord heard the unspoken cries of my heart—the pain, ache for connection, and flickering hope I’d buried in anger and “offense.” He saw the longing in our souls, the untended wounds and deception fueling our fights, and our ignorance when it came to building a healthy marriage. We were walking blind, stumbling along a foggy, uneven road marred with potholes, boulders and detours. We needed God’s supernatural vision, His hand to remove the obstacles too heavy for us to maneuver, and His guidance for our long, difficult and uncertain journey. In short, we needed Him to fulfill His promise recorded in today’s verse. The Lord originally spoke these comforting words, through a prophet, to the ancient Israelites during a dark period in their history. The people had rejected God to turn to idols, chose violence and oppression over integrity and love, and were seeking aid from a pagan nation rather than their ever-faithful Creator. The Lord warned them, for generations, of the judgment to come. But He also promised them forgiveness, transformation, and restoration through His “Faithful Servant”, the Messiah, His Son. In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (NIV). He’s the One who illuminates every shadow lurking within our soul and who lovingly lights the path...

When life feels like a relentless heatwave—physically and spiritually—Psalm 23 offers more than poetic comfort; it offers divine renewal. In this devotional by Whitney Hopler, we’re reminded that God doesn’t just see our stress and exhaustion—He meets it with peace, stillness, and strength. Just like a good shepherd cares for his sheep, God refreshes your soul when you allow Him to lead you beside quiet waters. ✨ Highlights: God is your Shepherd – He provides, protects, and leads you with purpose. Spiritual renewal is available – Real rest comes not from a nap, but from God’s peace. Quiet waters = soul restoration – Make room for moments of prayer, nature, or Scripture that invite stillness. You lack nothing – Believing this frees you from stress and opens the door to lasting peace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Where do you go for rest when life feels overwhelming? How has God refreshed your soul lately? Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and share your story using #SoulRefreshedByGod so we can walk this journey together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Will Refresh Your Soul By: Whitney Hopler “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul...” – Psalm 23:1-3, NIV The summer heat can be so relentless that it drains away my energy. Whenever I come back to my air-conditioned home after being outside during summer, I crave some refreshment, so I pour myself a cold glass of water as soon as possible. On summer evenings, I take showers in cool water for more refreshment. This physical refreshment often reminds me of another kind of refreshment I need regularly – refreshment for my soul. Just like I need to recover physically from the heat of hot weather, I need to recover spiritually from the heat of stress that accumulates in my life from lots of work and other demands. Psalm 23 describes God as a shepherd who helps us get the rest we need, leads us beside quiet waters, and refreshes our souls. God makes it possible for us to enjoy the spiritual revival and renewal we all need. Here’s how you can rely on God to refresh your soul: Verse 1 says: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” When the Lord is your shepherd, he is guiding you, protecting you, and giving you what you need. Just like a good shepherd makes sure his sheep have what they need to thrive, God makes sure you have all that’s truly important for your well-being. When you really trust that God provides for your most important needs, a strong peace starts to settle in your soul, and that peace refreshes you from the inside out. Verse 2 points out: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” In this busy world, it can be hard to really rest. You might take a break to sit on a couch to scroll on your phone, but real rest – the kind that makes your soul feel new again – often escapes you. God knows you need this rest. He encourages you to lie down. Your “green pastures” can be refreshing times of prayer and meditation, experiences enjoying God’s wonder in nature, or other kinds of breaks that refresh your soul. The second part of verse 2 declares: “he leads me beside quiet waters.” Quiet, still waters are peaceful. When your mind is racing and your spirit is troubled, God offers you his peace, which is much stronger than any stress you’ll ever face. You can enjoy following God to “quiet waters” by focusing on God’s peaceful presence with you. Finally, verse 3 begins by saying: “he refreshes my soul.” This is the wonderful result of God being your shepherd. When God refreshes your soul, he sends you the strength you need for what’s ahead in your life. God has unlimited strength, so he can empower you in every way you need fresh strength from him. So, ask God to refresh your soul whenever you need that. Just like you look for a cool drink...

Pain may be part of our lives, but so is the presence of a compassionate Savior. In The Healing Compassion of Jesus, Keri Eichberger shares a heartfelt devotional from Matthew 9:36 that reminds us we’re never left alone in our suffering. Jesus sees us, feels our pain, and meets us with deep compassion. Whether you're dealing with emotional wounds, physical ailments, or the quiet ache of the everyday, this message speaks to your soul and offers comfort straight from the Shepherd who never leaves His sheep. ✨ Highlights 💔 You are seen: God sees your suffering, even when no one else does. 🕊️ Jesus feels with you: He doesn’t just notice—He cares deeply. 🐑 He is your Shepherd: Even when life feels isolating, His comfort is personal and real. 🙏 Find peace today: Let His compassion become the healing balm your heart has been longing for. 📲 Join the Conversation Have you experienced the healing compassion of Jesus during a hard season? Tag us @LifeAudioNetwork and share your story using #HeHealsWithCompassion — your testimony could encourage someone who needs it today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Healing Compassion of Jesus By Keri Eichberger When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36) I’ve been suffering for sometime now with a specific physical pain I’m really ready to move on from. But who am I kidding, if I think about it, and reflect back far enough there’s always been something I’ve been actively suffering through. Like when I was in my teen years and experienced a bad break up that left deep lingering emotional pain for half a decade, or when I started having kids and began to live through a never ending roller coaster of mental strenuous stress and struggle. And the sad news for us all is that suffering and pain will continue to be a part of our lives until the good Lord calls us home. And I don’t know about you, but the longevity of this truth leaves me in constant longing for compassion and comfort. I deeply desire for someone to see me, see my hurt, and care enough to help or ease the difficulty and discomfort. I would ask if you feel the hurts of life too, but I know you do. We all do. The question is, what are you currently suffering through and how are you handling it? Has your suffering been long and seemingly without hope? Or have you been living through yoyo bursts of trials since before you can remember? Let me say, I’m so sorry. I feel your pain. It’s real and you’re not alone. You’re not alone because we’ve all been there. Though the truth is, our struggles can still feel isolating and like not one really gets it. Because though we all have our hard stuff, we can’t possibly be feeling or experiencing the exact emotions. We are unique souls with unique situations. So, yes, at times it’s hard to convince ourselves we’ll ever find the compassion we’re sure would soothe our souls. But can I remind you—though no one will completely get it, and thus it will seem like no one can completely comfort us—God sees you. And you may believe this. You may know that God genuinely sees you, but you may not feel like he cares enough to do anything about it based on the seeming lack of movement in a more favorable direction. In this case I want to reassure us both that he sees, but he also cares. He has compassion on you as you walk through each challenge and suffer through every hurt and heartache. Matthew 9:36 says, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This is the Lord Jesus. He is the shepherd seeing his hurting, helpless sheep, and having compassion on them. And you are the sheep, and he is your shepherd. Intersecting Faith and Life: Consider what you have been suffering through lately. And...

Do you feel like you’re running on empty—striving, pushing, juggling it all—and still feeling stuck? In this heartfelt Christian devotional on Matthew 11:28-30, Hannah Benson invites us to pause, breathe, and fall into the arms of Jesus. Through a personal moment of burnout and breakthrough, she reminds us that true rest isn't found in finishing the to-do list, but in trusting God’s timing and leaning into His presence. If you're craving soul-deep peace, this is your gentle invitation to come as you are—and find the rest your soul longs for. What You’ll Learn (Highlights): What it means to truly rest in Jesus, not just physically—but spiritually and emotionally Why doing things “for God” can never replace simply being with God How trusting God’s plan brings freedom from burnout, anxiety, and overachievement Practical encouragement for letting go of control and leaning into His embrace A reminder that your value isn’t in your productivity—it’s in being His beloved child 💬 Join the Conversation: What does it look like for you to fall into the arms of Jesus right now? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #RestInHisArms and share how God is inviting you to pause, trust, and rest today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Fall into the Arms of Jesus A devotional by Hannah Benson ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) Recently, the Lord challenged me to fall into His arms. At first glance, that statement may sound odd, but allow me to clarify. What exactly does falling into the arms of Jesus mean? It’s not like I can literally fall into His arms. On a particularly stressful afternoon, I found myself staring at a blank screen instead of working on the writing project I needed to tackle. Honestly, I was kind of frustrated with myself. “I need to get this done”, I thought. Yet no matter how hard I tried to concentrate and move past the writer’s block, I either ended up staring at a blank screen or mindlessly scrolling through social media hoping inspiration would strike—which, by the way, never happens. As I sat there, the Lord quietly whispered to my spirit: “I want you to spend time with Me.” Yes, God, that would be a good idea except I needed to finish what I was doing first. Which was what? Oh yes. Overcoming writer’s block and actually getting words on the page. Ugh. Eventually, the Holy Spirit’s prompting won out, and I closed my laptop and picked up my Bible instead. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was as if my spirit did a trust-fall. And instantly I realized what the Lord had been trying to tell me all along. Perhaps I’d gotten so busy doing things for God that I’d forgotten to spend time with Him. Quality time is my love language. Why then would I not ensure I spent time with the One Who loves me more infinitely than I could ever know? Yes, I have a lot of things on my plate. As the old adage says, perhaps “I’ve bitten off more than I can chew”. But what is more important than anything I could ever do? Cultivating relationships. With God, first and foremost, and then with others. Loving God and others. Serving God and others. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Simple but often difficult to live out. I realized I’d been trying to do everything in my own strength instead of relying on the Lord. I’d been yearning to rush the journey, but God was challenging me with an alternative. What if instead of trying to do things in my own strength, why not lean on the Lord? Instead of rushing through life, what if I found joy in the journey? What if I learned to trust His process and plan for my life instead of what I could perceive? Intersecting Faith &...

We all thirst for something—but are we drinking from the right well? In this heartfelt devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares how a simple moment at a lemonade stand revealed a deeper truth about our spiritual lives. Reflecting on John 4:10, she draws a powerful parallel between physical thirst and the soul’s longing for the Living Water that only Jesus can provide. Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, chasing worldly “quick fixes,” or just in need of renewal, this Christian devotional on John 4 offers refreshing encouragement: Only Jesus can truly satisfy. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Highlights): What the “Living Water” in John 4:10 really means for your daily walk with God How the Samaritan woman’s story shows Jesus meets us in our mess, not our perfection Why worldly pleasures can’t satisfy a spiritual need—and how to return to Christ How to recognize the “counterfeit comforts” we chase in place of God Encouragement to fill your soul with what it truly needs: a relationship with Jesus 💬 Join the Conversation: What “lemonade” have you been chasing to quench your soul? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #ThirstQuenched and share how Jesus has met your deepest need—or how you’re learning to turn to Him first. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Living Water We All Need By: Alexis A. Goring “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” —John 4:10 NIV One hot and humid summer day, I attended a festival outdoors. After enjoying the various activities, my throat felt parched. To quench my thirst, I walked over to the lemonade stand and bought a big cup of lemonade. But that first cup didn’t quench my thirst, so I returned to the lemonade stand a few minutes later to buy another one, only to return again ten minutes later to buy one more. It was not until after trying to quench my thirst with three big cups of lemonade that I realized what I really needed was water to drink. Therefore, I returned to the lemonade stand one more time—this time to purchase a big cup of pure water. The ice-cold water started to quench my deep thirst from the moment it touched my tongue. As I gulped it down, my desperate thirst was quenched. It was like my body was saying, “Finally! She is giving me exactly what I need.” Looking back on this experience that taught me an important life lesson, I realized a spiritual parallel to this story: Just like my body needed pure water to keep it hydrated and protected in the intense heat of that day, my spirit and soul needs something only God can give. Scripture calls it Living Water (referring to our Savior, Jesus Christ). The Bible shows a story in John 4:1-42 about a Samaritan woman who was a social outcast not just because of her ethnicity and heritage (the Jews ostracized the Samaritans) but because of her sinful lifestyle that was gossiped about by the women in the town where she lived. Hoping to escape their scrutiny, this Samaritan woman would make the long trek to the town’s well to draw water during the time of the day when the heat was so intense that nobody else dared to go to there. She did this to avoid facing the women who treated her poorly. We may go unnoticed in society and at times feel like an outcast but to Jesus Christ, we are always seen, heard, understood and supported—this Samaritan woman was no exception. The Bible says that Jesus took time out of his journey with his disciples to stay behind at this same well while they went to town. It wasn’t an accident or coincidence—He planned this one-on-one meeting with this woman who was in so much pain from her past. Long story short: Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah and offered her living water—the kind that satisfies your soul when you accept it. This woman came to know Jesus as not...

What if you could pray with boldness, knowing God always hears you? In this encouraging devotional, Sarah Frazer reflects on Mark 11:24 and reminds us that prayer isn’t about how much faith we have—it’s about who we’re putting our faith in. Whether you're praying for peace in a stressful season or asking God for a life-changing breakthrough, this Christian devotional on prayer offers a powerful perspective: God answers because He is good, not because we are perfect. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Highlights): Why Mark 11:24 gives us confidence that God hears and answers our prayers The difference between faith in God vs. faith in outcomes Biblical examples that prove God’s character as a faithful responder Encouragement for when prayers seem unanswered or delayed How even “mustard seed faith” connects us to God’s unlimited power 💬 Join the Conversation: What are you asking God for right now—big or small? Has He answered a prayer in a surprising way? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #AnsweredByGrace to share your story and encourage others who are still waiting. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Praying with Confidence Because God Answers By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (ESV) Devotional My children ask me all of the time for things. Most of the time they ask me for small things, like food or a drink. Sometimes they are looking for something like a specific shirt or shoes. Occasionally, especially as they have gotten older, the requests tend to be bigger. “Will you drive me to the movies with my friends?” “Can you buy this for me?” “Can I go here for my birthday?” “Can you help me fill out this job application?” Those requests often require more than just a few minutes of my time. As a mother, I want to answer my children’s requests, even it means I am inconvenienced. Sometimes I can, but because I am only human, sometimes I can’t accommodate them. Aren’t you glad we have a Heavenly Father who is not limited by time, space, or ability? God the Father never sleeps (Psalm 121) and is always listening to our prayers. (Psalm 116) Not only that, Jesus reminds us in Mark 11 that God answers our prayers. Jesus’ declaration in Mark 11:24 is not a new teaching of scripture. All throughout the Old Testament we see reminders of God’s promise to answer His people’s cry. We see this in Exodus when God heard the cries of the Israelites while they were enslaved in Egypt. He heard them and acted to set them free. We see this when Hannah cries out to God for a child and she gives birth to Samuel. Or when David asks God for victory, and God grants it. Over and over again the God of the Old Testament answers the prayers of His people. When Jesus comes on the scene in the Gospels, although He is bringing a New Covenant, not based on the law, we see so many things about God’s character that do not change. Jesus says that the same God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. God still answers prayer. It might be tempting to read a verse like Mark 11:24 and think that our prayers are only heard or answered because we believe. Is it our faith that makes the prayer possible? No. It is not our faith, because in the same passage Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed, can move mountains. It is not the size of the faith but who we have our faith in that matters. When we come to God in prayer, we need not worry if we believe enough or have enough faith. So many times I’ve prayed for things and then they didn’t happen. God shut a door I wanted to be open or a person died who I wanted to live. Healing sometimes doesn’t come and dreams do die. Was it our lack of faith that caused the defeat? I believe that as we lift our prayers to God, it is...

What are the desires of your heart? Sometimes we think, “If I just had ___, then I’d finally be happy.” Psalm 37:4 offers a different promise: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This powerful devotional by Megan J. Conner explores how God lovingly transforms our longings—helping us discover that what we truly desire is Him. If you’ve ever wondered why even your biggest wins still leave you wanting more, this message will speak to the deeper need in your soul: true contentment in God. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Highlights): Why our deepest longings often can’t be satisfied by success, status, or stuff How Psalm 37:4 reveals God’s process of shaping—not just granting—desires Encouragement to reflect on your current goals through an eternal lens The comforting truth that only God fills the “God-shaped hole” in our hearts Scripture-based hope to anchor you in seasons of unmet desires 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s something you’ve longed for—only to find it still didn’t satisfy? How has God shifted your heart over time? Share your story using #HeartCheckFaith and tag @LifeAudioNetwork to encourage others on the same journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Desires of Your Heart By Megan J. Conner “Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart,” Ps. 37:4 (NKJV). We all know the legends in which a nod of the head, a rub of the lamp, or a drink of fantastic waters will allow someone’s greatest wishes to come true. While these stories are fiction rather than fact, in many ways, we yearn for such a reality. We think that if we could just receive what we are longing for, our hearts would finally be satisfied. My husband often likes to joke, “If I can only win a million dollars, then life would be perfect. I don’t need to be greedy; I just want one. Just one tiny million, and then I would never ask for anything else.” Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you aren’t dreaming of a million dollars or a grand house on a hill (that is fully paid off), but it is so easy to believe tangible items or outcomes will ease our angst. We project, if my children would just find the right spouse, then I would have peace. If my parents’ health would improve, then I will stop worrying. If I could just obtain that perfect job, then I would be happy. The list can go on and on. However, what we are really seeking is our version of what we think we want. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father sees far beyond our momentary light afflictions (2 Cor. 4:17) and into the deep crevices of our souls. He, and He alone, understands the true desires of our hearts when we may not know them ourselves. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb… You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” Ps. 139:13-18 (NLT) God formed us and saw the path our lives would take while on this planet. He is intimately aware of the thoughts of our hearts and omnisciently redirects our lives so that we may receive the true desires of our hearts rather than our shallow substitutes. For many of us, the ultimate longing of our heart is oneness with Him. There is a well-known Christian saying, “There’s a God-shaped hole in our hearts.” While it may sound cliché, there is profound truth in this statement. Nothing else will satisfy that innate craving each one of us carries within our souls other than the Lord. Because of this, our Heavenly Father is so good to grant us rich, abundant treasure. Through trials or blessings, each circumstance is a...

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle you just couldn’t break—where freedom feels promised but not lived out? In today’s devotional, Jennifer Slattery shares her deeply personal journey through disordered eating and emotional wounds. But more than that, she reveals the key to lasting freedom: learning to rely not on our own strength, but on Christ's Spirit within us. 2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds us, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This isn’t just a feel-good verse—it’s a declaration of the abundant life we’re meant to walk in every day. 🌟 Highlights: 🔑 Real talk on spiritual strongholds and emotional healing 🛑 Why we self-sabotage even when we know better 🙌 Freedom isn’t found through striving—but in surrender 💡 How the Holy Spirit leads us toward healing, hope, and transformation 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever experienced God setting you free from a mindset or habit? We’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments or tag us @LifeAudioNetwork using #FreedomInChrist to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Learning to Live in Christ’s Freedom by Jennifer Slattery Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 In my teen years, I responded to my chaotic and painful environment by seeking control—through dieting. Soon, however, this unhealthy coping mechanism began to control me, and the very act that initially provided a sense of strength—pseudo strength—only added to the feelings of hopelessness from which I so desperately sought to escape. Initially, I tried to fight my eating disorder in my own strength, but this inevitably led to failure and shame. I began to experience the freedom I sought, not just from disordered eating, but the wounds driving it, when I invited God into my struggle and learned to rely, more consistently, on His power at work within me. While I’ve come a long way, praise God, since my self-destructing adolescence, my soul still contains wounds for which I need the Lord’s healing, and self-sabotaging patterns in need of His freedom. I gain the courage to follow Him in that transformative journey when I reflect not on the difficulty of obedience but instead on the heart of the One doing the leading. Jesus longs to see me, and you, living in the freedom of grace. This is a beautiful gift bestowed upon everyone who’s trusted in Christ for salvation. His Spirit does indeed set us free—from the enslaving pull of sin, from the threat of death, and the punishment we deserve for all our moral failings. Yet, if this is true, why do so many of us still struggle with self-sabotaging, unChrist-like behaviors? Like lashing out when we’re hurt, angry, or feel under attack, or withdrawing and isolating in self-protection? Comforting ourselves with a quart of ice cream, numbing out through hours of television watching or mindlessly scrolling through our social media feeds? We’ve received spiritual freedom through faith in Christ, but now we need to learn to live in it. We do this, in part, by becoming more alert to God’s presence within us and all around us. As today’s verse states, He is Spirit. This means He’s not bound by space or time. He remains present in our greatest challenges and regrets and plants within our souls hope for our future. Today’s verse also reminds us of His heart toward us, His children. He longs to see us living vibrantly, beautifully free. That was why Jesus came. Foretelling Christ’s mission, as if through His voice, the prophet Isaiah wrote: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the...

Whether you're facing a thunderstorm outside or a spiritual storm within, this powerful devotional reminds us of one unwavering truth: God is greater than any storm. Drawing from Psalm 77, author Whitney Hopler explores how the natural chaos of a thunderstorm mirrors the emotional and spiritual turmoil we all experience—yet ultimately, both point us back to God's unmatched strength and presence. As we weather life’s uncertainties—unexpected loss, broken relationships, anxiety, or burnout—this message offers real peace: the Creator who commands the lightning and thunder is right there with us in our storms, guiding us to calmer, more hopeful days. ✨ Highlights Psalm 77 imagery paints a vivid picture of God’s power, reminding us that no storm—physical or emotional—is stronger than Him. Life’s storms often come without warning, but they have purpose: spiritual renewal, clarity, and deeper trust in God. Whitney shares how even thunder, lightning, and chaos can become reminders of God’s sovereignty. Encouragement to lean into God’s strength when life gets loud, messy, and uncertain. A fresh perspective on hardship: storms can be wake-up calls, cleansing moments, and faith builders. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you weathered a spiritual storm recently? What did God teach you in it? Share your story with us and encourage someone else walking through the rain. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #GodIsMyShelter to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Is Stronger than Any Storm By: Whitney Hopler “The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.” – Psalm 77:17-18, NIV I watched in awe as a summer thunderstorm raged outside one afternoon. Safe inside my house, I looked through a window as dark clouds poured down water in blurry sheets. I listened as thunder rumbled so loudly that the sound vibrated in my body. Our cat was so scared by the thunder’s noise that she ran to hide in our coat closet. Our lights flickered, and then the power went out completely. Huge streaks of lightning flashed in the sky as the storm kept going with furious energy. We often feel vulnerable when a big storm hits. We lose electrical power, roads flood, and trees fall. But even in the middle of that chaos, there’s something beautiful about how a storm reminds us of something greater than ourselves. The sense of awe we feel when we experience nature’s power points us to nature's Creator, God. Thunderstorms are incredibly powerful, but even the strongest thunderstorm is still just a part of creation and can’t match God’s strength as the Creator. Psalm 77:17-18 uses the imagery of a thunderstorm to describe God’s awesome power and give us a sense of how overwhelming it can be. God has unlimited power, so God is stronger than any storm. Just as there are physical storms, there are also spiritual storms in our lives. These can come in many forms – such as a broken relationship, a sudden job loss, or a scary health diagnosis – in our fallen world. These spiritual storms can feel just as overwhelming as a raging thunderstorm. They can leave us feeling shaken and drenched in discouragement. But here’s the wonderful truth: The same God who commands the thunder and lightning is the God who is always with you, even as you go through storms. You can count on God to help you with everything you need during storms, and you can look forward to God bringing good purposes out of them. Just like physical storms, spiritual storms can also serve good purposes. A thunderstorm clears the air and renews the earth. Our spiritual storms are painful when we go through them, but they also refresh us. They can wash away our complacency, clarify our priorities,...

In this heartfelt devotional, look back on life’s milestones—not as random moments, but as powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Inspired by Joshua 4, where stones were stacked as a memorial to God’s miraculous provision, the message encourages us to establish “stones of remembrance” in our own lives. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or a moment of personal breakthrough, every celebration becomes a spiritual marker of what God has done. Highlights: Biblical Encouragement: Reflects on Joshua 4:7 and how God called His people to remember His faithfulness. Personal Application: Through a 25th wedding anniversary celebration, we’re reminded to use joyful occasions as public testimony of God’s goodness. Spiritual Challenge: Encourages believers to boldly celebrate God’s faithfulness, not just in quiet reflection, but in community celebration and witness. Cultural Connection: Highlights how even in modern Christian living, we can reclaim the practice of pausing to praise. “Jesus’ ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at a wedding!” Join the Conversation: What are the “stones of remembrance” in your life? How have you seen God's faithfulness over the years? Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CelebrateGodsFaithfulness. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Celebrate the Lord “These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7 As the DJ played our wedding song, we marched into the banquet hall to the sounds of our friends and family erupting in applause. After celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June, we decided to throw a party to celebrate all that God had done through that time. After we entered the room, I grabbed the microphone from the DJ. I thanked everyone for coming and told them how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family who took time out of their busy schedule to celebrate with us. I then said to them that at the bottom of their favor box, they would find a small stone. The theme of the party was around Joshua 4, where the Israelites stacked twelve stones together at the place where the Lord had done something significant for their people: “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever,” Joshua 4:5-7. I ended by telling them that this was a celebration of all that God had done in and through us over the past twenty-five years. We wanted to use the party as a stone of remembrance for everyone in attendance. I wanted them not only to rejoice with us and all that God had done through us, but I also wanted to rejoice with them and what God had been doing through them. As I spoke with many of our guests, they shared stories of the things God has been doing over the past twenty-five years. We all go through periods of great trial and grief. The church is a beacon of light that can be a source of comfort and hope to those who are truly grieving. However, the local church does not always celebrate the milestones and memories of the significant things God has done that deserve celebration. After all, Jesus' ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at wedding feasts! Jesus wants us to celebrate all the things that God does in and through us. He wants to use it as a testimony to who God is and how God works amid difficult circumstances. Our wedding is a testimony to God's...

In a culture that often silences or shames believers, staying bold in your faith can feel exhausting. But Hebrews 12:3 gives us a lifeline: “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” This devotional challenges Christians to stop hiding and start standing—especially when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you’ve faced ridicule, workplace pushback, or quiet pressure to compromise your beliefs, this message reminds you that you’re not alone—and that your strength comes from Christ, who faced opposition and never backed down. Stay firm. Stay faithful. Stay grounded in the One who understands your suffering. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why spiritual endurance is essential when facing rejection for your beliefs How Jesus models faithful perseverance through persecution Encouragement for believers navigating criticism or exclusion for their faith Ways to embrace religious freedom with courage and gospel-centered boldness How to find emotional and spiritual strength in Jesus when you feel weary 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever been criticized or left out because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond—and what did God teach you through it? Share your story to encourage someone else. Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #StandFirmInFaith to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Don’t Grow Weary or Lose Heart By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). About a year ago, my family and I watched a series called “Torchlighters.” For each episode, they would tell the story of someone who died for their faith in Christ. Most of the time, these individuals were missionaries; however, some were persecuted in their own hometowns. After each episode, I was convicted by their amazing faith. They knew they were going to be persecuted for their faith and even killed, yet they continued serving the Lord. Not many of us are physically persecuted for our faith if we live in America; however, many of us are looked down upon or made fun of because of our faith in Jesus. Sometimes these individuals can take it further and cause problems for us at school or in the workplace. Sadly, this is to be expected. As Christians, the world will hate us. The Lord already warned us of this truth (John 15:18). It can be hard to face this reality, yet it is something we have to do. Being opposed by the world will continue throughout our lives, but we must be strong in the Lord. If we are blessed enough to live somewhere we have religious freedom, we need to take advantage of this opportunity and share our faith freely. Even though schools and the workforce might oppose us, we still have the freedom to share what we believe. Similar to how a Muslim or a Buddhist could share his or her faith with others, we can share our faith too. As Christians, we need to take hold of this opportunity and truly start living out our faith. There are Christians throughout the world who are dying for their faith in Jesus. They are not tap dancing around whether someone would like them or not after they share the Gospel. Instead, they are boldly sharing the Gospel because of their love for the Lord. Rather than continuing to be afraid of someone making fun of us or belittling us, we need to start being bold in sharing the Gospel. Jesus knows what it feels like to be mistreated and hurt, yet we often don't turn to Him when we are suffering for our faith. Sometimes, we even blame Him for our pain or hurt. Jesus is not the one to blame, and we don't need to accuse Him of doing wrong. Jesus is our Savior and Lord. He surrounds us with His comfort, protection, and hope. Whenever others persecute us in any form, we need to run to Him instead of...

When God calls us to something new, our first instinct is often to focus on what we lack—our insecurities, fear of rejection, or the possibility of failure. But Matthew 10 reminds us that confidence in God's calling is rooted not in our abilities but in His presence, power, and purpose. Jesus sent His disciples out with authority, without micromanaging their flaws. His instruction? Be wise, stay pure, and keep moving forward—even in the face of rejection. If you’ve ever felt unqualified or hesitant to pursue a new opportunity, this devotional reminds you that godly confidence is less about perfection and more about obedience. Shake off the dust, trust your calling, and walk boldly into your next assignment. Highlights ✨ God doesn’t wait for perfection—He works through our obedience. ✨ The disciples were imperfect but sent anyway. So are we. ✨ Jesus’ instruction to "shake off the dust" is a bold reminder: don’t carry rejection into your next opportunity. ✨ Confidence in God’s call means focusing more on His power than our past mistakes. ✨ Like the disciples, we are chosen, equipped, and sent to make an impact. Join the Conversation Have you ever shaken the dust off and stepped out in faith, even when you felt unqualified? Share your story with us and encourage someone else! Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #CalledWithConfidence to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pursuing Opportunities with Godly Confidence by Jennifer Slattery As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:12-16 When God invites you to something new, what usually comes to mind first—His empowering and guiding presence within you, or your weaknesses and potential inability to meet the challenges ahead? I’ve shared in other episodes how, when I first sensed the call to speak and write, I felt incredibly anxious, for numerous reasons. Fear of failure, of rejection, or responding to potential rejection in unhealthy ways … In short, I overly focused on myself and under focused on the power and presence of the One calling me. Perhaps that’s why I find Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in Matthew 10 so thought-provoking and encouraging. To paraphrase, about a year into His ministry, the Lord officially chose the 12 disciples to, according to Mark 3:13-15, spend time with Him, to preach, and to cast out demons. He then demonstrated how to do the very things He’d soon assign to them. They listened to His teaching on the beatitudes, forgiveness, and prayer. They watched Him heal the masses and set the demonized free. Then, what seems like months later, if that long, He gathered these previously untrained men together, gave them the power and authority to advance God’s kingdom, then sent them out to talk to strangers. About religion, and to find someone, again, a stranger, with whom to stay, for as long as the person allowed. How’s that for a job assignment? That would’ve taken significant courage. Granted, they lived in a culture in which people were accustomed to hosting travelers, but still. I admire their gumption in obeying, seemingly without protest—although based on Mark 3, they knew what they were getting into when they accepted Jesus’ invite. Then again, we probably did, as well. Following Jesus means learning to live as He did, while on earth. Yet, that’s not what most strikes me about this event. I’m intrigued by the instructions Jesus...

In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler draws a powerful parallel between environmental cleanup and spiritual renewal. Just like small pieces of litter accumulate to cause environmental damage, “little sins”—like gossip, white lies, or procrastination—can add up to serious spiritual harm. This episode reminds us that the seemingly small compromises in our faith walk can spread through our hearts like yeast in dough, impacting our thoughts, actions, and relationship with God. But the good news? Jesus, our Passover Lamb, has already made a way for us to be cleansed and renewed. If you’re wondering how to deal with those “no big deal” moments in your spiritual life—this one’s for you. Highlights ✨ Small sins can have big spiritual consequences – just like yeast spreads through dough (1 Cor. 5:6). ✨ Sin left unchecked can damage your relationship with God and others—even if it seems minor. ✨ Cleaning out sin is not about legalism—it’s about living in the freedom Jesus offers. ✨ Confession, repentance, and grace are the steps to remove “old yeast” from your life. ✨ We need the Holy Spirit’s help to see where sin may be subtly growing. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s a small but powerful step you’re taking this week to guard your spiritual health? 📲 Share your reflections and tag us @lifeaudionetwork using #CleanHeartChallenge. We’d love to hear how God is guiding you to clear out the “old yeast” and walk in truth. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Little Sins Can Lead to Big Problems By: Whitney Hopler “… Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, NIV Recently, I joined other volunteers to clean up trash in an area near a stream that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Our goal was to reduce the amount of toxic runoff and pollution entering the bay. As I walked along, I picked up little bits of trash like cigarette butts, plastic straws, and discarded pieces of broken toys. Individually, each piece of trash seemed too little to cause much harm. But when I filled a huge trash bag with all those little pieces of trash – and when I saw all the bags that other volunteers were filling with trash – it became clear to me that all those little bits of trash added up to a big problem. They polluted the watershed, harmed wildlife, and contributed to a larger environmental crisis. Just like a little bit of trash can add up to a big physical problem, little sins can add up to big spiritual problems in our lives. The Bible makes that point in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 when it describes yeast in bread. We only need a little pinch of yeast when we’re baking. The yeast will steadily work its way through the entire dough, making it rise. The sins we may consider to be little – such as a few words of gossip, a so-called white lie, a quick burst of anger, or procrastinating when God is calling to act on something – might feel minor. We might think those sins are no big deal. But just like a little bit of yeast, even a little bit of sin can spread. If we don’t clean up our little sins, they can affect our entire spiritual well-being by corrupting our thoughts and damaging our relationships with God and other people. So, how can we “get rid of the old yeast” and live with “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”? We need to first be honest about the reality of sin, no matter how small it seems. We often downplay our mistakes by making excuses or comparing ourselves to others who are sinning more. But God’s standard is holiness. God wants us to be holy by doing our best to...

What would happen if we responded to the Holy Spirit immediately, without delay or second-guessing? In Running Toward the Holy Spirit, Deidre Braley shares a personal story about missing a divine prompting and contrasts it with Philip’s quick obedience in Acts 8. This powerful devotional reminds us that when the Spirit nudges us—whether it's to speak to a neighbor or extend an act of kindness—we are called not just to go, but to run. This devotional encourages believers to practice spiritual attentiveness and cultivate a “yes” mentality toward God’s promptings. If you’ve ever ignored a gentle nudge or wondered if it was really God speaking, this message is for you. Highlights ✅ Obedience to the Spirit: Philip didn’t wait for more context—he ran in obedience (Acts 8:29-30). ✅ God's purpose unfolds in motion: Philip’s mission became clear only after he responded. ✅ Every nudge matters: Even small promptings—like saying hello to a neighbor—can have eternal impact. ✅ We often hesitate: Like Deidre’s real-life example, we can miss Spirit-led moments by overthinking. ✅ Practice spiritual sensitivity: Learn to ask, listen, and act when the Spirit leads. ✅ Scripture shows us the pattern: Throughout Acts, believers are used mightily when they respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever responded (or missed a chance to respond) to a Holy Spirit nudge? What happened? How did it impact you? 📲 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #RunWithTheSpirit. Let’s encourage one another to listen and move when the Spirit leads. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Running Toward the Holy Spirit: A Lesson from Philip and the Ethiopian Official by Deidre Braley Acts 8:26-31: Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,“Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. I live on a small, private lane with only two other houses, and today, I missed an opportunity to love my neighbor well. Here’s how it happened: It was lunchtime, so I took a break from my desk, pulled on my sneakers, and stepped outside to take our dog for a walk. We took a stroll down the lane, and when we walked by our neighbor’s house, I noticed he was outside on his deck, grilling his lunch. The Spirit nudged me, saying, “Go up and say hello.” Now, I wish I could say I zipped right up his driveway and popped in for a friendly chat, but do you know what I did instead? I said, “Lord, I don’t think that was you, right? I don’t have much time. I don’t want to bother him. He probably doesn’t even want to talk to me.” And then I walked right past his driveway and continued on with my day. But as I walked, I could feel the Spirit continue to nudge me. I knew he had spoken to me—and that he had wanted to use me—but I had refused. I didn’t know why he had wanted me to say hello to my neighbor, but I had a sense that it was important. I resolved that if he was still outside when we got back from our walk, I’d go up and say hi. But when we returned, he was already gone. How should we respond when we feel the Spirit prompting us? The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in the book of Acts may lead us to believe that the answer is…immediately! In this story, the apostle Philip—following the leading of the...

Have you ever tried to distance yourself from someone you’ve wronged—dodging interactions, avoiding gatherings, or putting on a smile while hiding the discomfort inside? “Are You Hiding?” explores the spiritual tendency we all share: hiding from God when we know we've fallen short. Through the lens of Adam and Eve’s story in Genesis, this devotional reminds us that God doesn’t abandon us in our shame—He comes looking for us with love, not condemnation. This message is for anyone who has drifted from God, avoided spiritual disciplines, or felt too ashamed to draw near again. God is not hiding from you—He’s calling your name. Highlights Hiding from God is a deeply human response to sin, rooted in fear and shame (Genesis 3:10). We may avoid Scripture, church, or prayer, thinking we can escape conviction—but God always sees us and still desires relationship. Even when we distance ourselves, God pursues us, calling out just as He did in the Garden: “Where are you?” Like the prodigal son (Luke 15), restoration comes not through hiding, but in returning with a surrendered heart. Fig leaves of distraction—our modern ways of covering sin—can’t replace the healing power of repentance and grace. When we stop running and respond to God, He covers our shame with love, mercy, and forgiveness. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt distant from God because of guilt or shame? What helped you find your way back? 📲 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story using #NoMoreFigLeaves. You never know who might find healing through your honesty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Are You Hiding? By Megan J. Conner “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees. Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” Gen. 3:8-10 (NLT) Can you recall a time when you purposely evaded someone because you had wronged or harmed them in some way? You decline invitations to events because you know they will be in attendance, or if being present together is unavoidable, you walk to the other side of the room when they arrive, pretending to be busy with an important task. Perhaps this individual is completely unaware of the offense you carry in your heart, so they continue to pursue relationship with you and are clearly confounded by your distance. It would be better in the long run to have the much-needed hard conversation and make amends, but fear holds you captive. At the moment, it feels easier to hide. But is it really? Because we are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27) each and every one of us knows the difference between right and wrong. A measure of the Holy Spirit resides in every soul. Secular views coin this internal conviction as a conscience that measures and judges the motives of our hearts. Regardless of title or worldview, it is evident that humanity carries within them an organic sense of morality. Think of a child at a very young age who desires a toy or an object they have been told they cannot have. Even though they know they aren’t supposed to have it, they will plot and plan a way to obtain it. And once they have it in their possession, what is the first thing they do? They run away and hide. Child or adult, none of us is any different. For thousands of years, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, when we willfully choose to sin, we separate ourselves from our Creator. We retreat; we go into hiding. Perhaps we stop reading our Bibles, stray away from godly relationships with others, or maybe even avoid attending church or other faith-based gatherings. Somehow, we deceive ourselves into believing this distance shields us from the knowing eyes of the Lord. But the truth is, we...