The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” But what does that really mean when life is full of stress, setbacks, and struggles? Whitney Hopler explores the difference between happiness and true joy, showing us that rejoicing in the Lord is possible even in life’s hardest moments. Drawing from Paul’s prison writings and personal reflections, this devotional reminds us that joy is not based on circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s unchanging presence and love. ✨ Highlights Why joy and happiness are not the same—and why joy lasts How to rejoice in the Lord even during trials and stress Paul’s example of choosing joy while imprisoned for his faith Practical ways to cultivate daily joy, like gratitude and noticing God’s wonder A reminder that joy isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of God 💬 Join the Conversation What helps you choose joy when life feels overwhelming? Have you experienced God’s presence carrying you through a difficult season? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ChoosingJoy. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Does It Mean to Rejoice? By: Whitney Hopler “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4, NIV When I visited the Happiness Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, I read some of the thousands of individual sticky notes left by visitors who each wrote down something that makes them feel happy. People listed pets, friends, travel, cooking, sports, reading, walking in nature, listening to music, and much more. The note I left read: “Discovering and experiencing God’s wonder” and I was pleased to see that many other people mentioned God in their own notes. While many things can give us temporary feelings of happiness, only relationships with God can give us joy. Joy is greater than happiness, and unlike happiness, joy is possible to experience in any kind of circumstances. In Philippians 4:4, the Bible encourages us to rejoice all the time. Honestly, this verse can sometimes feel unrealistic. How can we rejoice always when we have to deal with so many challenges in this fallen world? How can we do so even when we’re stressed, exhausted, frustrated, sad, anxious, or angry? If rejoicing meant forcing ourselves to try to feel happy, there would be plenty of situations where we couldn’t do so. Thankfully, though, the rejoicing this verse describes happens “in the Lord”. We can rejoice because of our relationships with Jesus, who connects us in saving relationships to God, the source of all joy. The Apostle Paul wrote this verse through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration from a prison cell in chains, as he was possibly facing being killed for his faith. His joy wasn’t tied to any circumstances that made him happy. Instead, Paul found joy in his relationship with God, who was present with him and faithfully loving him even in the worst circumstances. As your own circumstances change, your feelings will naturally change. Sometimes you’ll feel happy, but sometimes you’ll go through challenging circumstances that will knock happy feelings right out of you. No matter what, though, you can always experience joy by connecting with God. Whenever you notice God’s presence with you, you can focus on God and enjoy the joy that God will send you in the process. You can be struggling emotionally as you deal with an especially hard challenge, and still experience joy. That’s because joy is much more than just an emotion, like happiness is. Joy is a deep confidence that your loving God is with you and will help you! In this verse, Paul repeats himself by writing: “I will say it again: Rejoice!” That repetition emphasizes how important it is to not let your joy be hijacked by any kind of challenging situation. Being joyful is a choice. When you find yourself struggling in a stressful situation, you need to make that choice as many times as it takes to keep your focus on God instead of on your circumstances. One practice that can help you choose joy is expressing gratitude. The more you thank God for the blessings he pours into your life, the more you can turn your focus away from what’s missing in your life. Having an attitude of gratitude is a choice, as well. You can always make that choice – even during the worst circumstances of your life – because you’ll always have the ultimate blessing of a relationship with God. It’s also helpful to pay attention to the wonder of God’s work in your life every day, which you can discover and enjoy even in the middle of challenging circumstances. God is always answering your prayers and showing you signs of his work around you, such as in nature and through the kindness of other people. The more you look, the more you can find God’s wonder. That’s a reason to rejoice! Unlike happiness, joy doesn’t depend on good circumstances. You can rejoice anytime and anywhere, because joy comes from trusting God in the middle of any situation you face. Even in the worst circumstances you go through, you can still rejoice in the Lord. Joy isn’t the absence of trouble; it’s the presence of God! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to rejoice in any circumstances, reflect on these questions: What does “rejoice in the Lord” mean to you personally? In what situations do you find it hardest to rejoice? Why? When have you chosen to rejoice lately despite facing challenging circumstances? What helped you do so? What’s something about who God is, or what God is doing in your life, that’s bringing you joy today? How can you build the habit of rejoicing into your daily routine? Further Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Psalm 118:24 Nehemiah 8:10 Romans 12:12 John 16:22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Arguments can spiral quickly—but God’s Word offers a better way forward. In this devotional, Laura Bailey reflects on Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 and shares practical, biblical wisdom on managing conflict, practicing patience, and choosing peace over pride. Through personal stories and Solomon’s timeless counsel, Laura reminds us that unresolved anger leads to broken relationships—but a heart submitted to God leads to reconciliation. If you’ve ever struggled with wanting the “last word,” this devotional encourages you to pause, pray, and pursue God’s wisdom when emotions run high. ✨ Highlights How Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 teaches us to choose patience over pride Practical, biblical strategies for handling conflict and avoiding unnecessary arguments Why delaying your response can lead to better understanding and restored relationships The dangers of letting anger control us instead of surrendering it to God Encouragement to prioritize people and peace over proving you’re right 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you paused instead of reacting in anger? How did God guide you through it? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ChoosePatience to encourage others who are seeking God’s wisdom in moments of conflict. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stopping the Argument Before It Starts By: Laura Bailey “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV I’ll admit it. I am a “get the last word” kind of gal. I could blame my fiery red hair, my explosive personality, or the fact that I received the argumentative gene from both my parents. However, the truth is that I am a proud person. Not only do I desire to have the final say, but I am also reluctant to admit that I was wrong and delay seeking forgiveness. Fully aware that this runs counter to the admonishment to “ love your neighbor as yourself, ( Matthew 22:39), I’ve spent a significant amount of time in both prayer and Bible study in the hopes that the Lord will tame my tongue and soften my heart. I discovered these verses from Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Whew, talk about a gut punch. The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with sage advice and practical, godly wisdom on how to live in a way that pleases the Lord. Solomon succeeded his father, David, to the throne at a young age. Yet, God promised that he would be the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12). Shortly after taking over the throne, his wisdom is on full display when he pacifies an argument between two mothers (3:16-28). Solomon knew the benefit of resolving conflicts quickly, while staying calm and in control of his emotions. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was to wait a day before acting or responding to something that upset me. If I was still upset after a day, they encouraged me to wait a week. If I was still upset after a week, give it one more week. If, at the end of two weeks, it continued to bother me, then I should reach out. By delaying my response, the hope was, in the words of my late grandmother, “everything eventually works itself out,” or I would be clear-headed enough to have the conversation without letting my emotions prompt me to say something I would later regret. Solomon’s words echo this same sentiment, but he takes it a step further. He tells us, just let it go, don’t stew on it, don’t bring it back up, lay it rest. While I understand that there are things we should address, offenses that we should not overlook, and grievances that are suitable for airing, but, in my experience, the majority of things that “steal our joy” are not significant; they are petty and rooted in our personal pride and selfish desires. I love how The Message translates Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.” I am sure, if I ever shaved my head, there would be a copious amount of scars pocking my cranium. God gave us feelings; anger is not only normal but natural. The Lord knew that there would be things in this life that cause us strife and lead us to frustration, and as a result, our anger would be stirred. However, while anger is an appropriate response to injustice, wickedness, evil, and the widespread hurt and harm that pervade our lives, we must not let our anger control us; instead, we learn to control our anger. We take a step back, we humbly submit our feelings to the Lord, and weigh our response in light of God’s Word. We ask ourselves, are we acting in godly wisdom or human foolishness? Our words have lasting consequences. Our outward actions tell our inward hearts’ motivations. May we prioritize caring for people and relationships over our pride and desire to be right as we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves, because we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mark 12:30). Intersecting Faith and Life Next time you find yourself on the brink of conflict, try taking a day or a week to respond. During this time, journal your feelings and thoughts about the situation. Pray that the Lord will give you clear direction on whether to let it go or address it with biblical wisdom. Further Reading: Speak Life-Giving Words Philippians 2:1-11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Navigating social media today can feel like a no-win situation—say too much and you're criticized, say too little and you're ignored. In this devotional, Deidre Braley reflects on Matthew 11:16-19, where even Jesus and John the Baptist faced relentless judgment from their generation. Just like in biblical times, our world is filled with strong opinions, constant debates, and digital noise. But Jesus offers us a better way forward: to repent, draw near to God, and find rest in Him as we engage the online world with grace and truth. 📖 Read more devotionals here: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse Highlights Social media struggles are nothing new — Even Jesus faced criticism no matter what He did. Repentance brings clarity — Turning toward God helps us see people as He does: beloved and worthy of grace. Resting in Christ — True peace comes when we lay down our anxieties and follow His gentle way. Living differently online — With a Christ-centered mindset, we can engage in the digital world without losing our grounding in faith. Join the Conversation Have you ever felt caught in the social media no-win cycle? How do you stay rooted in Christ when digital debates get overwhelming? Share your thoughts with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInFocus — we’d love to hear your story! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Catch 22: How to Engage With Social Media in a No-Win Situation by Deidre Braley Matthew 11:16-19: “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” The other day I fell down the rabbit hole of social media and, before I knew it, I was like Alice in Wonderland: disoriented, and suddenly feeling uncertain about reality. I had meant to just hop on and respond to a message from a client, but I got distracted by a “recommended post,” and when I clicked on it, it took me to another social media platform altogether. After I’d been carried over there, I was a goner. I began to scroll through these all-new-to-me people, each with their own strong opinions, loud crowds, and unwavering certainty. By the time I surfaced for air, I was completely dejected. I felt a sense of whiplash from the digital back-and-forth I had just witnessed, and felt a sort of ethereal confusion I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I thought, There’s just no getting it right! It doesn’t matter what you say or think; someone will always completely disagree with you—and they won’t be afraid to malign you for it either. I often hear people say that we live in unprecedented times, and while it might be true that our technology is evolving across new frontiers, reading passages like the one above leads me to believe there is actually nothing unprecedented about the human heart. In Matthew 11, Jesus voices the same frustration—the same no-win situation—that I felt that day on social media. People had something critical to say about everyone and everything—no matter what they did or did not do. John the Baptist didn’t eat and drink, and people claimed he had a demon (v.18). Jesus did eat and drink, and people called him a glutton, a drunkard, and—gasp!—a friend of tax collectors and sinners (v.19). In the meantime, the people were so busy speculating about John and Jesus and judging their every move that they missed the point: that the kingdom of Heaven was in their very midst, and that God had drawn near enough for them to actually touch. I find it interesting that in the following section of Scripture, Jesus begins to denounce the cities where he had done his most powerful works, because the people within them had still not repented—that is, turned back toward him (Matthew 11:20-24). They had encountered the Living God and missed the point entirely. I wonder if they too were too busy squabbling over his dinner habits to recognize who was even standing in front of them. Intersecting Faith & Life How are we meant to conduct ourselves in this current digital landscape, then? Looking at this passage of Scripture, Jesus seems to address the fickle, critical, and discontented heart in two phases. By giving our hearts the same treatment, we will not necessarily change the current reality of social media, but we will be able to maintain hold of reality while engaging with it: Repent (Matthew 11:20-24) Repentance requires a posture of humility and openness to the works of God in our lives. It requires us to draw near to God and to admit that all the power and glory goes to him. In this posture, we cannot claim to know everything or to control everything. Rather, we must say, “God’s will be done.” That’s when we see Love pouring through every crevice of our souls. That’s when we are transformed by his goodness. This allows us to see the people we encounter as God does: as beloved children, often in need of heaping amounts of grace. Rest (Matthew 11:25-30) In the passage that follows Jesus’s lament over the cities that did not repent, he famously says, “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” (v. 28). In other words, he invites us to put down our worldly concerns, to rest in him, and to learn his ways of gentleness and humility. He wants to be our Comforter—and our Teacher. When we take the time to turn toward Jesus (and away from our own self-righteousness) and then allow him to comfort and teach us, we can enter the digital world grounded in the reality of his love and presence—and then are able to extend it toward others. It frees us from the no-win cycle of bickering, blaming, judging, and pandering so we can do what really matters: bring the presence of Christ to everyone we encounter. Further Reading Jesus often addressed the religious leaders, who spent so much time speculating over Jesus’s authority that they missed the opportunity to experience him as Savior in their own lives. Look at how Jesus responds to them in Matthew 12. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” — Proverbs 20:24 Have you ever felt like you’re wandering aimlessly, unsure if you’re on the right path? In today’s devotional, Lynette Kittle reminds us that even when life feels uncertain or our choices seem unclear, God is still directing our steps. Through Scripture and personal experience, we’re encouraged to trust God’s timing, follow His leading, and rest in His promises — even when the way forward doesn’t make sense. ✨ Highlights Why our steps are ordered by God, even when we don’t see the bigger picture How to recognize God’s quiet guidance when life feels confusing or uncertain A personal story that shows how God’s direction often becomes clear after we act in faith How the enemy uses doubt and discouragement to make us question God’s plan Practical encouragement to lean on Proverbs 3:5-6 and fully trust God’s guidance 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like you were wandering — only to later realize God was leading you exactly where you needed to be? We’d love to hear your story! Share your experience and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #TrustHisSteps to encourage others walking through seasons of uncertainty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Step This Way, Please By Lynette Kittle “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?--Proverbs 20:24 Sometimes, we seem to sense God’s leading, feeling surefooted of the direction our steps are taking us. Yet, at other times, it can feel like we’re aimlessly wandering around, not hearing His voice at all and unsure where our next steps are leading us to, causing us to feel at times like we’re just stumbling around in life, making missteps, getting off track and headed directions we didn’t plan on going. Not that we’re trying to misstep, but as our steps aren’t making sense at the moment and don’t seem to be leading us in the direction we thought we were headed. Long before the popular “Star Wars” miniseries “The Mandalorian” created the catchphrase, “This is the way,” God’s been showing us the way to walk. This saying originates in the Bible, found in Isaiah 30:21, where God assures us, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” When Our Steps Seem All Over the Place Recently, I felt like I was really struggling in choosing and sending birthday gifts to a treasured friend. Spending literally days, evenings, and weeks praying for inspiration and direction, looking at various options, and so on, I finally decided in what seemed like a last-minute style on a few select items to send. So feeling let down, like I waited too long, missed the gift-giving boat, didn’t plan well, and so on and so forth, the gifts were sent but left me feeling like I had fallen short, failed, and let her down. A few days later, I received the following text from my friend who received the gifts: “I want to thank you so much for the birthday gifts. I think I can honestly say I have never enjoyed gifts as much as these. Every day for 5+ days I totally enjoyed my roses and the cheesecake was so amazing. It was perfect! I still have a few pieces of the chocolate I’m hoarding those…lol. Thank you for such wonderful gifts!” When It Feels Like a Misstep How many times do we allow the enemy of our soul to point fingers at us, causing us to doubt God’s guidance in our lives and accusing us of all kinds of shortcomings in an attempt to steal our joy away from us, rather than trusting that He is leading us, even when it doesn’t seem or feel like it at the time? This isn’t the first time that my wandering or uncertainty in a situation has brought about an inspired response, where, although it seemed like I was just roaming around clueless, God was leading me in a very specific direction that reaped heartfelt responses. When We Think We’re in Charge of Our Steps Although we might be tempted at times to believe that we are in control of our steps, Psalm 37:23 explains, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way” (NASB). Not only is God leading us, but He enjoys it. Sometimes we may believe when we ask for His guidance that He’s tired of our asking, but He’s not. God delights in leading us in His way. Likewise, we can trust Him to be with us, directing our steps in the right direction. As Proverbs 3:5-6 assures and urges, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you felt lately like you can’t sense God’s leading in your life? If so, be encouraged, that even when you don’t feel like He’s directing your steps, He still is. And although at times you may be tempted to believe He isn’t, feeling like you’re floundering, God is there, right with you, leading you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Further Reading: When God Establishes Your Steps https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/when-god-establishes-your-steps-the-crosswalk-devotional.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” — Genesis 22:2 (NIV) Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that didn’t make sense? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey unpacks Abraham’s radical obedience in Genesis 22 and what it teaches us about having unwavering faith when life feels uncertain. From trusting God’s provision to surrendering our own plans, we’re reminded that stepping out in faith leads to God’s blessings, promises, and purpose. ✨ Highlights Why Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 22 is a model for trusting God amid uncertainty How God’s provision of the ram foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb The connection between Abraham’s faith and God’s promise to bless all nations Encouragement to say “yes” to God’s calling, even when it defies human logic Living a life of surrender and experiencing the blessings that flow from obedience and faith 💬 Join the Conversation Has God ever called you to take a leap of faith? Maybe it was a career change, a move, or a personal decision that required deep trust. We’d love to hear your story! Share how you’ve seen God provide and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #UnwaveringFaith to encourage others walking through seasons of uncertainty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty By: Laura Bailey “Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:2 NIV Has the Lord called you to do something that, at the time, didn’t make sense or seemed a bit crazy? Perhaps the Lord called you to change your job, but that would mean a significant pay decrease. Or maybe He called to move to another state, but then you’d be leaving behind your strong Christian community. Possibly, you sensed that the Lord called you to adopt a child, but physical space and financial resources are already scarce. While you might not relate to the specific circumstances above, most of us have experienced a time when we felt God calling us to step out in faith and trust in His plan, purpose, and provision. Acting in faith is not always easy; in fact, most of the time it’s challenging to walk by faith, not by sight. Yet, God has longed for His children to trust Him from the beginning of creation. To even amid uncertainty, be faithful and obedient to whatever He’s called us to. And while following God’s commands at times can be daunting, especially when they defy human logic, we can recall all the ways God has been faithful to give us strength and comfort. We see God’s provision on full display in Genesis 22:1-19, where the Lord calls Abraham to do the unimaginable. Yet, Abraham, without delay, obeyed. Abraham, Isaac, and his servants set out on their journey, and after three days of travel, arrived at their destination. Abraham instructed his servants to stay behind, grabbed the fire and his knife, and told Isaac to carry the wood; they were going up the mountain alone. Isaac noticed that they were missing the central element of a sacrifice – an animal. Abraham tells him not to worry about it– “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8). Once they arrived, Abraham made the altar, bound up Isaac, placed him on top of the firewood, and raised his knife to kill his son ( Genesis 22:9-10). But, graciously, the angel of the Lord calls out from Heaven, telling Abraham not to harm Isaac. Abraham then looks over and sees a ram in the bushes and sacrifices it to the Lord, naming the area “The Lord will Provide” (Genesis 22:13-14). Then the Lord promises Abraham three things. The first two are specific to Abraham; the Lord will bless him with offspring, making them as numerous as the stars in the sky, and give him victory over his enemies ( Genesis 22:15-17). But the last promise is good news for all of humanity. God tells Abraham, “and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me” ( Genesis 22:18). Jesus, the savior of the world, God’s only son ( John 3:16), who He loves ( John 15:9), will come from the line of Abraham. We see God’s unconditional love, grace, and mercy for His children through the blessing He bestows on Abraham and his descendants (that’s you and me!) Just as the ram was the substitute sacrifice for Isaac, Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world (John 1:29). Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s promise was fulfilled—a Savior for His people. Knowing that God can be trusted gives us the strength to obey the Lord’s commands faithfully, even in times of uncertainty. Today, we benefit from Abraham’s obedience, a man who was called to do the unthinkable, yet said, “not my will but the will of the Father.” Because of Abraham’s willingness to say “yes” to whatever God called him to, the world experiences God’s blessings of grace and mercy through faith. Like Abraham, God desires for His children to experience the blessings of a life that is wholly surrendered to the Lord. God is faithful to complete the works He calls us to (Philippians 1:6). Even when we don’t understand, we can have unwavering faith, trusting and obeying, because we serve a God who can be trusted to keep His promises. Intersecting Faith and Life: Is there something that the Lord is calling you to, but will require you to step out in faith? Thinking about our passage today, and how Abraham’s obedience resulted in the Lord’s blessings on many nations, how does this truth encourage you to say “yes” to whatever the Lord is asking of you? Further Reading: Stepping Out in Faith When You Are Afraid Hebrews 11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What will people remember about you when your life is over? This devotional explores what it means to leave behind a faithful legacy that blesses future generations. Through the surprising story of Alfred Nobel, who transformed his reputation from an inventor of explosives to the founder of the Nobel Prizes, we’re reminded that it’s never too late to change your impact. A legacy isn’t just about wealth — it’s about the values, faith, and love we pass on to others. God calls us to focus on what has eternal value and to intentionally build an inheritance of faith, character, and purpose for those who come after us. ✨ Highlights The surprising lesson from Alfred Nobel’s mistaken obituary and how it changed his life Why your legacy is more than money — it includes faith, character, wisdom, and prayer How Proverbs 13:22 challenges us to focus on eternal impact over temporary success Practical ways to build a faithful legacy through daily habits and intentional choices Encouragement that it’s never too late to start fresh with God and inspire future generations 💬 Join the Conversation What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Reflect on this devotional and share your thoughts with the LifeAudio community. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithfulLegacy to encourage others on their journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Legacy Will You Leave? By: Whitney Hopler “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” – Proverbs 13:22, NIV Imagine waking up, opening the newspaper, and seeing your own obituary printed there. That’s exactly what happened to Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. But the obituary wasn’t supposed to be his. It was a mistake. His brother had died, but the newspaper got it wrong and reported that he had passed away. When Alfred read the mistakenly published obituary, he saw that it criticized him for inventing and selling something that killed so many people. Alfred had made his fortune from explosives used for destruction and war. Reading his own obituary showed him how the world remembered his life up to that point. That experience motivated him to build a better legacy. Instead of continuing to build wealth from explosives, Alfred decided he wanted to leave a legacy that inspired people to contribute to the world in positive ways. Before he died in 1896, he set up the Nobel Prizes to honor people like scientists, writers, and peacemakers around the world. Now most people remember Alfred as the founder of the Nobel Prizes, which continue to celebrate positive change and inspire people worldwide. The first part of Proverbs 13:22 points out: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”. At first glance, this might seem like it’s only about passing down money. That’s part of it. The Bible encourages us to be generous with our money. But the word “inheritance” isn’t limited to money, and the most valuable parts of our legacies aren’t financial at all. We can leave our faith, our character, our work ethic, our wisdom, our story, and our prayers. All of that is even more valuable than money! Have you ever known someone who passed away and left behind a legacy of love and holiness? You may not remember all the details of that person’s life, but you likely remember how that person lived with real love and truth by focusing every day on what has eternal value. That’s the kind of legacy God wants us all to leave behind! The second half of Proverbs 13:22 says: “the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” In other words, even if people gain a lot in their earthly lives without relationships with God, their wealth and accomplishments won’t last because only righteous people who follow God’s guidance for their decisions will leave valuable legacies. So, what legacy will you leave? What are you doing today that will bless people and honor God tomorrow? You don’t have to be rich or famous to leave a faithful legacy. God will help you build your legacy every day he gives you to live from now on, in your own ways that accomplish God’s good purposes for you. You also don’t have to worry about your past, as long as you’re committed to building a faithful legacy now. It’s never too late to start fresh with God. He can turn your mistakes and regrets into something beautiful that lasts if you ask him to help you build the kind of legacy he wants you to pass on. All you have to do to build a faithful legacy is focus on what has eternal value every day. So, communicate with God regularly by building strong prayer and meditation habits. Do your best to be honest and trustworthy, as well as kind and compassionate. Invest in other people by encouraging and serving them whenever you can. Pay attention to the wonderful ways God is working in your life every day, and share that with people to inspire them. Show the people who know you what it looks like to trust God daily. When you do, you’ll build a legacy of loving faith that can inspire future generations. Every day that God gives you to live is a new opportunity to build an inheritance of faith to leave for others! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider what legacy you’ll leave after your earthly life is over, reflect on these questions: If your life ended today, what would people say about you? What kind of inheritance do you want to pass down to the next generation, beyond just money? Are there areas of your life that need to change to reflect the kind of legacy God is leading you to build? If so, what changes can you commit to making from now on? What’s one healthy habit that is currently helping you build the legacy you want to leave? Further Reading Matthew 6:20 Galatians 6:9 Psalm 78:4 2 Timothy 1:5 Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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

We all have moments we wish we could take back—times when pride, frustration, or impatience gets the better of us. In this heartfelt devotional, inspired by Titus 3:4-5, we’re reminded that God’s grace and mercy aren’t earned by our own righteousness but are freely given through Christ. Through a personal story of conviction, apology, and reconciliation, we see how asking for forgiveness can restore broken relationships and reflect the gospel at work in our lives. ✨ Highlights Why asking for forgiveness is essential to living out our faith A personal story of pride, correction, and reconciliation How God’s mercy covers our shortcomings and restores relationships Practical encouragement for letting go of pride and seeking peace A reminder that Christ’s forgiveness empowers us to forgive others 💬 Join the Conversation Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from—or someone you need to forgive? How has God’s mercy helped you reconcile relationships in the past? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #FaithInAction to encourage others walking this journey. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Ask for Forgiveness Often and Always “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his mercy…” Titus 3:4-5 In ministry, I’ve said and done things I wish I could take back. On a particularly bad day, I was dealing with some personal struggles, and a church member had asked to meet with me and my husband. As we met together, the church member took the opportunity to complain about the direction the church had taken. As she complained, I stopped her at one point because what she was saying was incorrect. When I corrected her, she got a surprised look on her face, and she expressed that she was highly offended at the interruption. As she walked out, I knew she felt unheard and unappreciated. Unfortunately, I was too busy trying to be right rather than the right relationship. A few days later, the Holy Spirit convicted me. He wanted me to apologize. I didn't want to apologize. What I had said was correct theologically, but it more adhered to the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. Although Jesus wants us to correct others when their theology doesn't align with the truth in Scripture, he also wants us to love others and be slow to anger. In this situation, however, I had been much quicker to anger than I should have been. I swallowed my pride and sent a text letting her know how sorry I was and that I hoped she could forgive me. Surprisingly enough, within a few minutes, I received a text back saying that she forgave me and that we were still on good terms. The above verse reminds us that it is not by anything we do in our righteousness that earns us God's grace. Rather, it is in the moments of our weakness that God pours out His abundant grace and mercy upon our lives. In the moment when I asked for forgiveness, God poured out His grace and mercy over my quick and flippant response to this woman. I had not loved her as Christ loved her, and he was asking me to make amends. Although it was difficult to apologize and ask for forgiveness, I was grateful that she was willing to accept it. The gospel message is that Christ died to be the ultimate sacrifice for all our sins. These are all the sins we have committed and all that we ever will commit in this life. We can rest assured that simply by asking for his forgiveness, God is faithful to grant it. Just as we understand the weight of Christ’s death on the cross, we also need to offer forgiveness freely when someone asks for it. This demonstrates our understanding of the gospel message, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. Take a moment to reflect on your relationships in life. Is there someone from whom you need to ask for forgiveness? How easy would it be for you to send a text, write a note, or call that person and ask for forgiveness? If the only thing standing between a reconciled relationship and a severed one is pride, God wants to remind us that He gives His grace and mercy to all of us, no matter what we've done. Just as we receive God's grace and mercy simply because of Christ's death on the cross, we also need to extend and ask for forgiveness accordingly. We need to be reminded daily that all of us deserve death. But He took away our sins and replaced them with love, forgiveness, and, best of all, salvation. Although it is not always possible, we must strive to live in peace with everyone. Although some people’s hearts are too hardened to reconcile appropriately, it is still vital that we reach out and try. It means suffering rejection and a continued broken relationship. We can take solace in knowing that Christ is always there for us, and he's our friend. In the same way Christ has forgiven us for what we've done, we also need to forgive others. We also need to ask for forgiveness from those whom we have offended regularly. Father, let us be people who ask for forgiveness often. Let us forsake our pride and our appearance and substitute it for the grace, love, and mercy of Jesus. Let us be a living example to you when we ask for forgiveness, even when we don't deserve it. Let our lives be the test of your glory in our lives. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life Is there someone from whom you need to ask for forgiveness? What step can you take to do that? Further Reading Matthew 18:22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When a tornado devastated her small Kentucky community, Megan J. Conner found herself reflecting on the fragility of life and the strength of faith. As she surveyed the uprooted trees on her property, Megan was reminded of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19—that we would be rooted and grounded in God’s love, drawing strength from Christ to withstand life’s fiercest storms. In this heartfelt devotional, she invites us to examine the depth of our faith and lean into the unshakable love of God when everything around us feels uncertain. ✨ Highlights A personal story of loss, restoration, and hope after a tornado How God’s love anchors us when life’s storms uproot our security The meaning of being “rooted and grounded in love” from Ephesians 3:14-19 Practical steps to deepen your faith and strengthen your spiritual roots Why knowing Christ’s immeasurable love changes the way we endure hardship 💬 Join the Conversation Are your spiritual roots deep enough to weather life’s storms? What practices help you stay grounded in Christ? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #RootedInChrist 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: Uprooted By Megan J. Conner “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:14-19 (NKJV) Recently, my small rural community in southern Kentucky was hit by a tornado. While there is much to be grateful for, as the collateral damage could have been MUCH worse, we are still devastated. Lives perished, businesses and homes were destroyed, livelihoods and tangible remembrances were swept away. We live in the lower hills of the Appalachian Mountains, an area typically immune to such tragedies, as there is not enough flat land for these vicious cyclones to gain momentum or remain active. The last time a tornado caused any measure of significant damage here was in 1974. However, on May 16, 2025, nature defied the odds and ravaged our town and the neighboring community east of us. Our family home and business survived the tragedy, but not without damage. In particular, our back deck, fence, and wooded land were greatly impacted. Our home sits at the top of a hill, overlooking our own personal forest. I LOVE my trees! It is the main reason we bought our house. Our property is filled with skyscraping beech, oak, and ash trees. Our second story literally sits level with the trees, making it feel like we live in a real-life treehouse. It is just stunning. A dream come true for this former westerner used to brown dirt and dry land. Our woods are fairly dense and give off a sense of grandeur, of ancestry. It is likely these trees were here well before the Civil War. Our forest appeared immovable and unshakeable. Until… an unimaginable force came through and literally unearthed several entire trees from their deep, substantial roots. We lost six trees during the tornado. Not a single one broke. All six trees were completely uprooted in their entirety and displaced from the land that once gave them life. Due to their massive size, there was nothing left to do but have them all chopped up for firewood and removed. They could not be restored. As I stood there looking down upon one of these massive trees with giant clods of dirt still clinging to its deep-seated base, I could not help but notice the symbolism between the natural and the spiritual. How do we stay rooted in Christ, immovable and unshakeable in the storms of life? In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encourages the believers to draw their strength from Christ. It is through the Holy Spirit within that they can withstand severe tempests. And at the root of it all, anchoring them in the Lord is LOVE. To know the love of Christ and the fullness thereof is to form an unbreakable, immutable bond with God; a root system that is so deeply entrenched, nothing in this world can uproot it. Wherever you find yourself today, whatever dark clouds hover nearby, I pray you would be “…rooted and grounded in love, (that you) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:14-19, NKJV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel deeply rooted in your faith? If so, what do you consider your anchor? Is it a specific belief or tradition? Or are you able to truly say that you are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ? If that is not your first or most confident answer, may I encourage you to spend some time in the Word of God? Using a concordance, reference Bible, or a simple internet search, look up scripture passages that specifically speak to the love of God. Write down a few key verses that resonate with you and commit to reading or reciting them at least two to three times per week (daily if you can). Over time, you will notice your roots digging in deeper and the fruit of your faith flourishing. Further Reading: Rom. 5:8 John 15:9-17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.