The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Have you ever wondered what it really means to be made in the image of God? Genesis 1:27 reveals that being created in God’s image isn’t just about our unique qualities—it’s about our purpose. In Scripture, God appoints humanity to represent His character and authority on earth, reflecting His love, order, and goodness wherever we go. This devotional explores the deeper biblical meaning behind being made in God’s likeness, revealing how we were created not only with identity but also with divine responsibility. Like royal ambassadors, we are called to bring light into darkness, peace into chaos, and God’s presence into every sphere of influence. ✨ Highlights Being made in God’s image goes beyond identity — It’s about living out God’s authority and reflecting His goodness. Purpose and responsibility — We are meant to represent God’s character wherever we live, work, and influence others. A biblical perspective — Ancient Near Eastern kings used statues to represent their reign; in the same way, we represent God’s kingdom on earth. Humanity’s mission — Bring God’s order, kindness, and love into the spaces around you, from your home to your community. Practical reflection — Use your unique gifts not only to build yourself up but to magnify God’s presence and goodness in the world. 💬 Join the Conversation What does being made in God’s image mean to you? How are you using your gifts to reflect God’s character in your home, workplace, and relationships? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ImageOfGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What It Really Means to Be Made in the Image of God by Deidre Braley Genesis 1:27: So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (NIV). The verse from Genenesis about God creating mankind in his own image is a clear fan-favorite amongst Christians; it is often interpreted from an individualistic perspective as a way to applaud our innate giftings. People look at their own unique skills, qualities, and personality traits and consider them inherited attributes from God. And while this view certainly holds value, it’s important to also understand that that’s not all there is to the story. See, when the Bible says that God made humankind in his image, it doesn’t only mean that he gave people a similar spirit or likeness to his own. It also means that he gave them a purpose and responsibility. Let me explain. In Ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings would create royal statues of themselves—replicas of their own likeness that they could place throughout their empires to demonstrate their dominion even when they couldn’t physically be there. Given this context, the ancient audience of the Bible would have understood that when the author of Genesis said, “So God created mankind in his own image…” it meant that God had, in a similar sense, created humankind as a visible representation of himself when he could not be visibly seen otherwise on earth. Bible scholar Richard Hess explains it this way: …at the completion of God’s creation, he left ʾādām as his image to represent his authority on earth. This suggests that the function of the image is to reflect the divine will on earth in such a way as to extend God’s kingdom into every area of nature, society and culture. This is exactly what happens with the first man in Genesis 2.1 So what does this mean for us? In a world where nihilism runs rampant and many question whether their lives hold any value or purpose, this interpretation of Genesis 1:27 hands us a dazzling mission: to reflect God’s divine goodness in a world that craves light. We are not meant to just build our individual nests and keep to ourselves; we are meant to bring order, kindness, peace, and love into every corner we can reach. 1 Richard S. Hess, “Adam,” in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, ed. T. Desmond Alexander and David W. Baker (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003), p. 39 (Under Adam) Intersecting Faith & Life Today, take a couple minutes to prayerfully consider the following questions: Am I using my unique skills and giftings to build myself up, or am I using them to magnify God and reflect his goodness back into the world? What would it look like for me to reflect God’s divinity in my home? to my neighbors? in my children’s school? in my workplace? in my online interactions? in my unique area of influence? How can I take one step toward doing that today? Further Reading To learn more about God’s intended purposes and responsibilities for humankind—and also what happens when humans don’t follow that path—consider reading the following chapters from Scripture: On Being Salt & Light: Matthew 5:13-16 The Story of the Tower of Babel: Genesis 11:1-9 An Excerpt from Ezekiel: Ezekiel 15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you overdue for a spiritual check-up? If you’ve been wondering how to know if you’re growing spiritually or what the Bible says about renewing your mind, this devotional will help you reflect on your faith and realign your heart with God’s Word. In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us not to conform to the world’s standards but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Yet, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others—whether friends, celebrity Christians, or social media influencers—instead of measuring our hearts against Scripture. Drawing from Paul’s humility and honest self-reflection, this devotional encourages us to stop competing, stop comparing, and start aligning our lives with God’s standards. True spiritual growth comes when we consistently examine ourselves and allow Scripture—not the culture around us—to shape our transformation. ✨ Highlights Why spiritual check-ups matter — Regularly examine your faith, attitudes, and heart alignment with God’s Word (2 Corinthians 13:5). Comparison is a trap — Measuring ourselves against others can lead to pride, shame, or complacency. Paul’s example of humility — Despite his influence, Paul called himself the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), reminding us we all need grace. Renewing the mind — Transformation begins when we filter our thoughts, habits, and actions through God’s Word rather than worldly standards. Pressing toward the goal — Focus on Jesus and the calling He’s placed on your life, not the noise around you (Philippians 3:14). 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you had a spiritual check-up? What’s one area God is calling you to grow in right now? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithCheckUp. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our Sister shows— Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Spiritual Check-Up 101 By Lynette Kittle “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will-- Romans 12:2 Like we go to the doctor or the dentist, do we go to God for a spiritual check-up to see how we’re doing spiritually overall? Or, do we look at the surrounding crowds of individuals around us, comparing our current condition with how they are doing, checking the latest celebrity Christians to measure ourselves next to them and see if we’re spiritually keeping up? Are we measuring our spiritual condition with the world then deciding whether we’re doing better or worse than them, whispering a ‘thank you” to God that we’re not walking in their shoes, relieved about ourselves, but not being very gracious when it comes to those who are struggling? Many of us may not realize that looking at others to feel better about ourselves is prideful along with having a haughty spirit. In comparing ourselves to others around us, we’re setting ourselves up to fall, as Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” God’s Word Sets the Standard Of course, as Christians, we know deep down that people aren’t how we measure our spiritual condition, but rather the word of God is what we need to hold up to our lives, to see how we’re doing. 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us to, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” When we do, it alerts us and points out areas in our lives where we may be off-track and needing of correction and that is probably why many of us are reluctant to examine ourselves, because we may not want to know the truth or like what we find. The Apostle Paul’s Self-Examination Many of us think of the Apostle Paul as a Saint, yet, in his own words, he counted himself the worst of sinners, which is hard for us to believe because he wrote most of the New Testament. Still, he wrote in1 Timothy 1:15. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” He recognized that sin is sin and there is no difference between being a big sinner and a little sinner, because all sin leads to destruction. Nowadays, many of us judge how well we are doing spiritually by checking social media updates, seeing how we’re doing in comparison to others, measuring their successes and losses against our own.. Still, again, Paul brings us to looking at God’s standards rather than man’s, stressing to us in Romans 12:2, that we are not to conform to human patterns but to be transformed by God’s word, renewing our minds. Keep Pressing On Towards Jesus Paul didn’t get caught up with what those around him were doing but said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). He focused on his own spiritual condition, keeping his eyes on Jesus, and careful not to let the world dictate how he lived his life by resisting conforming to it. As well, the Apostle John warned in 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” Intersecting Faith & Life: How are you doing spiritually? Are you checking God’s word to see how you’re measuring up to His standards? If not, set time aside to check in and see how you’re doing with the transforming and renewing of your mind. Further Reading: Are You Grieving the Holy Spirit? https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer/are-you-grieving-the-holy-spirit.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As Moses approached the end of his life, his focus wasn’t on regret, bitterness, or personal loss—it was on God’s people. In Numbers 27:15-17, Moses prayed that the Lord would appoint a leader to guide Israel so they wouldn’t be “like sheep without a shepherd.” Despite his mistakes and missed opportunities, Moses left a legacy of faith, humility, and care for God’s people. This devotional reminds us that true spiritual leadership looks beyond ourselves and points others toward the ultimate Good Shepherd—Jesus—who leads us into rest, protection, and eternal promise. ✨ Highlights Moses’ selfless prayer — Even at the end of his life, Moses was focused on God’s people, not his own loss A legacy of faith — Despite failure, Moses’ life still pointed others toward God’s promises Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd — The fulfillment of Moses’ prayer is found in Jesus, who leads us to spiritual safety and rest (John 10:11) Kingdom perspective — God calls us to live with an eternal mindset, thinking beyond our present circumstances and investing in future generations Carrying God’s light — As Christ-followers, we are called to shine His light wherever we go and leave the world “better than we found it” 💬 Join the Conversation How are you leaving a God-led legacy in your life? What practical ways are you pointing others toward Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithfulLegacy to encourage others on their journey of faith. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 25:15-17, NIV A recent guest on the Faith Over Fear podcast shared how his wife, when battling illness that placed her on bedrest and fearing for her future, encouraged him not to wait too long, once she passed, to marry someone else. Needless to say, this completely shredded his heart, in part because he was dealing with his own fears and grief regarding his wife’s illness, but he was also deeply concerned for her, and empathetic toward her anguish. Thankfully, she is doing much better—no longer on bed rest, able to go on vacations with her family, and enjoying her 11 grandchildren. But her statement highlights something. Love thinks beyond today and certainly beyond how things affect us personally. Often, when we consider the last year of Moses’ life, we fixate on his mistake—the moment when he acted out of pride and a brief lapse of faith and forfeited entry into the promised land. That had to sting. But as today’s passage indicates, it also greatly concerned Moses—but notice, as his life neared its end, he wasn’t focused on himself. He could’ve been. Frankly, had I been him, I probably would’ve been battling guilt, shame, sorrow and regret. And maybe even a tinge of bitterness or despair. I mean, the man had spent 40 years trekking through the wilderness, leading a massive group of individuals who did not make Moses’ role easy. At one point, they even threatened to stone him. For four decades, Moses had served God well—humbly, faithfully, sacrificially. But then, like I said, in a moment of weakness, or frustration, or maybe both, he blew it at the cost of entry into the promised land. It’s important to note, however—his sin didn’t cost him his relationship with God or entry into heaven. Based on what I read elsewhere in Scripture, he still received entrance into the ultimate promised land—eternal paradise. But he wasn’t able to lead the ancient Israelites, people for whom he deeply cared, during what would be their greatest, most exciting and, likely frightening, transition of their lives. And in today’s passage, we catch a glimpse of how much this concerned him. It’s like he’s saying, “Lord, don’t let them suffer because of me. Bless them. Watch over them and raise someone else up to lead them.” When I read his prayer in Numbers 27—his request that God would bring someone to lead His people that they might go in and go out and not live like sheep without a shepherd, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in John 10, when He declared Himself our Good Shepherd who leads us, that we might go in and out and find pasture. He is the ultimate leader Moses’ life, and to whom all of the Old Testament points. And He is the One we are to follow and point others to as well. Intersecting Life and Faith Love looks beyond our present circumstances and how things affect us to consider the lives, blessings, and spiritual health of those who’ll remain on this earth once we’re gone, and the generations yet to come. That’s our call as Christ-followers. Contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Danny Gokey has a song titled, “Better Than I found it,” and it reminds us all of our call to play a part of bringing a bit of heaven to earth. According to a sermon I once heard, that’s what it means to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus said that you and I are the light of the world, because we carry the light of Christ. Wherever we go, and in every encounter, we have Holy Spirit power to shatter this world’s darkness with God’s light. Imagine, for a moment, what our world might look like if we cultivated the same attitude and perspective demonstrated by Moses, a man who, yes, messed up, but more importantly, left a powerful, God-led legacy that played a major role in showing us all what it means to live in an ever-deepening, dependent relationship with the Lord. Further Reading: Matthew 5:14-16 Matthew 28:19-20 Psalm 78:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels overwhelming and your heart is troubled, Psalm 4:8 reminds us of God’s promise: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” In this devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares a personal story of how God used the song “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez to bring peace in the middle of anxiety. Through Scripture, prayer, and resting in God’s presence, we are reminded that we can lay our burdens down and trust that He never abandons us. ✨ Highlights God never leaves us — He promises to be with us always (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20) Honesty in prayer matters — God invites us to bring our deepest pain and struggles to Him (Psalm 62:8, Hebrews 4:13) God is our safe place — No matter how uncertain life feels, His presence offers protection and peace (Romans 8:35-39) Resting in Him — By casting our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7), we can release our anxiety and sleep in peace, knowing He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4) Practical encouragement — Share your heart with God, meditate on His promises, and trust Him to handle what you cannot 💬 Join the Conversation How do you find rest in God when life feels overwhelming? Do you pray, listen to worship music, or meditate on Scripture? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #RestInGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Song Mentioned: “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez Full Transcript Below: Rest in God By: Alexis A. Goring “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” — Psalm 4:8 NLTOne night as I was preparing to go to bed, my mind was too troubled to sleep. So, I turned to prayer. I asked God to remind me how real He is and within seconds of that prayer request spoken directly to God, He brought a song to my mind with lyrics I hadn’t listened to in years. “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez ministered to me and gave me great hope. The song lyrics begin by painting the picture of a person feeling like they are surrounded by darkness and deep in despair. They feel like their world is caving in. The person begins to seek God by being honest about what they are experiencing. They tell God that their mind is playing games yet again but deep inside they know that God is right there in the dark with them and He’s never abandoned them. Realizing the hope in this, they ask God to bring them back to the safe place they remember having with Him when they were growing up in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. A place where they knew God’s personal care intimately. They desire to return to the safe haven that they knew so well in their childhood. In those days, it felt like they could free fall into God’s open arms and be covered by His all-surrounding protection. They want to rest in God. There are so many takeaways that one can glean from this song. Let’s focus on a few: Takeaway #1: God has never and will never abandon you (Hebrews 13:5). Sometimes, we may feel like God has left us to face life alone but that is not true because the Bible says He will be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Takeaway #2: God encourages us to be honest with Him. He can handle the depths of our pain, especially when we are feeling despair. Nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). He knows our thoughts before they form in our mind. Given this truth, we may as well tell Him everything that’s weighing heavy on our heart (Psalm 62:8). He waits patiently for us to come to Him just as we are and cast our burdens on Him (Matthew 11:28-29). Takeaway #3: God is our safe place. Period. No matter how unsafe our world may feel and no matter where we live on this Earth, we can go to God for safety. His Presence is fully accessible to us everywhere on this planet. He knows all and sees all (Proverbs 5:21). The Bible says nothing can separate us from His Love (Romans 8:35-39). When we feel scared and hopeless and like the sky is falling, we should seek God. And we don’t have to look far to find Him. He’s closer than we think and always just a prayer away. Takeaway #4: God wants us to rest in Him. How do we rest in God? Good question. I believe we can rest in God by first letting our guard down and opening up to Him about how we’re feeling and sharing our heavy load with Him. Then we can ask Him to ease our anxiety and lift us up out of the pit of despair. The Bible says to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7) and trust Him because His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Finally, as He soothes us, we can rest in His care and go to sleep in peace every night knowing that He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4). This means He’s effectively handling everything we’re stressing out over. The Bible says God works everything out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). My personal experience has been that when I need God, He always shows up. He either draws me close to Him through my Bible study and prayer time (James 4:8) or He sends someone who loves Him to help me through whatever is troubling me. Oftentimes that comes in the form of another Christian who prays for me. Earlier this year when I was going through something difficult, a Christian friend of mine prayed over me in a way that sounded like she was very close to God and that she was praying from the depths of her heart for me. It was a gift that reminded me how much God cares about everything we care about and how He sends His people to cover us in prayer. I am grateful. If you don’t know God and haven’t accepted His Son (Jesus Christ) to be your Lord and Savior, it’s not too late because you can do that today. And when you do then you can rest in Him, trusting that He’ll always cover you and be there for you even when nobody else can. Go to God before you go to people. Ask Him for what you need then trust Him to provide it. God loves you with all His Heart. He wants you to trust Him just like a child trusts Him as their Heavenly Father. Intersecting Faith and Life: Next time you feel like the sky is falling, will you turn to God and rest in Him? Further Reading: John 14:27 Isaiah 26:3 Psalm 23:1-3 Psalm 56:3-4 Psalm 62:1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mornings can feel overwhelming when to-do lists, responsibilities, and worries start piling up the moment you wake up. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reminds us that Psalm 46:5 offers a powerful promise: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” When we start our mornings with prayer, invite God into our schedules, and trust His guidance, we can face even the busiest days with peace and confidence. God’s presence is constant, His help is timely, and His strength is enough for whatever comes our way. Highlights Why mornings matter — how starting your day with God’s help sets the tone for peace and focus The promise of Psalm 46:5: God’s presence keeps us steady and secure Practical tips for beginning your morning with God: Pray first — surrender your worries and ask for His strength Read Scripture — meditate on God’s promises for the day ahead Declare truth — speak God’s Word aloud and align your mindset with His promises How trusting God at the start of the day shapes your response to challenges Why September’s busy seasons are an opportunity to rely more on God’s help 💬 Join the Conversation How do you start your mornings with God’s help? Do you pray, journal, meditate on Scripture, or declare a favorite verse? Share your morning routine and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #StartWithGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Start Your Day with God’s Help By: Whitney Hopler “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5, NIV Shortly after I wake up each day, all the items on my schedule and to-do list for that day start swirling around in my mind. I can feel overwhelmed if I wait too long to do that one thing that prevents unnecessary stress for me each morning: pray. However, if I start my prayer devotional time within the first few minutes of waking up, I can direct my attention beyond my responsibilities to the One who will help me manage them. It only takes a brief time of connecting with God intentionally to start to notice God’s presence with me. As soon as I focus on enjoying God’s presence, I receive his peace. That gives me the confidence that I won’t fall – no matter how much I have to do during the day ahead – because God will be walking through the day with me. God will be there to give me whatever I need, for whatever situations I face, so I can’t fall as long as I’m relying on God’s help. September mornings can be especially busy, since many people move into a faster pace at work, school, and church after the slower summer season. The new responsibilities can feel heavy. Psalm 46:5 assures you that no matter how crowded your calendar becomes, you don’t have to handle it alone. When you invite God into your mornings, you can begin your busy days with the reassurance that God will be there to help you with all you have to do. Each morning is a fresh opportunity to walk in faith by trusting God to help you with whatever you need. You may wake up feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, burdened by yesterday’s struggles, or anxious about what your new day may hold. But God promises to be right there with you, to keep you from falling. God’s help is available at the break of every new day! The way you start each morning affects your ability to handle whatever comes your way. When it says “God is within her,” Psalm 46:5 reminds you that God is within you through his Holy Spirit, and because of God’s presence right there with you, you won’t fall, no matter what happens during your day. The promise “she will not fall” reminds you of God’s unlimited power. You may stumble, but you won’t fall down into despair. You’ll face challenges during your day, but with God at your side, you’ll be able to overcome them. God will hold you steady and give you the grace you need for every situation in your day. You may sometimes feel like God’s help is slow to come. You may wonder why certain prayers seem unanswered or why some burdens feel heavier than others. But Psalm 46:5 reassures you that God’s help comes at the perfect time – at the break of every day. Just as the sun rises every day reliably, God shows up for you every day, as well. So, start each day by communicating with God before doing anything else. Thank God for the opportunity to be part of the new day, and pray about everything that concerns you so you can let go of your worries and start relying on God to help you with what you need for your day. Then choose a Bible verse or passage to read, and let it shape your mindset for the day by meditating on it and asking the Holy Spirit to help you apply it to your life. Finally, declare God’s truths over your day by speaking them out loud. You may want to personalize a Bible verse and say it, or just say a sentence or phrase that boosts your faith, such as: “God is with me and God will help me throughout this day.” As you start each new morning, remember that God is already there, waiting to help you at the break of day. Let God help you walk through your day in peace and confidence! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to start your day with God’s help, reflect on these questions: What distractions do you usually have when you wake up, and what would help you focus on God instead when your day first starts? How can starting your day with prayer and meditation change the way you handle your responsibilities during the day? In what areas of your life do you most need to remember that “God is within you” today? How do busy seasons, like September, affect how much you rely on God? What’s one change you can make now to start every single morning with God and rely more on God’s help throughout your day? Further Reading Lamentations 3:22-23 Psalm 5:3 Matthew 6:33 Isaiah 41:10 Proverbs 16:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In Psalm 34:18, we’re reminded that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” But in seasons of heartbreak, unanswered prayers, or overwhelming busyness, God can sometimes feel distant. Cindi McMenamin shares how we can quiet the noise, draw near to God, and experience His presence as close and real as the air we breathe. ✨ Highlights Why God sometimes feels distant and how to reconnect with Him Four practical ways to experience God’s presence: Take a Divine Pause — slow down, breathe deeply, and be still (Psalm 46:10) Whisper His Name — use simple “breath prayers” like “Jesus, I need You” (Acts 4:12) Read His Word Aloud — Scripture is “living and active” and draws us closer (Hebrews 4:12) Start Praising Him — worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s goodness The promise of Jeremiah 29:13: when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you felt God’s presence as close as your next breath? Share your story and inspire others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #AsCloseAsYourBreath. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: As Close as Your Breath By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NASB) Does it sometimes feel like God is far away? Heartbreak, struggles, hurts from the past, unanswered prayer, or just filling your schedule with everything but Him can make you believe God is distant. But Scripture abounds with evidence that He is as close to you as the air you breathe. Psalm 139 assures us that God knows every detail of our lives and in verses 7-12, we read there’s nowhere we can go outside of His presence and away from His watchful eye. Hebrews 13:5 also tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. But maybe you know all that and you still long to know He’s there. When we feel like God is far away it’s often because we are the ones who have distanced ourselves. Perhaps other loves have stolen our heart away. That feeling that He’s distant can be an indicator that we need to put ourselves in the position where we can sense His presence, hear His voice, notice His work around us, and invite Him closer to our hearts. Intersecting Faith and Life: How can you be assured God is right next to you? Take a Divine Pause—Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise. Too much confusion. Too much anxiety. Too many apps or windows open. Too many voices and thoughts running through our minds. Center your mind on Him (Colossians 3:1-2) and start to breathe deeply. Try it. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. Exhale your pre-occupation with self. Inhale a desire to know Him more completely. Exhale the worries of the moment. Inhale His peace. Now, don't you feel closer to His heart already? There's a reason His Word says "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 ESV). Whisper His Name—There are times we need Him but we just don't know what to say or where to begin. Start by saying His name aloud and then speak your heart's cry. Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus, not only because "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12), but because Jesus responds to His name when His loved ones call to Him. The writers of the classics called this type of whispering cry “breath prayers.” My breath prayers to sense His presence are "Jesus, I need You" or "Jesus, give me a heart for You." Calling His name just as often as we breathe is one of the simplest ways to sense His presence. And I believe the simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart—and ours—the quickest. Read His Word Aloud—God speaks to us through His Word. And one of the best ways to sense His presence is to get into His Word and ask His Holy Spirit to guide you into a better under-standing of it. When you read God’s Word, and even speak it audibly, you will sense its power and His presence. The Bible says God's Word is "living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). That sharp sword will prick your heart through conviction, inspiration, enlightenment, or determination. A pricked heart is better than a numb, dull, or complacent heart any day, so get into His Word and find Him there. Start Praising Him—God inhabits the praises of His people. Ever wondered why you sometimes feel closer to God when you're in a church service, singing hymns or praise songs? It’s possibly because that’s where worship tends to take place. But you don’t have to only be in a church building among other believers in order to worship Him. Worship is praise and acknowledgment of His worthiness wherever you are and in whatever situation you are in. Worship is surrender. Worship is giving Him your time, talents, and treasure. When you start praising Him, regardless of where you are, you'll sense His presence, probably because you're no longer focused on yourself, but on Him. When we open the door of our hearts to love Him, He will meet us there. Every time. Lord, Thank You for never hiding from me. Your Word says I will find You when I search for You with all my heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Make Your presence known as close and real as the air I breathe. Further Reading: Psalm 139:7-12; Colossians 3:1-2 For more on experiencing God’s presence, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In Romans 1:1, Paul reminds us what it means to be set apart for the gospel — living fully surrendered to Christ and committed to sharing the good news with others. Laura Bailey reflects on Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and challenges us to examine our own willingness to share the gospel, even when it feels uncomfortable. Like Paul, we are called to let our lives reflect God’s grace and boldly carry the message of salvation to those who need to hear it. ✨ Highlights What Romans 1:1 teaches about living a life set apart for Christ Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and its powerful testimony Why sharing the gospel message requires faith, courage, and obedience How our stories can point others to God’s grace and salvation A reminder that we’re responsible for sharing the message, not controlling the response 💬 Join the Conversation Who in your life might need to hear the gospel message today? Has God been nudging you to start that conversation or send that note? Share your experience and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SetApartForTheGospel. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Set Apart for the Gospel By: Laura Bailey “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—”Romans 1:1 NIV I love getting mail, don’t you? Who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter from a friend or family member, especially one filled with encouragement, love, and words of affirmation? Better known as “snail mail,” letters are considered an outdated form of communication by most. Now, we converse through 280-word text limits and a series of emojis. A champion for the written word, I still pen letters, dotting my “i’s” with a heart, underlining important words, and using way too many exclamation marks! I am convinced that holding a handwritten letter from a loved one is one of the best feelings in the world. It’s an instant morale booster, and often, the sender’s words feel like they were delivered straight from the Lord. They were just what my heart needed to hear. Letters remind the recipient that someone cared enough about them to write a message they needed to hear. And that’s precisely the heart behind Paul’s letter to the new believers in the church of Rome, encouraging them in their faith. Romans is a letter to early Christians in Rome, following the historical custom of greeting, identification of the author, identification of the recipient, and the reason for writing. Paul shares that he is a servant, or slave, to the gospel. In the original Greek text, the word "servant" implies someone who sold themselves into servanthood for some time. By describing himself in this way, Paul is telling his audience that he doesn’t consider his life his own—Christ owns him. And for what purpose? To share the gospel message! Paul has given up everything to fully commit his life to sharing the gospel and encouraging other believers. Why was it so important for Paul to list out his qualifications? We read in Acts 9 that Paul, formerly called Saul, was the chief persecutor of Christians. While on the road to Damascus, the Lord called him to repent and then go and share the gospel with the Gentiles. Paul’s life was a living testimony to the power of the gospel to change lives. Paul was the perfect person to share the message of salvation and how God uses our stories for His glory. Paul was persecuting and killing the very people he was now ministering to and encouraging in their faith. These people were a little wary of this man, and rightly so. Paul understood his words could be received with some apprehension, so he explained to the Romans how his life had been changed, not because of what he had done but because of what Christ had done and was continuing to do in his life. In faithful obedience, Paul made it his mission to share the good news with everyone everywhere (Romans 1:5). And that’s what the book of Romans is all about: sharing the good news of the Gospel for both salvation and encouragement. Paul will spend the rest of his letter presenting the message of the gospel and explaining why it is essential, not just for salvation, but for every day of believers' lives. The compassion and concern that Paul has for this early church is palpable; he has made it his life’s mission to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word. He understands the sense of urgency; souls are at stake, there is no time to waste, and every day is an opportunity to share that God loves them and has made a way for them to be saved from eternal damnation. When I was in seminary, one of our assignments was to write a letter to someone whom we knew was not saved. The person I knew God wanted me to reach out to was a dear friend; yet, I procrastinated, almost forgoing the assignment altogether. I was so worried that she would be offended or wouldn’t speak to me again, which would cause a significant rift in our relationship. I deeply loved her friendship and cared about the state of her soul, yet I struggled to send the letter. Guilt-ridden, I shared my reluctance with my pastor, to which he assured me, I am not the only person who has felt apprehension in sharing the gospel with friends and loved ones. As I reflect on these words from Paul, it wasn’t always easy for him to share the gospel, but he cared more about people’s eternal state than his comfort. I eventually sent the letter, but she never responded, and that was okay. Like Paul, I wasn’t responsible for her response to the gospel; only God can convict and open hearts to receiving His truth. However, we can be His servant, as we set ourselves apart for the gospel. Intersecting Faith and Life:Is there someone today who needs to hear the gospel message? Ask God to help you discern the best way to share the good news with them. For Further Reading:Romans 1:16 Romans 10:14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever struggled to be quick to listen and slow to speak? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reflects on James 1:19 and how challenging it can be to practice patience, humility, and gentleness in our everyday interactions. From stressful situations to family conversations, James reminds us that our reactions reflect Christ’s character to those around us. God calls us to represent His nature by choosing compassion over anger and listening over rushing to respond. ✨ Highlights What James 1:19 teaches about patience, listening, and responding with grace How our reactions reflect God’s character to those around us Why slowing down and practicing gentleness leads to healthier relationships The connection between our faith, accountability, and emotional responses A prayerful reminder to welcome God’s correction and grow in humility 💬 Join the Conversation Do you find it hard to be slow to speak and quick to listen? How has God helped you practice patience and gentleness in your relationships? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithInAction. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak By Megan J. Conner “Brothers and sisters, let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”James 1:19 (NIV) – CHECK How many of us have heard this scripture and felt immediate conviction? I know I have – absolutely, 100%! I long to embody these humble sentiments, but I find myself more often than not falling short – very short. Perhaps you feel the same. Why is it that many of us struggle with quiet spirits, closed mouths, and open ears? The Book of James is one that challenges me and cuts straight to the heart in several passages (James 1:1, anyone?). Not one to mince words, James just comes right out and boldly declares we should all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. He goes on to say that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. In other words, our actions outside of this mandate counteract the work of the gospel in the lives of those around us. Ouch! So, my lack of patience with the airport personnel who just announced my flight was delayed again, thus producing the loss of my luggage again, is not pleasing to the Lord no matter how justified I feel? When I take a breath and calm down, my logical brain can clearly analyze the disconnect. However, because my reaction to a frustrating situation is immediate, my analytical brain is overrun by my heightened emotional state. What about when someone in my family comes to me to share a question or concern and I not only fail to listen, but I jump in with a quick solution completely bypassing their feelings so I can check off the next box on my list? I love my family and it is never my desire to harm them in any way, yet how easy it is to instantly react in such a manner and miss out on a possible opportunity to show them my love and the love of Christ? Right before our focus scripture today is an explanation from James on how and why we should be held accountable for our actions and reactions. “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures,” (James 1:16-18, ESV). Our loving, benevolent Father gave us every perfect and good gift so that we might represent Him to those around us. He brought us forth by the word of truth so that we would produce fruit that bears His image. If we are His image-bearers here on earth then how we act and react is directly connected to how others view His nature and character. If you are anything like me, then the reflection of this scripture against our hearts looks marred and messy at best. However, our Heavenly Father knows we have fallen short and will fall short again and again. Thank you, Jesus, for the grace and mercy of the gospel. Jesus paid the full price for our sins and covers our failings with His sacrifice. But this grace does not excuse us from accountability to His commands. The Word of God is called a double-edged sword that cuts bone and marrow (find quote). Direct declarations, like this one, cut straight to our hearts purposefully so that we might recognize areas where we are not walking well with the Lord. If that is you today (it certainly is me), then let us receive the compassionate correction from Him who loves us. Let us heed His word and value the lessons He is teaching us through the words of James. Lord, would you help each of us today to welcome a quietness of spirit, to be SLOW to react and QUICK to listen? Would you help us grow in gentleness so that we can properly reflect Your goodness to those closest to us? Intersecting Faith & Life: Take some time today for reflection. Quiet your mind and your body. Then, ask the Lord to reveal to you instances when you have struggled to really listen to those around you, or when a lack of patience produced an angry response (well passive or active). Consider adding the simple pray above to your daily time with the Lord. Let’s believe together, that He will hear the cry of our hearts and foster a spirit of gentleness in each of us. Further Reading: Eph. 4:26-32 James 3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever struggle with FOMO—the fear of missing out? In this devotional, Hannah Benson reflects on Psalm 16:6 and reminds us that God has set boundaries for our lives with purpose and intention. While it’s tempting to compare our blessings with others, God calls us to trust His unique plan and timing. Instead of chasing every opportunity or envying someone else’s path, we can rest in the truth that we will never miss out on what God has for us when we walk in His will. ✨ Highlights How Psalm 16:6 teaches us to embrace the “pleasant places” God has chosen for us Why comparison and jealousy steal joy and distract us from God’s plan Trusting that God’s timing and blessings are uniquely tailored for your life A reminder to celebrate answered prayers instead of chasing what’s next Encouragement to surrender control and find contentment where God has placed you 💬 Join the Conversation Do you ever wrestle with FOMO or comparison? How has God reminded you that His plans are better than your own? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #TrustHisTiming. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When You Wonder if You’re Missing Out A devotional by Hannah Benson “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 (ESV) Do you ever struggle with FOMO (or fear of missing out, as it’s often called)? I wrestle with this fear all the time. The fact is, we can’t be everywhere all at once even if we wish we could. As much as we don’t want to hear this, we are not meant to be everywhere. Certainly not everywhere all at once and sometimes not ever. I know this is painful to hear (it is for me, too), but we need to realize that not every space is ours to fill. Read that again. Not every space is ours to fill. As Psalm 16:6 puts it, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” This means not every opportunity is ours to have. I know it’s hard to watch someone else win the award, receive a promotion, or “move forward” (according to our definition) in life. What about when we want to be everywhere all at once? When we’re uninvited or simply can’t do everything or we’re forced to choose between two amazing opportunities? Is it possible to “miss out” on God’s will for our lives? Or what if the space we find ourselves in isn’t the space we want to be? Because of our human nature, sometimes, we are going to be envious of the blessings God has chosen to shower upon someone else. We are going to wonder why we weren’t invited. Why we aren’t as popular. Why we didn’t get the scholarship, the award, or the leading role in the school play. This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. A mixture of prideful arrogance often led me to believe I “deserve” whatever it is I want. Selfish, isn’t it? And when God in His mercy sees fit to bless someone else with the very thing I wanted, I became angry. Why didn’t He bless me the same? This was a struggle for a long time until the Lord gently pried my hands open and urged me to stop clinging to what I wanted as if it were an idol. And He reminded me that He knew best. Just because He didn’t bless me with the exact same blessings as someone else didn’t mean He was withholding good things from me. Humans are not meant to be copycats of each other. Even identical twins, siblings, best friends, and spouses. We may have a lot in common with those closest to us, but we won’t have all the exact same experiences and blessings even if we try. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us. He has a calling for you and me. Intersecting Faith & Life In case you need this reminder today, if you are following the Lord, you will not miss out on anything He has for you. Look around you. Look at where you find yourself right now. Perhaps life isn’t perfect. It never is. But are you living an answered prayer? Do you remember a time when you got on your knees, maybe folded your hands, and begged God for a miracle and He came through? I am guilty of praying for something, begging God for a miracle, and forgetting to thank Him when He provides a breakthrough. When I think back on my life, I’m honestly overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed when I think of where I started versus where I am. Last summer, I told God, if He wanted me in the film industry, He was going to have to push me in there. This summer, I’m involved in at least 4 film projects working with wonderful mentors I’d never even dreamed possible. I told God I needed a job. Two years later? I’m working remotely in marketing, including film marketing, which was exactly what God knew I needed in this season. Even writing for Crosswalk is an answer to prayer. I’d been asking God for another place to consistently write devotionals when He provided Crosswalk. And that’s only a few examples. Of course, God doesn’t always answer our prayers with what we want. He certainly doesn’t always answer mine with what I want! And sometimes, like I had to for the right job, we must wait two (or more) years. But the truth is, I think all of us have an answered prayer we are living right now. Perhaps it’s a prayer you whispered as a child that is now finally coming to fruition. Perhaps it’s a prayer for good health. Or knowing God is holding you close in this difficult season. Perhaps it’s an answered prayer knowing God has never left your side. What answered prayer might you be living right now? Perhaps you are still waiting for something. Fighting jealousy because of the blessings showered upon someone else. But have you ever considered God has you right where He will use you? Maybe you’re not meant to stay there forever. After all, seasons change. But perhaps at this very moment, you are right where you are supposed to be. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelming stress, how can we truly experience God’s peace? Drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, reminds us that God offers an unshakable calm when we choose prayer over panic and trust over control. Through Scripture, practical steps, and personal reflection, this devotional invites us to trade our worries for God’s peace and refocus our minds on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy. ✨ Highlights Why anxiety, fear, and worry are at an all-time high—and how God meets us there How praying with an open Bible deepens trust and strengthens your faith Philippians 4:6-9’s step-by-step antidote to anxiety: pray, thank, focus, and rest Why fixing your thoughts on God’s goodness brings peace that surpasses understanding A simple, powerful prayer to surrender your concerns and experience God’s presence 💬 Join the Conversation What verses bring you peace when worry takes over? Have you seen God replace your anxiety with His calm? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CalmInChrist. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: His Calming Presence By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). It’s been said we are living in the most anxious times on earth. Post pandemic loneliness and a sense of isolation still impact many people, young and old alike. Countless people suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Mental and emotional health issues are off the charts. Stress is triggering cancer cells in our bodies and adding to our health problems. Many struggle with a sense of identity. Financially, it’s one of the most difficult times to make ends meet. And the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health crisis with devastating results. Where is God in all of this? If you’re like most believers today, you’ll say you know in your head that God is in control, but you have a hard time relying on Him in your day-to-day life. And, what I’ve observed after decades of ministry is that those who can’t bring it from their head to their hearts—from the pages of God’s Word to their daily lives—are also those who admit they need to be in the Word of God and know it much more. To know God is to know His Word. To know His Word is to know Him. I once heard my mentor author, Elisabeth Elliot, say: “Pray with an open Bible. How can we know what to pray if we aren’t reading God’s Word? And how can we understand God’s Word if we aren’t praying?” The more you open up His Word (whether it’s in book form or an app on your device), the more He will open your eyes and heart to know who He is and how He can calm your anxious heart. Intersecting Faith and Life: Philippians 4:6-7 has been a lifeline for me through the years—especially because there is much to worry about… when you’re contemplating decisions that will impact your future when you’re seeking a man to marry—or struggling in your marriage when you’re pregnant—or trying to get pregnant when you’re caring for a child, parent, or grandparent when you’re trying to stay afloat financially when your health—or the health of someone you love—causes fear or frustration Life is often accompanied by concerns that quickly turn into worries that can develop into fear or anxiety. Yet God’s Word gives us a simple, yet practical, antidote to the type of worry that breeds fear. Philippians 4:6-7 instruct: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT). The following verse tells us what exactly to focus on. Our worries of what hasn’t yet happened? The things we are anxious to control? The worst possible scenario? No. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (verse 8, NLT). We are to focus on what is true—or real, not on what we fear will happen. We are to focus on what is “pure, and lovely, and admirable.” Those descriptions sound like God’s characteristics, not our circumstances. As we focus on the here and now, the true and real, and all that God is, “Then the God of peace will be with you” (verse 9 NLT). Do you really believe that? As you focus on what is true and real and all that is good about God and what He does for His children, peace will replace that worry. I can honestly tell you that every time I pray for something that bothers me or has the potential to, that concern never develops into fear, but instantly dissolves, as I realize God has heard me and He has taken that worrisome burden from me and replaced it with His indescribable peace. He will do that for you too. You have only to ask. Are you wishing you were closer to God than you are right now? Do you long to feel less anxious and more at peace as you trust this capable God with your concerns? Then start now. Open your Bible to Philippians 4:6-9. Pray through it (which means reading it aloud to God as a prayer, inserting your name and situation into the passage), and He will answer. It is a promise. It is a guarantee. And it is your route to rest, freedom, and peace. Lord, help me not to worry about anything, but to instead pray about everything. You know exactly what I need and I thank You for working through this situation on my behalf. I trust Your promise to give me indescribable peace as I lay my concerns at Your feet and focus on what is real, pure, and admirable, like You. Further Reading: Matthew 6:25-33 For more on experiencing God’s calming presence, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.